Hundreds of bodies occupy and gather around the sands of Waikiki Beach, their excited chatter and conversations filling my ears as I weave my way through umbrellas and beach chairs. Music blasts from the DJ stand set up back near the judging panel, its upbeat and summer tunes setting the mood for the exciting day ahead. Casting my gaze out to the blue waters ahead, I can easily tell that the waves playing out against its surface are sure to give each of us a show today. Heat rises to my neck, my blood pumping with anticipation knowing that I get to watch Lelani in action today.

"Shoooo' doggy,'' Murphy hoots out behind me, drawing my attention back to him and Delk. A tacky pair of American flag swim trunks hang against his hips, while neon-yellow shades put forth their best effort to cover his bloodshot eyes. "I knew there'd be bathing suits, but damn, I didn't know there'd be this many. Hello, ladiesss."

"You're embarrassing," Delk says dryly.

"How much did you have to drink before we left the dorms, huh?" I laugh as I continue to lead us through the maze of beach towels and drink coolers.

"Not sure," Murphy shrugs carelessly, "Lost count after six."

Slinging his dark arm around my shoulder, Delk leans over to me, hushing into my ear, "If we have to babysit this asshat all day, I'm going to need some alcoholic relief myself."

"Me too," I snicker. Catching sight of an open area in the sand ahead of us, I make my way over to it briskly, claiming the spot as our own by laying out our towels and setting down our bags. "I bet you $20 he'll be out like a light in less than ten minutes."

"Oh, you want to play, Dawson?" he smiles cockily. "Well, I bet that it'll only take five."

We laugh, gripping each other's hands and accepting our bets.

"Hey, Murph," I call out to our fellow Marine. Dropping to my knees with a mischievous smirk, I pat the towel spread out beside me, "I got you a real nice spot to relax on, right here."

"Aww, you shouldn't have," he draws out in his southern accent, happily plopping down onto it without an inkling of suspicion. "You're a doll, truly."

"Oh, it's my pleasure," I smile. Pivoting on my heel, I turn back to Delk and joke, "Maybe a small cat-nap will do him some good, you know? Sober him up a bit."

"Yeah right," he cackles, pulling out a can of Mountain Dew from the cooler at his feet. "That man's blood soaks up alcohol like a dry sponge. We'll be lucky if he's sober before work on Monday morning."

"You better watch what you say, man," I chuckle. "The Universe is a cruel listener."

"I'd say," he quips, taking a long swig against the carbonated drink in his hands. Both of our eyes go out to the sparkling sea ahead of us, watching the foamy waves crash out in the distance. "When's Lelani supposed to be going out there?"

"She texted me when we first got here and said she'll be surfing in the next heat, so anytime now," I inform, standing on my toes as my gaze scans our surroundings. "She said it'll be her and one other girl."

"She nervous?"

"Very," I laugh, recalling her anxious rambling about the competition back at her Mom's restaurant last night. "She's got to do well this weekend to be qualified for future competitions, but she'll do great, I know it. She's a badass in those waters."

Delk's stare lingers on me, sensing the admiration clear in the last statement. Steering the conversation, he asks, "Things between you two are getting serious, aren't they?"

"I mean, y-yeah- I guess you could say that but-"

"Daddy Campbell," he finishes for me, lifting an eyebrow my way.

"Exactly," I laugh nervously, my eyes once again skimming over the bodies crowding the beach, knowing that he's bound to not be too far.

While technically he's the one who invited me, he certainly doesn't know the relationship his daughter and I have, so I just need to make sure that any interactions between Lelani and me today- if any- remain discreet. Scared that a nosey set of ears behind us is listening, I peer back to Murphy. His body is sprawled out against the blue-striped towel crinkled underneath him, snores already leaving his agape mouth as his freckled skin bakes in the hot rays of the sun.

"Looks like I owe you $20, Delk."

His dark eyes dart back at my words, a look of amusement crossing his face. "He really does make it way too easy."

Just as I go to respond, the music swelling through the beach fades out, creating quiet for the announcer whose voice begins booming through the speakers.

