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I watched Norah rush off. Leaning up against the building, I stared up at the sky. For the last half hour, I’d been out here, trying to get away from all the happiness, the love, and the noise. This wasn’t for me. Lately, that kind of thing really bothered me. Then I’d seen Norah working. She was eating Chinese food while doing paperwork. I’d seen the little piece of Lo Mein slap her in the chin while she took a bite. I stared in fascination at how she’d set down her fork and her pen to dab at her face with the napkin. She was a lady. I liked that. I’d been surrounded by ladies my whole life. There were pros and cons though.

For example, they tended to be sweet and demure. Pro. Ah, but the pro was also the con because I liked my beach chicks too. I loved watching them ride the waves, loved their relaxed personalities, basked in their mellow vibe. After a lifetime of living in a mansion and dealing with so many dark, tense people, the beach had become my chosen home. I could finally become the guy I wanted to be, not some stiff in a suit. No wonder they all seemed so unhappy. And thanks to Max, I could indulge in my hobby while making a decent living…as long as the bar didn’t tank.

Too tired to continue pretending, I called for a cab. Since it was the same guy I’d seen multiple times I finally asked. “Are you the only cabby around here?”

He smirked. “You picked right up on that. Yeah. Although sometimes my brother steps in if I go on vacation or something.”

“Cool, man.” I nodded as I leaned back in the seat.

“You give up surfing for business?” he asked as he gestured to my suit.

I shook my head. “Wedding. I plan to hit the waves again soon.”

“Huh.” He nodded a few times.

With a frown, I wondered what he was thinking. Now that we’d broken the ice, I didn’t have to wait long.

“Oh, I thought you quit. You no longer smell like a day at the beach” He turned into my condo complex and as he stopped, I passed him some money.

“Keep the change.” I stepped out of the cab, but I couldn’t help but think about what he’d said ten minutes later as I stripped down to my boxers and flopped on the couch.

Glancing around the room, I realized that the place was actually clean, evidence of how little time I’d spent here lately. I’d been eating out so the kitchen was practically immaculate. I thought about the rest of the condo. All my dirty clothes were in my hamper. The bed was made…since I usually passed out on the couch. The bathroom could use some attention, but what bathroom couldn’t? I was practically an adult. Then my eyes flitted over to my board, leaning up against the wall near the door, like it was just waiting for me to decide to take it for a ride.

I sighed. Maybe that was just what I needed: a break from adulting. Then I set the alarm on my phone so I’d wake up early and catch the morning waves.

By eight the next day, the sun was moving up the sky, while I was paddling away from the shore. Instantly, I felt more like myself. Around eleven, I decided to go back to my place to clean up and get over to the bar to get ready for our first night. This was less like me, but I was determined to make it work.

I’d bought a small truck about a week ago. Nothing fancy, but I needed something to get me back and forth to the best surf spots, the condo, and the bar. I parked it behind the bar, walked around to the front and paused.

Norah was outside sweeping and cursing under her breath. There were piles of rice everywhere.

“Wow, did you drop a bag or something?” I frowned as I came closer.

She released a flat laugh. “Right. Because I’m Indian, it must be my rice. Is that it?”

I frowned. “Actually, I was thinking because it’s a café and you might actually serve rice, that had to be it. Why else would there be rice here?”

“How about because of the wedding you had last night at your damn bar?” Her brows rose. “Did you ever think about that?”

Throwing my hands up in the air, I grumbled, “Obviously not. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have said what I did.” I huffed. “Gimme the broom. My family. Their mess. I’ll clean it up.” I moved to take the metal from her hands, but she snatched it back.

“Get your own broom. This one’s mine. If I lend it to you, I’ll probably never see it again.” Her eyes narrowed.

“What have I done to make you think so little of me?” I groaned as I raked a hand through my hair. From the corner of my eye, I could see her shoulders droop slightly.

Norah averted her gaze, staring into her empty café. “Nothing. You wouldn’t understand.” She shook her head and walked away. “My lunch rush should be starting soon. I’d appreciate it if you could handle this mess before someone breaks their neck.”

I frowned. “On rice?”

“Yes. On rice.” She rolled her eyes then another thought seemed to pop into her head. “This is bad for the birds too.”

This time I nodded. “You’re right. I’ve heard that. I’ll get this done right away.” A grin spread across my face.

“What?” she asked with more than a hint of annoyance in her voice.

I shrugged. “I think it’s nice that you care about birds and people.” She finally met my eyes. “Even if you do hate me.”

“Did I say I hate you?” Her brows rose. “I just don’t like you very much.”

I laughed. “I don’t know why. I like you a whole lot.”