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Chapter 9: 48 Hour Silence

It had been a 48 hours and not one text message from John. It seemed like he fell off the face of the Earth…which in retrospect seems a bit dramatic but they had gone from texting every single day to him not texting at all not even goodnight. Maybe it was for the best? Lochlyn knew she could message him first, but he was the one who didn’t show up at the beach. Maybe he didn’t like her?

Lochlyn sighed and picked up her phone. Why was she wasting her time waiting around for some guy she met on the internet to text her? That was so stupid. She leaned against the counter and looked out the window. Summer was starting to be in full swing. More and more people were coming to the shore and even though she loved the money of the tourists she really wanted them to all go away.

Bing. Her phone chirped. Loch watched as John’s name flashed across her screen.

John: Hey, I’m really sorry for not texting you. I was having some issues with my parents.

She huffed and stared at the text. If she called him out on this obvious bullshit then she would look like she was on some kind of witch hunt. This time maybe just this once she gives him a pass. There was a strong possibility that he really was having troubles with his parents. It surprised her when her phone chirped again.

John: I totally get it if you don’t want to talk anymore…but I..hope you do…want to talk that is.

Wanted to talk? Lochlyn wanted more than that. She wanted to meet him and hang out with him. Texting was fine and nice and it was easy but she really wished she could just sit somewhere with him to talk.

Lochlyn: Are you actually sorry?

John: I don’t say it just to say it. Did you have a good weekend with your friends?

That was smooth crossover she thought to herself as she closed her eyes. Was this a good idea?? Probably not but she liked John at least the little bit of him she really knew.

Lochlyn: I did. Was kinda sad you couldn’t join.

There now he’ll know how she really felt hopefully.

John: Yeah, I tried. I swear it just wasn’t going to happen. I’ll make it up to you.

How was he going to make it up to her? Lochlyn laughed and shook her head.

Lochlyn: 7 days. That’s all you get.

She pushed away from the counter and started to put away new merchandise when the bell of the store rang. In walked Holden and a few other guys. AJ was not with them which surprised her seeing as it seemed like AJ and Holden were attached at the hip.

“Hey Loch.” Holden said smiling at her. She gave him a small wave and looked up at him.

“What can I do for you?” She asked while hanging up a shirt.

“Obviously we want an adventure.” He said gesturing to the store.

“Well you can sign up for a kayak tour or a paddle board tour or if you want a boat tour.” She pointed to the list that was back at the counter.

“Which ones do you go on?” He asked as he walked towards the list.

“I do kayak and paddle board. My parents do the boat tours.” She said keeping her attention at least as much of it as she could on her task.

“Well I think we’d love a kayak tour. When’s your next slot available?” Holden asked leaning against the counter. The other guys hovered by the door looking between the two of us.

“In an hour. We’ve got a tour guide out that should be back in an hour so that we can switch off. I think it’s open. Check the list.” She pointed once again to the counter. Holden finally listened and looked down. Loch watched as he counted him and his friends before double checking that there were enough slots.

“I guess I’ll see you in an hour.” He said coming over to me and smiling. Something felt different about him. We spent one day together and he seemed to try and charm me. What did he think he was a jiggly puff and going to sing me into being entranced by him?  That was certainly not happening.

“Make sure you take the waivers and sign them before you come back.” Lochlyn went over to the front of the store and handed them a stack of waivers.

“See you in an hour.” She said opening the door for them. The group of boys poured out and she sighed. Maybe she could convince Monica the guide that was out on the water currently to do a double tour. It wasn’t exactly fair to her but…she really wasn’t in the mood for this tour today.

John: I think I can accomplish that. On Friday do you want to go see a movie, get dinner, watch the sunset? Typical summer romance?

Lochlyn froze as she read her text. Was he being serious? The guy who had avoided meeting her and didn’t really want anything to do with her now wanted to meet up. Friday was 5 days away including today anyway. Lots of things could happen during that time

Lochlyn: Yeah. I’d love to.

She wasn’t nearly as strong as she had thought she would be. What would be the worst case scenario? He doesn’t show up? That would really really suck but it would be the worst thing that could happen. At least that’s what she hoped.

An hour went by super fast and Monica came back. She walked in the shop and smirked at her.

“You gonna tell me why there’s 4 hot young college guys outside of the store and one of them looking like a lost puppy?” She hopped up on the counter and I laughed.

“You’re full of it. They’re my next tour.” I told her wiggling my finger at her. I pulled on tour shirt and grabbed the life jackets.

“Whatever you say babe.” She said looking out the window. “But they seriously are so fine.” Monica licked her lip and winked. Loch didn’t want to know who she was doing that towards.

“Did you leave kayaks at the loading?” Lochlyn asked walked towards the door.

“Yeah there’s 4 plus the guide one there.” She said “You want me to go instead?” At first she really did want Monica to go instead of her but now that she was offering that’s not what she wanted.

“I’ve got it.” She said giving Monica a look. “If I’m not back in an hour they’d done something to me. Call everyone.” Lochlyn joked giving her friend a wave and headed out.

“Here you go boys.. Buckle up.” She tossed the life jackets at them and started to walk to the kayak launch. It wasn’t a private one but around here everyone left other people’s things alone. She couldn’t remember a time one of their boards or kayaks were stolen. She couldn’t help but notice Holden’s smirk and his gaze follow her as she walked past him. This was certainly going to be an adventure.