"Welcome everyone to Waikiki Beach 2021 Summer Mock Competition! We're in the third heat of the day, where pink jersey, Tanya Gray, and purple jersey, Lelani Kahale, go head-to-head to see who will advance on to the winter competition coming up at the end of the year."

Applause ripples through the crowd, welcoming the two competitors as they step into the shoreline of the ocean. I finally catch sight of Lelani, her lavender jersey sticking to her upper body like a second skin and making my pulse quicken.

"There she is," I point out excitedly, feeling a surge of adrenaline come over me.

Not wasting a second, the two girls hop on their surfboards and begin paddle out. From everything Lelani has told me about competitions, I understand that each round is timed and the final scores are based on the two best surfs of the heat. If either one of them wants to qualify for further competitions, they'll have to do their parts to beat the clock and ride the best waves their judgment and skills can grant them.

Finding their best positions in water, Tanya and Lelani both perch up on their boards, watching the rise of the waves against the horizon carefully as they decide which ones to take a risk on. Tanya is the first to take the plunge, pivoting her surfboard around swiftly and beginning her strong paddle to catch the wave billowing behind her. Delk and I are completely silent, watching intently as she pops up on her board and begins her ride against the crest of the wave.

"Tanya Gray is the first to kick off the heat, with a nice little insider on that wave," the announcer relays. "Really getting the ball rolling with a few nice turns. Very apparent that she's a strong back footed surfer."

She finishes the wave smoothly, and I bite against the edge of my nails, waiting in anticipation to hear the judges' scoring.

"And Tanya manages to steal an overall 4.67 on her first wave. A great start to the heat. Lelani has time on her hands, but will need to work smart to catch up."

Sunshine bounces off the water surrounding Lelani and her surfboard, and I observe her closely, unable to peel my gaze away as she perches on top of her deck, studying the swells of water ahead of her. Next to her, Tonya is already starting her second wave of the round and the sight has me digging my toes in the sand.

"Come on, Lani," I whisper under my breath, feeling somewhat hopeful as I watch her competition cut the top of the wave too late and end the surf early.

"Rough maneuver for Tanya on that last wave, only managing to pull off a 3.33 to add to her overall score."

"Is Lani gonna be able to catch up, bro?" Delk asks beside me.

"She knows what she's doing," I reply confidently, "She's just playing smart and waiting for the best waves."

Proving the truth behind my notion, Lelani starts paddling out for her first wave of the heat. Her arms plow through the salty water with impressive speed, aligning her board perfectly with the wave and making me practically dance on my feet with excitement as she pops up onto the deck and begins her ride. Twisting her hips, Lelani snaps at the crest of the wave with perfect timing and movement.

"And here we go with Lelani's opening surf. Look at that beautiful snap in the pocket. Double pump around connects her nicely. Coming back, nice carve against the crest again. She's really keeping her momentum and hammering throughout this whole wave." Pulling one last maneuver, she ends the surf by jumping off her board and diving right into the water. "Incredible wave for Lelani, earning her a 5.50 score from the judges."

The next twenty minutes of the heat have my pulse ringing in my ears, all of us beachgoers on edge as we watch the two women battle it out in the water. Glancing back to the digital timer looming above the judging pavilion, I realize that only four minutes remain until we find out whether or not Lelani will be able to manage one final surf to beat out Tanya's score.

"Fuck man," Delk chuckles breathlessly, overwhelm clear in his tone and expression. "This is more stressful than watching football."

"Hell, it's more stressful than boot camp," I laugh, clutching my face in my hands. "She's just gotta get one more wave in. Just one more."

As if the Universe itself was answering to the two ladies rocking on top of the water out in front of us, a wave begins to billow behind them, the water swelling the highest it has all day.

"Shit, this is it," I breathe out, tugging at the roots in my hair anxiously as the wave grows and moves closer to both of them. "Come on, Lani. You've got this."

Lelani and Tanya paddle hard, starting their race to see who manages to catch it first. Lani's head lies close to the deck of her board, her eyes pinned on the water in front of her in determination as she passionately digs her elbows into the ocean around her. Her strength carries her fast, lining her evenly with her opponent and making it hard to determine which one of them will actually end up coming out on the other side.

