Jake’s POV
I made my way down the beach to the water, 5’ 10” custom surfboard in hand. The waves weren’t huge today but I still made the effort to get out to the beach by 7:30. I couldn’t bear waking up any earlier, but obviously others had. I looked out to mine and the guy’s spot, in front of one of the lifeguard towers but away from the big crowds to see Russ sitting in the surf, waiting.
He was here earliest because he and I were the only two who didn’t drink last night.
Last night was weird. That girl, Jessie, was hot, with a temper to match. But there was something else. She just kind of seemed like a person to get to know. But that didn’t explain why I had felt the need to be the one to jump in after her. Like she was my responsibility or something. Or volunteer to take her home for that matter. What the hell was with me volunteering to cut my night short like that?
I sighed and ran a hand through my messy hair and zipping up my wetsuit. I looked out to where Russ was and noticed a girl. Yes a girl.
Girls never surf with us. Ever. Unless it’s Izzy. But nonetheless, a girl with a soaked pony tail and a wetsuit top was carving up the wave like an expert. She dropped in on a wave and rode it better than any girl I’d ever seen. Who the hell was this chick? Not only was she an amazing surfer but her board had awesome blue and green flames near the tail. I had never seen custom art that cool before.
I ran into the water and paddled out to where Russ was, duck diving under a few waves until I paddled next to him.
“What the hell man?” I panted, tired after sprinting out here so fast.
“What?” Russ asked sheepishly, looking at the nose of his board like it was suddenly the most interesting thing ever.
“Who’s the chick?” I asked through clenched jaws, even though he knew what I was talking about.
“Jessie...” He squeaked, obviously not liking my tone or interrogation.
“Why’d you invite her?!” I whisper yelled, knowing she was nearby. I whacked him on the arm for good measure.
“She was surfing and she didn’t know anyone so I invited her to come along with me. Man, she was out here early! Almost earlier than me.” He explained. For one, it was strange she was out so early. Nobody was ever out before Russ. I instantly felt kinda bad for yelling at Russ. He was just trying to be the nice guy he was and invite her.
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair, a habit of mine when I was frustrated.
“Done arguing on whether or not I can join you?” Jessie’s voice was suddenly heard to my left. Jessie sat up on her surfboard, arms crossed over her navy blue wetsuit top clad chest. Her dirty blonde hair was brought back and up in a pony tail that hung on her back, clinging to her suit, and her blue green eyes looked at me smugly while her lips held a smirk directed at me.
“I… uh… well…” I stuttered, suddenly not able to find words.
Damn she was hot.
“Jake was about to say of course you could join us!” Russ smiled, clapping me on the back.
“Yeah. Uh huh.” Jessie answered unbelievingly, rolling her eyes as she turned and saw a wave. She began paddling hard and was soon on a wave, being carried away from us.
“I’m sorry Jake-y!” Russ pouted. “She’s just so nice. Pwease forgive me?” He began to pull the puppy dog face that cracks me up every time.
“Fine. Let’s just go catch some waves.” I laughed, paddling into the optimal zone for catching waves.
In front of me, Jessie had dropped in on a great one. I cursed under my breath. She’s good. She paddled back around until she was even with me and spotted a wave she liked.
