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“My friend here is one of the best surfers in the world,” Hadleysaid proudly. “Gia Malone. Write that down.”

“Oh, yeah. I know you. I wish you all the best.” He gestured tohis buddy. “We’re big fans of the sport. Gonna try and catch some of ElleBritton’s heats.”

“She’s pretty great,” Gia said, and attempted a smile.

She felt Hadley watching her just before Hadley sprang intoaction. “Hey, maybe if we moved closer, we could grab your bag sooner. C’mon.”

Gia dutifully followed her friend, the conversation having plungedher into another dark depth. “You’re good, you’re good. Just shake that off,”Hadley said, giving the side of Gia’s shoulder a smack. “Did that hurt?” sheasked quietly, with a squint. “I always feel like athletes like to be hit whenthey’re pep talked, but that didn’t feel right.”

“I’m fine,” Gia said. “You’re a great coach.”

“But do I need to hit?” she asked reluctantly.

“No,” Gia said, and slung her arm around Hadley’s shoulder. “But Isee my suitcase, and then we can get the hell out of here and let you see someof the French countryside.”

* * *

“I’m serious about exploring the idea of a clothing line,” Kipsaid, as they hugged goodbye.

Elle smiled. “And I told you I would consider it. Which I will.Thanks for breakfast.”

“My pleasure. Any chance to get in some one-on-one with a valuableclient and write off a trip to France is a win in my book.”

She laughed. “Say hi to that gorgeous husband of yours.”

“Will do,” he said, leaving her in the lobby of the resort. “Iexpect a win.”

“Not a problem. Trust me.”

Kip headed off for the next few days of vacation, and Elle made amental checklist of all she had to do. Meet with Bruce and wax her board, makesure that it was in tip-top shape, sponsor stickers in place. She had a mediathing in an hour and her first heat the following day. She’d need a goodnight’s sleep and—

“Hadley,” she said, startled to see a familiar face from homestrolling through the hotel lobby.

“Elle!” Hadley said, beaming. She pulled her into a tight hug.“How are you?” The words were casual, but the sympathetic eyes gave her away.Of course Hadley would know all about her and Gia. In fact, everything thesedays was a reminder, especially—

Her thought ended there, because trailing Hadley, and just feetaway, stood Gia herself. Elle swallowed, caught off guard by how beautiful Gialooked, and how desperately she’d missed her.

“Hi,” Gia said, with a half smile.

“Hey,” Elle answered, resisting the urge to hug her, touch her,something. It was one thing to try and erase someone from your mind when theywere out of sight, but with Gia standing right there in front of her, it was alosing battle. God, she looked good.

Hadley looked from Gia to Elle and thankfully took the reins. “Youguys are gonna kill it this tournament. No doubt in my mind.”

Elle squeezed her hand, always grateful for Hadley’s positivity.She was good people. “Thanks, Hadley. I know we’re both hoping to.”

“It’ll be weird not seeing you wear the yellow jersey,” Gia said.

Elle winked. “Won’t be for long.”

“See ya out there,” Gia said, with a smile and sliver of their oldcompetitive banter.

Elle smiled. “Yeah. I look forward to it.”

The rest of the week couldn’t have gone any more according to planif Elle had mapped out each detail herself. She sailed through the first fourrounds without so much as a glance behind her. She was in top form, andeveryone noticed.

“Elle, how have you recaptured that old magic to take France bystorm?” Shoshana from Surfline asked, as Elle trotted in from round four with asmile on her face. “We’ve all missed you!”

“It’s just about giving all you have to each and every turn outthere. Every ride is different. I just have to keep listening to the waves. Andcan I just say that I love my fans? They’re the best around, and I appreciatethem sticking with me even through the down times.”