Maybe her grandmother had been right. Focus on yourself first, and the rest will follow.
With a last glance at the beach, where Sailor and his friends were now gathered around a small bonfire, Maileah climbed the front steps of the hotel.
She had work to do. First, she had to salvage her relationship with Junie. She only hoped she hadn’t broken it beyond repair this time.
9
Sailor stuffed some shirts, board shorts, and flip-flops into a backpack on his bed. When the zipper wouldn’t close, he punched them to fit, feeling exasperated over what he’d seen yesterday.
A blond-haired woman in a T-shirt and denim shorts appeared by the door. “Oh, my gosh, what did that backpack ever do to you?”
He grimaced as he strained the zipper shut. “Not now, Skeeter.”
She hooked a thumb into a belt loop and watched him struggle. “With your talent, why do you keep running Dad’s bike concession at the Majestic? You’re depriving some kid of a great starter job.”
That was a question his father had once asked. Sailor had his reasons, though he maintained that staying close to his roots kept him grounded. “Don’t lecture me. I just need you to cover for me while I’m gone. I can usually grab one of our cousins or a busboy from the Majestic who wants extra cash, but this time, everyone is busy.”
He traveled frequently on the Championship tour of the World Surf League. He’d won when he was younger, thoughcompetition was fierce now. Still, he had his share of sponsorships.
“You’re lucky I didn’t have anything planned,” Skeeter said.
Sailor made a face. “Ever think you’ll go on tour again?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t been surfing much. Graduate school is tough, big brother. Hey, before you go, would you show me how to work that fancy Italian espresso machine in the kitchen? That contraption looks like it cost as much as my car, and it’s probably more highly engineered. I can’t believe you bought that. You were the king of instant coffee.”
Sailor ignored that. “It makes a great cup of coffee. And what else do I have to spend money on besides my boards?”
“How about a new SUV?” Her eyes brightened. Get one with built-in massage seats. They’re great for long trips.”
He smirked. “On an island?”
“You don’t have to take that attitude.” She crossed her arms. “What’s bothering you?”
“Sorry, Skeets. I’m just rattled over this trip. As for a new vehicle, I don’t have time to shop, and I hate the sales pressure.”
Those weren’t the main reasons, though. After buying this house, he banked most of his competition winnings and sponsorships. There wasn’t much he needed, although he’d spent money on a new guitar for his father and covered Skeeter’s tuition.
He followed his sister into the kitchen to show her how to operate the machine he’d accidentally acquired. His girlfriend hated his instant coffee and wanted one of these, so she’d ordered it on his credit card without his knowledge. However, she’d left him for another guy by the time it arrived. It was such a beauty he figured he’d keep it.
That’s the way a lot of women were around him, he’d found. Fancy new cars only attracted that type.
That seemed to be what Maileah was after, too, he thought, flexing his jaw. He’d seen her with Todd yesterday,going into Chef Gianna’s cooking class. Not that he cared. She could do whatever she wanted. It wasn’t any of his business.
His chaperone days were over.
“Now, watch this.” Sailor showed Skeeter how to use the machine. He made an espresso and handed it to her.
“Wow, this is delicious,” she said. “Okay, it’s worth it.”
“But you can’t drive that.” He mussed her hair, and she ducked away from him.
“With espresso this strong, I’d just run.” She drained her small cup. “Ready to catch the ferry?”
“Whenever you are.”
Skeeter rinsed out the cup and left it in the sink. “Don’t forget your boards and gear.”
“Everything is in the Jeep. Let’s go.”
