Others gathered around, and soon everyone was talking about the competition and the upcoming charity event on Crown Island.
“We’re going to raise a lot of money to rehabilitate injured surfers,” Skeeter said. “And to help other athletes who’ve had injuries.”
“I’ve been passing out information and chatting up all my customers,” Babe said.
“Are there many surfing injuries?” Maileah asked.
Babe and Skeeter exchanged an uncomfortable look.
Babe said quietly, “We lost an experienced surfer last year. He had a serious injury that dragged him down when he couldn’t get help to rally back from it. He tried again, but his heart wasn’t in it. He went under on a big wave and never surfaced.”
Immediately, Maileah thought of Sailor.
“That’s a real need on the island,” Babe continued. “If we can raise enough funds, the medical center can hire another physical therapist and invest in some much-needed equipment.”
“I hear Sailor has been generous,” Babe said.
Skeeter grinned. “You know how he is. Such a softie.”
Maileah made a point to talk to her grandmother about this since she used to be a nurse. She might have ideas as well.
Skeeter whipped her head around. “Look, they’re interviewing Sailor.”
A hush swept across the room, and Jo turned up the volume.
Maileah leaned forward to listen.
“…good conditions out here,” Sailor was saying.
Maileah noticed that Skeeter let out an audible sigh of relief as he spoke. Concern and excitement were etched on her face. It was evident that she loved Sailor.
Who wouldn’t?Maileah thought and then promptly wondered where that came from.
He was the hometown hero.
But more than that, Sailor had always treated her respectfully even while joking around with her. He was so chill in a big brother sort of way, although he was probably a few years younger than she was. Protective but not overbearing. She sighed. He was her emotional support friend.
No wonder Skeeter was so in love with him.
Jo interrupted her thoughts, her pen poised above her order pad. “What’ll it be? Get your orders in before the kitchen gets swamped.”
“Cheeseburger and fries for me,” Babe said.
“Same for me,” Maileah added. “And a chocolate malt.” She felt like splurging tonight to celebrate the appointments she had set. She’d go out for another run in the morning.
Jo raised her brow and nodded in Todd’s direction. “Did you see who’s here?”
“I did,” Maileah replied. “And that’s entirely okay by me. We’re only friends.”
“Just looking out for you,” Jo whispered. “Between us, I think Jennifer is moving pretty fast.”
“She always goes after what she wants,” Babe added. “She’s been dating a lot since her divorce. Looks like she’s falling for Todd.”
Maileah shrugged it off. “Honestly, I’m happy for them.”
That made her decision a lot easier. She didn’t know who was out there for her, but she needed to focus on her new business anyway.
Their food arrived soon. Maileah enjoyed it, but she couldn’t finish it all. She was sipping her malt when Skeeter yelled, “Sailor is up.”
