Page 70 of Tell It To The Waves

“Some men need to realize you never fuck the help,” Cal spits out.

I widen my eyes, “That they do.”

Cal pushes off the bar, stretching his arms out. “This is my keep your mouth shut gift from dear old dad. He couldn’t let anyone in this town know his secret, especially his wife and perfect daughter.” I see the hate oozing off him, knowing he’s been wanting to say these words to someone for a while.

“Well, if it’s any consideration, it’s a damn good bar.”

“I sometimes don’t know if it’s worth it. I really want to blow everything of his up,” he tells me honestly, flicking his lip ring.

Sliding him my beer bottle, “Cal, I hope I continue to see you around.” I nod to him and exit the bar. The cool night air hits me as soon as I realize the power I hold with this secret. I smile to myself, a new feeling leaking from me on my way to the bed-and-breakfast. Power.

I moan awake, my head already protesting before I can even open my eyes. All the alcohol is making me regret it. But as soon as I open my eyes, the flood of last night rushes back, of the information I hold.

Pushing myself off the bed, I lumber to the shower, undressing from last night's clothing and jumping in before the water can heat. “Damn it.” I hiss, but the sharp bits of cold help me wake up and take my thoughts from my headache.

My mind races; the best way I can use this information. I’m not one to hold something over someone's head, but when it comes to my family, I will. The Williamses have molded me into this person now. I can do with this what I see fit. Helping my family out in the process. I hurriedly wash my hair and body; my dick shriveled from the cold. I jump out, not stopping, feeling like I have a ticking time-bomb on me…and really, I do.

I don’t even pay attention to what I’m putting on, my eyes only on the prize of freedom for my parents. Until I get to the bedroom door, looking down and realizing I put on my bright orange swim shorts. Tripping as I take them off, I pull on some regular blue boating shorts and scurry out of the room.

My whole body buzzes and the only place I want to go to is home…to the marina, but instead, I go straight to Kai’s, needing him to finally know everything.

I feel like I get there in no time, my mind spinning with every scenario.

Walking through the picket fence, I knock on their door and wait.

The door creaks open, and a just woken up Baylee stands with the door half open, “Bohdi.” She says my name like it tastes like shit.

“Good morning to you, Bay. Is Kai here?”

Baylee raises one eyebrow, “Oh, now you come? Where the hell were you last night, Bohdi? I should slam the door in your face. But, I won’t.”

I force my smile back because Baylee is literally the sweetest person, and I know she’s just trying to protect my brother and her best friend.

She pushes the door the rest of the way open, stepping to the side, “He’s in the kitchen.”

I walk in but stop, not knowing where the kitchen is. “Lead the way.” I sweep out my hand.

“Oh, that’s right, you’ve never been here.” She tightens her robe around herself, padding the way to the kitchen. Innuendos in those words.

I take in the details of the house, marveling at every one I see when I walk by.

An archway leads into the kitchen. “Guess who the cat dragged in,” Baylee calls to Kai.

When I walk in, his eyes get big before he sets his coffee cup on the counter. “Bohdi.” His face is confused, his eyes searing into me.

“Morning. I’m sorry to burst in here, but I need to talk to you,” I spit out.

His eyes narrow at me. “I don’t want an apology about last night. I’ve tried to give you chances, but at the end of the day, I’m the one who gets hurt by my big brother.” He moves to the small, round kitchen table, sitting and watching me.

Kai looks at Baylee, who gives him a look that makes him sigh loudly. “Grab a cup of coffee and sit. I have to be at August’s in forty minutes; you’re messing up my morning with my wife.”

Nodding, I walk to the half-full coffee pot, pouring a cup of black coffee before sitting across from my brother, who’s sitting just watching me.

“First, I want to say I’m sorry.” Kai opens his mouth. “Let me talk, please.” I raise my hand to shush him. “This apology is for things you don’t know about, for the reason why I’ve been distant since I’ve come back to Driftwood Bay. For not coming to you, to my family, to help hold the burden with me.”

Kai’s eyes shoot at Baylee, who sits there looking as confused as Kai.

Breathing deeply, blowing the words out, I say, “When Dad had his stroke, they went to the Williams for their help.”