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"Well, it looks like we might have a few minutes. Do you want to brainstorm some thoughts?" I offer.
"I have a better idea." Laredo whips the strap of his guitar case over his head. His gaze focused on the foot traffic on the boardwalk. He bends on one knee and unzips the case, but not before he blows a kiss at a trio of women. "Stick around, and I'll play your new favorite song just for you." He pulls the guitar out of the case, whips the hair from his face in time to see them giggling and walking away.
I've seen this act too many times to be entertained. I step toward him. "Do you want to try out some songs from Devil May Care's last album? I've been studying them since we got the text."
"Here? Right now?" Laredo says, as if my suggestion is the most outrageous thing he's heard. "Bro, look around. The sun is about to set. The girls will be leaving the beach and walking this very boardwalk. We have a front-row seat. Why would I waste it by practicing?" He gives me his back and takes three steps toward the boardwalk. "Adam?" He turns and calls for me. I give him a nod.
"When life puts something in front of you that you want. Take it. Life is for those brave enough to go out on a limb to grab it." I let his words marinade as our eyes remain locked. He strums his guitar and gives me a nod before turning toward the boardwalk. "Hey pretty lady, got a minute…"
I step backwards until my back hits the wall of the restaurant next to the ice cream stand. When I was younger, I admired nearly everything Laredo did. It all seemed to come so easily to him. I would practice for hours, and he'd show up from school late, grab his guitar, glance at the sheet of music, and would have a piece flawless in under ten minutes. When it came to women, every girl I was interested in put me in the friend zone. The nice guy who they'd hang out with but never date. Laredo had the opposite issue. Every girl wanted to be with him. Some didn't even mind if he was already involved with someone else. Hell, some of them had a someone else themselves.
I've always thought I was following the righteous path. The correct path. Yet, he has none of the burden I carry. He's always living his best life. Why can't I?
Maybe, just maybe, I shouldn't dismiss his advice. Maybe I should be bolder. Take more risks. Maybe, the next time I see something I want, I should go for it.
I feel the buzz of my phone and pull it out of my pocket.
Ariel: Almost there. Please tell me you're there already.
I swipe and reread the message two more times, looking to see if we're in a group chat or if she sent it only to me. I glance toward Laredo to see if he's gotten a text. If he did, he's oblivious. He's following his own advice. A group of four women are laughing and dancing in front of him as he plays a semi-private concert for them.
Adam: We're here. Take your time.
Laredo's advice rings in my ears, and my fingers follow suit.
Adam: For you… I'll wait all night.
I hit send before my head convinces me that this is a bad idea.
Ariel: Aww, you're the sweetest. For that comment, you've earned a double scoop treat when I arrive. Be there in a few—can't wait to see you again. (Heart emoji)
My mouth goes dry when I spot the heart emoji. It means nothing. Everyone throws them around so often it has no value. That's what I tell myself—so why is my heart beating so loud?
Adam: (three heart emojis and kissy emoji)
It's juvenile and not like me, which is why I hit send. It's a response Laredo would send. Which is why he's surrounded by four beautiful women, and I'm standing alone, holding up the wall.
Chapter Six
Ariel
Kissy emoji?
Did his thumb hit the wrong button?
Adam's text causes a wave of confusion. It's not the message that tosses me. Lord knows guys send me all sorts of emojis and GIFs all the time. What confuses me is the source.
Adam. Adam Williams.
"There it is." Emily taps my shoulder and points down the boardwalk. Her timing is perfect as I was about to fall into a rabbit hole.
The ice cream stand is in the same spot it's been every time I've come to Seaside. It's a weather-beaten boardwalk stand that's in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint and for the signage to be updated. But it has something the newer, spotlessly clean and fancier shops don't.
Character. Integrity. And a take me for what I am, I don't give a damn about your vegan, lactose intolerance, sugar free concerns attitude. I'm bad for you, and you know that's what you really want. It's my favorite place on the boardwalk.
We're close to about a hundred yards, and I spot them.
Laredo is easy to find. He always is. He's standing center of a small crowd of women holding the deadliest weapon known to women kind. An acoustic guitar.
