Sailor ran a hand over his jaw. “I know you’re capable of carrying it. But as a guy, it makes me feel good to do things for you—even the small stuff like carrying bags and opening doors. My dad always did that for my mom. Maybe that’s considered old school now, but it was a show of respect. We were only kids, but we understood that.”
She hadn’t thought about it that way. “Thank you,” she said with a small smile. She still had more to learn about him.
Once inside the vehicle, she turned to him. “How are you feeling about today?”
“I’m in great shape,” Sailor said as he fired the ignition. “Got a full night’s sleep and had a good breakfast. Feeling stoked about the day.” He tapped his temple. “Mindset is critical. I know it’s going to be a great day. I don’t allow any other thoughts or worries to intrude.”
“It’s game on, huh?”
He winked at her. “You bet. I’m amped.”
This is why he’s a champion, Maileah thought. His attitude spilled over into everything he did. “Was waiting for me like waiting for the perfect wave?”
Sailor chuckled, nodding. “I never thought of it like that, but I guess so. Surfing teaches patience.”
The drive to the beach was short but pleasant, filled with comfortable silence. They pulled up to a different beach than they had surfed with Skeeter. Here, the ocean roared with larger, more impressive waves. Seagulls soared overhead before diving into the fast-moving water.
“I’ll get my gear later,” Sailor said, helping her from the vehicle.
Maileah liked the feel of his arms around her. “And I’ll say hello to the volunteers.”
A team of people was already setting up, but otherwise, the beach was mostly theirs. They started walking toward the group.
“Hey, look who’s here.” Sailor waved to a couple watching three children playing in the sand. Two toddlers were building sandcastles while an older child splashed in the shallows. Their laughter carried on the sea breeze.
“Friends of yours?” Maileah asked, curious.
Sailor nodded. “That guy is a fellow surfer on the tour, and his wife was a women’s champion. They live in Northern California.”
“Do they always bring the family?”
“Sure. Plenty do. They also have a business they run online.” He grinned. “A lot of folks are digital nomads.”
Maileah watched the family. She wondered how the woman managed travel, work, and the care of three young children. It seemed both daunting and oddly appealing. They were free to live how they wanted.
Sailor’s voice broke through her thoughts. “What’s going on in that amazing brain of yours?”
She turned to him, struck by the warmth in his eyes. “I’ve been thinking about how people live different lives. My grandmother told me to live my dreams, not my fears.”
“She’s right about a lot of things. I’ve always admired her.” Sailor paused, taking in the ocean swells. “The conditions look incredible today.”
The waves were much larger on this side of the island; she wouldn’t venture into the sea here. “That’s good?”
Sailor grinned and kissed her nose. “Oh, yeah.”
Being here with him, the life she’d once envisioned for herself shifted, expanding to include new possibilities. What if she could travel the world with him doing this? It was an intriguing thought. Much of what she did, she could do anywhere with a laptop and a decent connection.
When they reached the spot where the competition would soon be in full swing, Maileah drew a deep breath of fresh ocean air. The day ahead would be busy, but she was ready for it.
While the sun climbed higher, they spoke to the volunteers and other participants. It wasn’t long before more people arrived. Sailor greeted other surfers and people who’d come to watch. Everyone seemed especially pleased to see him.
“Hi, Maileah,” Skeeter said when she arrived. “It’s going to be an awesome day.”
“Sure you won’t join us?” Sailor asked.
His sister laughed and bumped fists with him. “Not this time, but don’t count me out. I’m feeling better now.”
Skeeter left to speak to some of the young women she’dsurfed with at other competitions. They were bringing out their boards and getting ready.