The edge of the wave reaches the tips of their boards and with one final effort, Lani paddles harder in an effort to gain the lead, knowing this is her last chance to prove herself to the judges. Spraying water behind her, my girl claims the wave as her own, planting her feet on the surfboard and keeping her balance stable as she begins to descend down the curved barrel of the water.

"That's what I'm fucking talking about!" I shout louder than I intend to, watching the flash of purple jersey course its way along the water.

"Holy fuck," Delk exclaims, watching her in awe.

The announcer's voice rattles through the speakers, only making my friend and me more elated as they narrate the rest of her surf.

"Lelani sure isn't holding back with this one. Look at the way she comes off the bottom there, with a big snap off the top. There goes another snap for Lelani Kahale. Really smooth base on the inside as this wave steepens up. That backhand flow is complete. Wow, very nice ending for her."

Lelani completes the ride, and I keep my eyes on her until her head resurfaces on the water.

"And the highest score of the heat, at an impressive 8.17, goes to Miss Lelani Kahale. Looks like we'll be watching this 18-year-old, native Hawaiian, shredding some gnar at Sunset Beach this upcoming winter!"

The announcement has the whole crowd cheering, and Delk and I hop up and down with excitement, knowing what this means for Lelani and the beginning of her surfing journey.

"OORAH! OORAH!" We shout together, our loud voices startling Murphy awake behind us.

"Fuck me," the ginger whines, struggling to sit up in the sand. "W-What'd I miss?"

"Lani won the heat!"

"She won the heat?" He exclaims, scrambling to his feet. "Fuck yeah!"

Lelani didn't just win the heat, she fucking crushed it.

༄༄༄

"Hey man, you sure you don't want to ride over to Louie's Bar with us?" Delk offers, peering his head through the open window of my car.

"No, you guys go ahead," I decline, too eager to congratulate my girl on her big win to leave this parking lot just yet. "I texted Lani and asked her to come and meet me once her parents leave, so I'll just meet you guys there."

"You sure man?"

"Positive," I grin. "I'll see you guys later."

"See ya', brother. Tell Lani we're proud, won't you?"

"You know I will."

Delk hops into the Uber driving him and Murphy to the bar, leaving me alone as I impatiently wait for Lelani to arrive. With my door still open and my feet hanging outside of it, I lean past the steering wheel and flip on the radio, hoping the music will be a good enough distraction to help me pass the time. Unfortunately, the sounds of Van Halen aren't enough to keep my thoughts off of the fiery beauty playing in the back of my mind.

Another 25 minutes pass before a sweet, familiar voice finally rings through the air. "I wasn't keeping a jarhead waiting, now was I?"

My gaze draws up to the sexy smirk playing across Lelani's lips, and I'm already grinning from ear-to-ear as I clamber out of my Range Rover and head over to her. "Get your ass over here, wild thing."

Wrapping my arms around her stomach, and pulling her toes up off the ground, I spin both of us around, causing her whole body to shake with giggles. "You were fucking incredible out there!"

"I was okay, I guess," she teases with a smug expression, knowing good and well that she kicked ass out on those waves.

"Okay doesn't even begin to cut it," I fire back, finally lowering her feet back to the ground. My fingers play in the damp, black curls strung around her face. "Your parents definitely can't force you to go to college now," I chuckle, "Not after the show you just put on out there."

"So the view from where you were standing was good I'm guessing?" She hushes out alluringly, cocking an eyebrow my way.

"Oh, the view was fucking incredible," I tease back, taking her bait. Tugging on the small of her back, and inching my lips up to her's, I say, "Tell me, Lani; Do surfers of your caliber happen to kiss no-good, greasy Marines, like me?"

"Only in special circumstances," she smiles, her cute set of dimples appearing on her face.

"And what circumstances would those be?"

"He'd have to be a playful, aggravating, sexy, and charming Northerner from Michigan," she laughs, ruffling the head on the top of my head.

"Ooo," I whistle, "That's some tough criteria to fill, but I think I know a proper candidate..."

"Wait!" She adds, keeping me on my toes as she holds back longer. "He also has to be willing to eat the pieces of strawberry in ice cream."

"Oh, now that's just not fair."

"I don't make the rules, Maverick," she shrugs her shoulders, starting to back away from me.

