My Punch Drunk Love

Chapter 19. The Boat, The Key & A Lie

Chapter 19. The Boat, The Key & A Lie

Joey’s POV

I woke up with a smile.

Last night, I had dinner with the Nicholson’s. We had a picnic and lit up a bonfire along the beach, roasting lambs and other meat.  It was awesome. I have never felt this great for months and it was almost a strange feeling to me. It felt like I had a family and for the first time in months, it felt like I was not alone.

The rays of sun danced across my vision as I opened my eyes. Stretching my arms, I sat up and checked my wound. To my luck, Suze, who used to be a nurse before she got married, stitched it up yesterday and covered it securely with a proper bandage. 

With a loud yawn, I climbed out of my bed. I guess the meds that Suze gave me are really effective, since it doesn’t hurt anymore, making me able to walk properly. 

I pulled out my clothes and changed into a two piece bikini, covering it with tattered denim shorts that hung low on my hips and a blue plaid shirt, leaving the three top buttons undone. I debated if I’m going to wear a hat since I already lost one and decided against it, leaving my dark blonde hair hanging past my shoulders with its loose waves.

I went downstairs and headed over the back porch where Chris and Suze were already seated, Chris was reading the newspaper whilst Suze is buttering a toast. They both greeted me with a smile. 

“Good morning love. How’s your foot?” Chris asked, looking over from his newspaper.

I smiled and sat on one of the chairs, inhaling the awesome scent of the ocean.  “Never felt better. I think it has healed now. Thanks to you, Suze.”

 “No problem dear. Just make sure to be careful next time, we don’t want you getting hurt.” Suze smiled warmly and I nodded. “Here have some breakfast.” She said, handing me a plate of muffins, pancakes and toasts. I took a piece of toast and poured myself a cup of coffee.

“Where are—”

“Jooooeeeey!”

I glanced on my right and saw Sam waving at me. He and Matt came from the direction of the beach and was sitting on top of his brother’s shoulders. He placed his arms on his brother’s head, holding for support.

“Hey Sam? “ Matt spoke suddenly.

“Yeah?”

“I can’t see where were going.”

“Oh, sorry!” Sam said and quickly removed his hands, he didn’t know it was covering his brother’s eyes. Suze and I both chuckled.

 As they reached the patio, Matt scooped him easily and placed him down on the ground. He rushed towards me with excitement.  My eyes met Matt’s for a second before I turned towards Sam. I smiled and slapped him a high five. “Hey kiddo, you went over to the beach without me? I’m hurt.” I told him, faking a pout.

“Well it’s not my fault. You always sleep like a baby.” Sam reasoned out.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Oh, look who’s talking! At least I didn’t fell asleep right after the dinner last night.”  

Sam’s cheeks instantly turned pink. “But I was tired!”

I chuckled. “So who’s the ‘baby’ now?” I teased and handed him a muffin. “Here eat, so you’ll grow fast.” With a smile, he took a large bite and I ruffled his hair.

This kid is really cute, I thought as I watched him munching on his muffin. I had always wanted a younger brother since I was a kid, but of course it didn’t happen since my parents got divorced.  It felt like Sam’s the little brother I never had. My lips curved into a small smile. From the corner of my eye, I noticed that Matt was still staring at me and I felt a bit conscious. I glanced towards him and he quickly looked away.