she just stood.
I swallow down the regret and focus on the task at hand. Lennon is gone. Now I can do what needs to be done. That's all that matters. All that can matter. I need to ruin Kensington Bradwell.
ONE OF MY FAVORITE things about surfing is how unpredictable the water can be. I've always said that my dream is to live on the beach, so I can wake up and see what the waves are like for myself. Thankfully, today's a pleasant surprise. There were only supposed to be somewhat small ones, according to the report, but as we got here, we realized they're decently sized.
I cut my board through the water, practicing tricks for the competition coming up next month. Soon, Bryce and Jayden will start helping me train. Honestly, we should have started already, but my attention has been taken up by other things.
Lennon never came home last night, though I didn't really expect her to. If she ever talks to me again, I'll be shocked. She'll come home, because she's too stubborn to let me win entirely, but I don't think she'll pay any attention to me when she does.
I spent hours searching Ken's office while the party went on right outside the door. I even bribed some nerd into helping me hack into his computer, but it all came up empty. Some would say that he's just an honest man, but no one reaches that level of success without skeletons in their closet. There has to be something. I know it. It's just really well hidden.
“If you want to win Mavericks, you're going to need to up your tricks,” Bryce tells me as I paddle back to them. “I've seen the competition. It's pretty fierce.”
I sit up on my board and run my fingers through the water. “I'll be ready. Don't worry. Once I find what I need on Mr. Moneybags, I can focus on training.”
Jayden sighs. “How do you know there's something to find?”
“Because he's the most powerful man in North Haven. Maybe even in Northern California. There's no way in hell he's squeaky clean.” Bryce and Jayden share a look, and my shoulders sag. “What?”
Bryce shrugs. “We just don't want to see you throwing away a chance at a sponsorship because you were too busy with your parents' relationship. Being invited to this competition is huge for you.”
I throw my head back, groaning because they have a point. “I know, but I need this. My dad needs this.”
“That’s kind of why we have another idea.” Bryce nudges Jayden.
“I'm listening.”
Jayden smirks. “Out of all the research we've done, there's always been one constant. The one thing he seems to put above all else. Mentioned in every interview. Always comes first. Gets everything her little heart desires.”
My chest tightens when I realize where he's going with this. “Lennon.”
“If you're looking to get information, or even looking to hurt him, the best way to get it is to go through her. Daddy's little princess. His pride and joy.”
I lay back on my board and stare up at the sky. They're right, and I can't believe I didn't see it sooner. Lennon is the best option. I just don't know if she's an option I have anymore. I'm going to have to grovel, and I fucking hate groveling.
Shit just got real.
19
LENNON
Music blares through the Airpods and into my ears, blocking out any noise around me. I sway my hips back and forth as I make something for lunch—a turkey and cheese sandwich with a pickle on the side. Being here alone, I'm in the best mood.
It took two hours last night of me convincing Colby not to go after Cade. After the way he humiliated me in front of everyone, I stormed out of the house. I needed to get as far away from him, and the party, as possible.
First, I called Tessa, but she didn't answer. Turns out she was out to dinner with Asher and didn’t hear her phone. The only other person I could think to call was Colby. He came to get me in record time, but the way he was shaking showed he genuinely wanted to deck Cade in the face.
Part of me wonders if I should've let him. What Cade said was totally uncalled for, and I can't believe I gave him the power to hurt me like that. I knew he was going to be standoffish after what we did the other night, but I never expected that. It was