"Lani, don't you know?" I challenge, taking a step closer to her. "I'm shit at following the rules."

Clutching onto both of her wrists, I yank her over to me, colliding my lips onto hers before she even has time to object. She kisses me back, resting her back against the side of my car as I lean into her. Her hands trail against my jaw as I kiss back harder, but eventually, she pulls away, reminding me, "Eyes and hands to yourself, Maverick."

"Well, well, well..."

In an instant, both of our eyes dart to the uninvited voice coming from behind us and my heart drops into my stomach as my gaze focuses on the tall, Marine's silhouette.

Fucking, Hammond.

"Now, I didn't think I'd be running into the two of you here together, but hey, I can't say I'm surprised," he taunts indifferently, cutting his eyes down to my hands on Lani's waist. "Really awesome job out there on those waves today, Lelani. You were a natural. The way you surprised us all in the last half of that heat was admirable. You really know how to sneak up on us all, huh?"

"Excuse me?" She fires back, noticing the double meaning behind his words and narrowing her eyes on him.

"What? You don't agree? What about you, Dawson? Don't you think Lelani, here, is pretty sneaky?"

Already I can feel my blood starting to boil with anger, becoming quickly annoyed with his usual snarky comments, especially as he's directing them at Lelani.

"Fuck off, Hammond," I grit through my teeth.

"Ouch. Now, that's hurtful. Didn't your parents ever teach you any respect? Oh, wait..."

His words trail off, allowing the insult to sting as it soaks in. Growing up in foster care, I've heard it a million times before so I keep quiet and do my best to not give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Unfortunately, Lelani fails to keep the same unbothered composure.

"What the hell did you just say to him?" She spits out abruptly, starting to stomp over his way.

Quickly I grip onto her arm gently, pulling her back to me and urging her, "Fuck him, okay? Let's just get out of here."

I start to lead her back to my car as fast as I can, not wanting us to spare another second on this conceited prick because he doesn't have the right to try and ruin her special day like this.

Just as I think the tense interaction is coming to an end, Hammond calls out to us again, "Hey, Lelani. Make sure and tell that Daddy of yours I said hi, will you?"

She stops dead in her tracks as the words leave his mouth. Taking a gulp and trying to keep her worry hidden, she turns back to him and pretends to be clueless, "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about your Dad, silly; Sergeant Campbell. I saw him and your Mom out there congratulating you after the heat today. I would have come over and said hi myself, but I wasn't so sure how that would play out since you told me he didn't like you hanging around Marines and all." Sarcastically crossing his arms against his chest, his stare falls on me, "I'm guessing he doesn't know about you either, huh, brother?"

Shaky, angry, and uneasy breaths escape Lelani's throat, her dark eyes painted with worry as she looks up to me and searches for the next thing to say.

"Listen to me, okay?" I beg, seeing in her gaze how badly she wants to finish this argument but knowing there's nothing more we can say to change what he already knows. "Let's get in the car and get out of here. He's not worth the trouble."

"He'll tell him, Brodie," she whispers to me. "He'll tell him about us."

"I'll handle this, okay?" I don't actually know how I'll manage to do that, I just want her to soak in the success of today rather than dwell in the thoughts of Hammond running his smart ass mouth to her Dad. "Please, just get in the car, alright, Lani?"

"Aww, Dawson, you really are just too chivalrous. I see what you see in him, Lelani. He really

is so charming, isn't he? A totally different person from the snaky boy I once knew, who made a petty bet with me during a volleyball match at the beach."

Unwillingly, my eyes cut over to the girl not yet seated inside my car, whose stare is already prodding me for an explanation for the ambiguous statement that just fell from his lips.

"What volleyball match is he talking about, Brodie?"

Unclenching my jaw, I take a deep breath before answering, but Hammond starts to speak before I get a chance to. "Can you not remember it, Lelani? The whole thing had to do with you, after all."

Sending a warning glare, I bite out, "You're a goddamn pig. Fuck off. Lani, let's go."

"No," she argues, defiantly standing outside of the vehicle. "Tell me what he's talking about."

"Nothing, Lelani. He's just trying to get a rise out of you; out of us both." Repeating myself, I request, "Please, let's just go."