Surfs Up p1 extended preview

Surfs Up.

Gwen threw her bag onto the burning hot sand. “I can’t believe we made it, Oliver.

We finally made a conscious effort to drive out here and make it.” She spun around. “This is going to be so fun. Oww. Hot, hot, hot.” She danced around as she tried to get the blanket out of the bag. “Fucking sand. Who the hell made it so damn hot?”

Oliver smiled as he walked over. “I told you to wear your shoes.”

Gwen let out a sigh of relief as she sat down on the beach blanket. “Ahhh, that is much better.” She looked at her boyfriend. “And I told you I would be fine. These sandals were more than enough to get me across the beach now, weren’t they.” She rubbed her sunburnt toes. “What is a little burning sand after all?”

He sat down next to her. “I will never understand why you don’t want to do things the easy way.”

She brushed her long blonde hair. “Where is the fun in that? If I was just looking to do things the easy way, would we have taken all those back roads to come here? Huh?”

He rolled his blue eyes. “Don’t remind me. All of those bumps. I thought the rear bumper was going to bounce off of my vehicle.” He shivered. “We are not going home that way.”

“Why not?”

“Because if we do, I don’t think I will ever stop shaking, that is why.”

Gwen laughed. “Oh, come on. It isn’t all bad. There was that ice cream place.” She looked up at the blue sky. “Ahhh, I wonder what the twist on the competition will be this year.”

“What? What do you mean twist?”

She smiled and looked at Oliver. “I mean, this isn’t your standard surfing competition.

Every year they put some strange twist to make things interesting, like last year people had to surf while they were slowly shrinking on their boards.”

Oliver’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? People were shrinking when trying to surf?”

Gwen jumped to her knees. “I know, right? Isn’t it cool? I want to try my hand this year and see what happens. Be the queen of the sea.” She squealed. “It will be so exciting.”

“But you don’t know what could happen to you. Isn’t that a little worrying?”

She laughed. “No. Why?”

“I. . .”

A loud booming voice filled the air. “Will all those interested in this year’s surfing competition please make their way down to the pier? We can explain the rules there. Thank you.”

Gwen jumped to her feet. “Oh boy, it’s starting. Find a good spot and watch me win.” She waved as she rushed down the beach. “I will see you from the winners’ circle, honey.”

Oliver narrowed his eyes. “I don’t feel good about this. You really should rethink this.”

“Sorry, can’t hear you. What was that?” She laughed. “I will win, don’t worry.”

He shook his head. “That isn’t what I am worried about.”

Gwen rushed down the beach towards the pier. “I have to hurry and register.

Hopefully, they don’t have limited entry. Oww, oww, oww.” She clenched her hands as she hurried across the burning hot sand. “Maybe he was right, and I should have worn some damn beach shoes. Owwww!”

She dashed into the growing crowd as she reached the pier. “Owww.” Gwen took a deep breath. “Finally.”

“Hey! No cuts.” A young lady with short red hair pushed Gwen back. “You have to wait to register like the rest of us.”

Gwen sighed. “Sorry. I just got here. I didn’t even know there was a line.”

The young lady snorted. “Sure, you did.” She narrowed her green eyes. “I am watching you.” She turned around.

Gwen looked ahead. “At least it isn’t a long line.” She looked up at the sky. “I do wish we had some shade, though.” She gulped as a bead of sweat dripped down her back. “Some nice, sweet shade.” The minutes dragged on as Gwen waited to move up the line, the sun beating down from above. Slowly but surely, she made her way to the front, where a middle-aged man was waiting, lemonade in hand, as he sat at his desk.

“Hello. State your name, please.” He didn’t bother to look up at Gwen as he tapped away at his phone. “Hurry up, please. It is hot out.”

Gwen narrowed her eyes. “Yes, it is.” She slammed her hands down on the table. “My name is Gwen Terryson. I am here to surf!”

The man gulped as he tried not to spill his drink. “Hey! Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to get this thing refilled?” He looked up at her. “Gwen, was it? Ok.”

He handed her a blue piece of gum. “Here, eat this, and then take a surfboard.”

Gwen looked down at the gum. “Why? What is this for?”

He sighed. “It is part of this year’s twist. The gum will enhance you as you surf ok. Do you want to try for the grand prize or not?”

Her eyes drifted off into space as she imagined herself holding the winner’s trophy. “Ohhh, I can see it now. It is amazing.”

He tapped his fingers on the side of the lemonade glass. “Well, then eat the damn gum and get a surfboard already.” He turned her around and pushed her down the pier. “And stop holding up the line.”

“Wait. What do I do once I get on the surfboard? How do I win?”

“They will tell you once everyone is out at sea. I am just here to register people. Now go!”