Page 42 of Catch a Wave
“Low blow.”
“Sorry.” He’s contrite, but that fierceness hasn’t dimmed much.
“I get it. You want to protect her.”
“It’s my job. And, yeah. I guess I get a little intense about it. If you knew her, you’d understand why.”
What’s funny is, I feel like I do know Kalaine, even though we’ve only exchanged a few words and glances. She got under my skin right away—in a way most women don’t. She’s intriguing. It’s not every day you meet a woman who has the drive and determination to take on Mavericks. She still hasn’t ridden that spot. I keep checking. But I know she will.
“Is she boy crazy?” Maybe Kai has good reason for this insane level of protectiveness.
“Not exactly. She’s just so trusting. And she’s a total free spirit. Like, she’ll stop and pick up a caterpillar and talk to it, then she’ll move it somewhere safe if she thinks it’s in danger. Ifa bee lands on her arm, she’s more likely to sing it a song than to scream like most girls. She’s just … soft, tender-hearted. I never want to see that side of her crushed. It’s not exactly childlike, but there’s something so pure in how she sees the world. It’s a sweetness that you don’t see in most people. And it’s my job to protect that—and her.”
I listen to all Kai’s words, soaking them in. I’ve been dying to know more about Kalaine. I want to tuck away and treasure every single tidbit. He’s noble, wanting to protect her. I admire it. But also, he’s a bit much. And it’s my job as his friend to help him face reality.
“Dude. You know she’s going to date. Right? I mean, that’s what young people do. And she’s beautiful and fun. Guys are going to want to take her out.”
A prickle of the same possessiveness Kai must feel zings through me after giving him my speech. And I have no right or claim to Kalaine. It’s just, the idea of her dating another guy doesn’t sit well with me.
“Not you, though. That would be awkward.”
“So you’d rather her date some random guy you don’t know or trust?”
“I’d rather you agree with me and we jump into the pool and enjoy our time in Bali.”
I don’t know what possesses me to say what I do, but I throw my towel onto a lounger and say, “Okay. No problem. She’s off limits.”
The first week in Bali drifts by until I don’t really know what day it is. We have yoga on the beach, occasional photo shoots and other obligations with our sponsors. After all, they’re footingthe bill. Sometimes our commitments include a few of the other surfers here if we are repped by the same brand. We surf morning and evening. Our meals are provided by the resort, but we also venture into town and enjoy local dishes. At night we hang out, dancing or talking around a firepit or on one of the beaches.
Kalaine and I have been doing a dance of our own. We make eye contact, smile, study one another. If we’re in the same area, we always find each other, even if we don’t talk. We have talked a few times, but it’s always been cut short. Ever since my conversation with Kai, I’ve been keeping my distance, but his warning only serves to intensify my curiosity and the temptation to ask Kalaine out so we can spend some time together—just the two of us.
I finally find my opportunity one night at a beach bonfire the next resort over. A bunch of us decided to go pull up these giant bean bags they lay out all over the sand around a firepit where they roast s’mores on the beach. This young woman from Portugal has been chatting Kai up the past day and a half. The two of them are walking ahead of the group like they’re in their own bubble.
Kalaine and Leilani come up from behind me and start walking with me, one on each side. “Hey, Bodhi,” Leilani says. “How’s it going?”
“Great. How ’bout you?” I answer Leilani, but my head turns toward Kalaine like a compass drawn north.
“Oh, I’m great too.” Leilani giggles. “And I think I hear someone calling my name. You two have fun.”
I turn back toward Leilani, but she’s already walking off to talk to a guy they call Minnow. “Huh? Yeah. You too. For sure. Have fun.”
Leilani just giggles from up ahead like she’s in on some joke I don’t know the punchline to. My attraction to Kalaine is soblatant. Leilani’s probably laughing at how completely obvious I am. I’ve lost all capacity to even pretend I’m cool around this girl.
“So, great week, huh?” Kalaine looks up at me through her lashes, her head tilted slightly.
“Pretty great. I haven’t done everything on my bucket list yet, but we’ve still got the rest of the trip, right?”
“Oh? What’s on your bucket list?”
You. You basically are my bucket list.
I don’t say that, of course. The more Kai has talked about Kalaine and the more I’ve observed her this week, the more I agree. She’s rare, pure, special. That’s obviously why she got under my skin. I don’t want to do anything reckless with her. She’s not like other women. I sensed it the first time we met.
“I want to ride the elephants. Definitely visit the famous temple. Grab a bite to eat at Bingin Beach, and I can’t call this trip complete if I don’t hang with the monkeys on Padang-Padang beach.”
“Yes, please.” She smiles up at me. “All of the above. Sign me up.”
“Yeah?”
