Baewatch - Xavier Neal Page 0,58
the obvious “I’m your boss” thing, there’s a whole level of paranoia that comes along with dating someone who can spend their downtime watching other women slather on sunscreen, frolic in the water, and damn near tan topless. I don’t love the idea of constantly being in a state where I’m wondering am I just what you’re into until you literally see someone better.
Or, in Ax’s case, someone you’ve missed…
Thoughts of him and our situation are easily replaced by the one at hand. After listening to Skye explain what they should do next, I gingerly caution to keep a closer eye on her child during their future endeavors and retake my post. The remainder of my short shift is, indeed, less exciting. It’s filled with the usual “don’t do that” and keeping in contact about the safe swim status of the ocean. By the time I’m back in my office, preparing to change, I’m damn near completely dry as if I hadn’t touched the water once during my shift.
Damn heat.
All of a sudden, Fatima unexpectedly bursts into my office, startling me enough to drop my bag and reignite a low ringing in my ear. “I’ve got amazing news!”
The noise that’s been harder and harder to calm over the past three days has me angling my head so that I’m less likely to ask her to repeat whatever it is she’s going to announce.
“Not only did we successfully secure the junior program’s funding for next year, we got an increase!”
My jaw hits the ground in shock.
“I reviewed the numbers from the past three years and showcased the financial value of the program. The steady climb of income that it brings in from year to year paired with the constant wait-list convinced the Board that they should be putting more money into it not less. I was CCed on the budget email,” she happily sighs at the same time she pulls her dark hair to the side of her face, “but I knew you were on the beach today and probably wouldn’t check until tomorrow since you’re leaving early today, so I thought I’d come tell you!”
“This is amazing!” Despite the almost deafness in my right ear, I enthusiastically exclaim, “The junior lifeguard program hasn’t had a budget increase in almost five years!”
“I know!”
“This is…,” my mouth can barely form the words, “incredible, Fatima. You are incredible.”
She innocently shrugs. “Was just doing my job.”
“No, you excelled at your job and went beyond what was asked. You are an invaluable asset to this organization, and we are so fucking lucky to have you.”
Her grin grows in spite of her obvious efforts to stop it.
“I’ll check that email first thing in the morning, and we’ll talk about it afterwards, alright?”
Fatima nods prior to changing subjects, “Did you have a chance to ask Ax yet what days were best for you two to meet up with me and Delano for a drink?”
I almost wish I had my bad ear leaned towards her, so I would’ve missed her saying his name.
Just thinking of him creates ripples of anxiety in my stomach and drowns any bits of joy in my mood.
I know it’s not like he clubbed a baby seal to death or broke my heart by abandoning me to join the cast of Deadliest Catch, but his actions over his ex still stung like a Lion's Mane Jellyfish. Not necessarily fatal yet caused lots and lots of pain.
My smile is small and apologetic. “Not yet. Been a crazy a few days.”
“Ugh. With Rina, again?”
Rather than lie or do the easy thing and blame my sister I simply just shoot her a frustrated expression.
“Fine. Fine. I’ll ask again in a couple more days. Just don’t forget.” She shoots me a wink, a finger point, and shuts the door behind her.
Even if I wanted to forget I couldn’t.
And, I don’t mean having drinks with her in her new couple status.
I, of course, mean the look on his face when he saw Knoxie.
The noticeable way I was no longer waves in his world but a teeny, tiny drop.
How I suddenly wasn’t his girlfriend or a friend or even the week’s beach trash. No. I was simply “just the sister of a client”.
What’s the proper procedure for healing a hurt heart?
Why can’t it be as easy and methodical as treating a jellyfish sting?
Once I’ve changed into a dry summer dress, I make my way over to Ax’s place. While, ideally, I would love to continue having space from him and