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“You’re gesturing a lot.”

“So?”

“It’s what you do when something is really bothering you. Tells methis is major. And so what if the attraction fades? If it fizzles, it fizzles.Can’t hurt to enjoy it a little in the meantime.”

That last sentence snagged her attention. She didn’t allow muchtime to enjoy things. There was surfing, which was her main focus, her job. Forfun, she really just turned to her friends and maybe retro video games. Butthat was about it, all she allowed herself time for.Can’t hurt to enjoy it a little.Shenodded, finding the parallel to the homework Katrina had given her.“I guess that’s nothorrible advice.”

“Of course it’s not horrible advice,” Hadley said, standing andcrushing Gia’s face into her stomach in a commanding hug. “It’s from me.”

“Ow. You’re smashing my face.”

“You love me.” Hadley released her and went in search of her bagwith Gia hot on her heels, not quite finished with the discussion.

“Katrina says I get in my own head too much.”

“You do. So maybe don’t overthink as far as Elle is concerned.Follow”—she smiled—“other parts of you.”

Gia sighed. “I thought for sure you’d understand. Tell me toproceed with caution.”

“I do understand. But it is my sincere hope that you allowyourself to be open and receptive to the ways of love.”

She shook her head. “Only you would say a lame sentence likethat.”

“Make fun of me all you want, but I’m not the one daydreamingabout my number one rival without any clothes on. Don’t deny it either. I knowyou.”

“You and Izzy and Autumn are ridiculous, you know that?”

Hadley ushered them out of the apartment. “You’re probably right.We’re the ridiculous ones. Call me later. I’m off to take the design world bystorm.” Hadley sashayed to the top of the outdoors stairs and struck a pose.

Gia squinted in confusion. “What are you doing?”

“Trying to make an exit. Did it work?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Well, tomorrow is another day. Be good, Gia, and by good, I meancarefree.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Gia stood on the outdoor walkway in front ofHadley’s apartment and walked the few steps to the door to her own. She couldsee the ocean over the top of the complex across from her. She watched thewaves a moment, a trick that had always calmed her in the past and set her atpeace. It wasn’t working. She took out her phone and did something even shecouldn’t fathom: she texted Elle.

Trainingtoday?It was doubtful she’d get a reply. She wasn’t even sure why’dshe done it, other than the fact that she was restless and out of sorts andcouldn’t help herself, flashing on the good time they’d had at dinner. Sheturned to enter her apartment when her phone chimed. Whoa. Her heart sped upand she clenched one fist before glancing at the readout.

Morningsession complete. What are you up to?

Panic hit and her mind raced. Not sure what to do, she moved tothe railing, then away from it again, and then back. She was tempted to tossthe phone over the balcony, the stupid device! What the hell was she supposedto do now? Finally, she took a seat on the top of the stairs and typed aresponse.

Wanna joinforces this afternoon?She hit Send before logic could interfere.

Elle’s response was faster this time.Well, that could make for an interesting workout.

The blush hit and although no one was around to see it, themortification followed anyway. Gia didn’t casually blush. She was an athlete,and a stoic one at that. She stomped on feelings, ate them for breakfast, andpushed forward to the win at every turn. Who was this new chick takingresidence in her body? She started to type that she’d only been kidding when asecond message from Elle hit.

Come toHermosa Beach. My turf. 3 pm.

Deep breath.Don’tthink. She typed,You’reon.

This could get interesting.

Chapter Nine