Free Good Intentions (Welcome to Paradise) (Volume 2) by S. L. Scott Page B

Evans’ parents. He sacrificed my reputation for his own emotional gain. And all for what? Because he wanted to tear Evan down again? My anger rises to the surface. What seemed cloudy and convoluted now seems so clear. Suddenly it’s as if the world has shifted back to a time where Evan and I belonged together. And damn it, I want Evan. He’s my sexy surfer and I love him. It’s time I fight for him.
    ‘Noah Kalei wins the final heat and the Southern Shores champion title,’ the announcer blares through the speakers scattered on the beach.
    I look up, focused on the main stage thirty yards away. “Perfect timing.” I consider rubbing my hands together in an evil fashion and releasing a crazed cackle, but I save the dramatics for another time. I don’t want to seem deranged when I see Noah or he won’t trust me enough to listen. And boy is he about to get an earful! I start walking, a newfound confidence surging through my veins.

 
     
    I track Noah down behind the winner’s stage where he just had beer dumped on him.
    He’s doing an interview, but as soon as he’s done, I call, “Hey Noah.” I keep my eyes on his, not looking at the large trophy in his hands, purposely not acknowledging his win.
    “Mallory!” He hurries over and hugs me, lifting me up off the ground, spinning around, and planting a kiss on my cheek. I won’t give in and wait for him to put me down. His brow furrows, but he recovers quickly and smiles. “I won! I really won.”
    He holds out the shiny trophy for my appraisal. I keep my tone flat. “Yeah, so you did. I wanted to see if we could talk for a minute. I mean, I hate to interrupt…” That’s not true at all. “…your celebration back here, but—”
    “I’m glad you’re here. Yeah, let’s celebrate. Have you been to a luau? You told me before you want to go to one before you leave. My family is having one tonight. I want you to come with me.”
    “Oh, um, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’d like to talk now,” I say, knowing there are a few choice words I want to say to him, but unlike him, I’d prefer to say them in private.
    Looking over his shoulder at his dad, who is beaming and shaking hands with other spectators, he turns back and says, “Well, I kind of have to go now. Come with me. We can talk there.”
    I’m too angry inside and need to right this wrong that has gone on too long. I can’t let this slide any longer, so I agree. “I guess I’ll come for a bit, but we need to talk—”
    “Great! Meet me over in the parking lot in ten, okay?”
    “Fine,” I say, my chipper tone to most would render me untrustworthy, but he takes it at face value. I need to get this over and done with, location is irrelevant to me. I turn on my heel and walk back to the t-shirt booth. This is right . This is what I should’ve done over a month ago. Evan was right . I can see the lies behind Noah’s eyes so clearly now and I can’t wait to call him out. His victory party just might turn out to be my own personal celebration.
    I let Sunny know I’m going with Noah. She’s shocked by this revelation and warns against it, but I can’t let this opportunity slip away. “What am I supposed to tell Zach if he asks about you? You know he’s with Evan today.”
    “I don’t want you to lie, but I need to settle things. I can’t let this drag out any longer.”
    “Like settling a score?” she asks, eyebrows raised.
    “Don’t be so dramatic!” I laugh. “I’ve got to resolve this, not for Noah, but for me… and Evan . It’s time I set things straight with both of them and since I’m not with Evan, I’m starting with Noah.”
    I meet Noah in the parking lot at his Jeep. He has the engine already going and the trophy loaded in the back with his board strapped on top. He’s excited and the sheer happiness on his face is kind of contagious. The friendship we’ve shared is starting to override the memories of the tug-of-war he made me play against Evan. When