Page 21 of Suddenly Beck

‘Just give it a go, what’s the worst that could happen?’ He grins.

‘Uh… I could drown.’

‘You won’t drown. The sea’s pretty calm today, and the swells are tiny. They’re only baby waves, good conditions for beginners.’

‘Baby waves?’ I raise a brow. ‘Is that the hydro equivalent of what bunny slopes are to skiers?’

‘Something like that,’ he laughs. ‘Come on, you know you want to,’ he teases. ‘Seriously, what’s the worst that could happen?’

‘Stop quoting Dr Pepper.’ I pout, my eyes narrowing thoughtfully as I stare at the few surfers gliding effortlessly through the water, and I have to admit, it does look appealing. ‘You do realise there’s a very good chance you’re going to end up having to rescue me again.’

‘I won’t let anything happen to you, Nat,’ he says seriously. ‘Besides, I’m also a qualified lifeguard, and I usually volunteer if they need extra help at the height of the summer season.’

‘I knew it,’ I mutter under my breath.

‘What?’

‘Nothing.’ I huff out a breath. ‘Fine, you win, teach me how to surf, but don’t go complaining when you end up having to give me mouth to mouth resuscitation.’

‘That’s not going to happen.’ Beck’s lip twitches. ‘At least not until after I’ve bought you a drink.’

I snort loudly.

‘Do you have to work today?’

I shake my head. ‘Melanie’s got a deep clean at the restaurant booked with a local company she’s trying out since the previous manager fired the last one. We’ve got a health and safety inspection next week. She’s closing for lunch today while the cleaning gets underway, so I’m not working until tonight,’ I reply.’

‘Perfect.’ He grins. ‘Let’s go.’

‘What… right now?’ I frown. ‘But I don’t have a board.’ I glance down at my sweatpants and T-shirt. ‘And I’m not dressed for it.’

‘Got you covered, come on.’ He climbs back up to the promenade and over the wooden railing.

Given no other choice, I follow him. Dropping down onto the promenade, I look up at the surf school, it’s bigger than I thought on first glance. It’s a huge wooden, single storey shack. There are no front windows, and the whole of the front of the structure is open with heavy metal shutters to close it off at night. A rack of surfboards, neatly arranged in size order stand outside to the right of the building, and inside it’s like an Aladdin’s cave, if Aladdin was into Speedos and goggles.

There are racks and racks of wetsuits, board shorts, bikinis, and all forms of swimwear, brand new and tagged. Scattered around the room are goggles, snorkels, floaties and inflatables. Basically, anything you can imagine to enjoy your time on the gorgeous blue Cornish waters.

‘Is this where you work?’ I ask curiously as I step inside.

‘No.’ Beck shakes his head. ‘This is Georgie’s place; I just help out when I feel like it.’

‘Georgie?’

Beck points toward the back of the shop, alongside the two changing rooms is a cash desk and behind it, leaning on the counter with her chin propped on her hands as she watches us both, is a young woman.

‘Georgie,’ Beck calls out as we approach the counter. ‘This is Nat.’

‘Nice to meet you.’ She nods, her gaze appraising.

I stare at Georgie, my eyes narrowing in recognition. ‘Night before last,’ I recall. ‘Corner booth, you had the crab tacos.’

‘Good memory.’ she grins.

‘I doubt anyone would forget you.’ I smile as I eye her hair, it’s carelessly tousled with deep royal blue roots that melt into a vivid teal colour with the tips bleached pure white. ‘I love your hair colour.’

‘Thanks.’ She smiles widely as I study her.

I’m vaguely aware that Beck has disappeared somewhere behind me, but my interest is snagged on the girl in front of me. I love meeting interesting people. Everyone in my social circle had always been boring shades of grey, and they all looked and acted the same, as if they’d come off some sort of production line.