Page 47 of Between the Boards
Colton steps forward before I can stop him and my heart rate picks up.
“What kind of look?” he asks.
Mark blinks. “Excuse me?”
“You said you’re looking for a specific look,” Colton says, his tone dangerously calm. “So what is it?”
“Colton—” I start under my breath, reaching for his arm, but he doesn’t budge.
Mark lets out an awkward laugh, looking to Gabriel for help but Gabriel just takes a step back, amusement sparkling in his eye as he looks between Mark and Colton.
“It’s not that deep, man. Just a branding preference.”
“Right. So explain it to us, ” Colton says, nodding slowly. “Kairi just outperformed most of the lineup, so I’m just trying to understand what makes her not a ‘good fit’ since your brand normally goes for surfers that are performing exceptionally well.”
“Colton,” I hiss, heat flooding my face as people start looking over. “Drop it.”
Mark shifts uncomfortable. “Like I said, it’s just the aesthetic of the campaign?—”
“What aesthetic?” Colton cuts in. “Straight hair? Blonde highlights? Blue eyes?”
The silence is heavy and tense, and I inwardly cringe at all the attention on us.
Mark’s smile strains as he looks around at all the eyes on us. “I don’t think this is an appropriate conversation?—”
“You’re the one standing here implying she’s not good enough without saying the real reason why,” Colton fires back.
“That’s not what I said.”
“That's exactly what you said.”
“Colton,” Gabriel steps in, amusement still glinting in his eyes as he places a hand on his shoulder. “That’s enough.”
Colton looks like he might shake Gabriel off, but instead he exhales shakily and takes a step back.
Mark straightens his shirt and looks at Gabriel and all the curious eyes still watching us with a tight expression. “Why don’t we circle back later,” he says, forcing a smile. “You can send me some options and I’ll have our team review the best way forward.”
Gabriel nods, though his expression has cooled. “Yeah. I’ll walk you out.”
As they turn to leave, he glances back at Colton with what looks to be approval, but I don’t think Colton notices. When they’re gone, the noise of the beach rushes back in around us.
“Why did you do that?” I mutter, staring down at the sand.
Colton lets out a short breath. “Do what? Defend you?”
I shake my head, mortified. “You just made a scene in front of everybody.”
“Good,” he says without hesitation. “Maybe now they’ll all think twice before pulling that shit again.”
My throat is tight from the embarrassment coursing through me and I press my lips together, not trusting myself to respond.
“I don’t get why you won’t stand up for yourself,” he says, watching me carefully. “Especially with how it makes you feel about coming to competitions.”
“The minute I do that, I’ll get labelled as aggressive, Colton.” My laugh is short and hollow. “Excuse me if I’m exhausted from constantly fighting for equality in this sport.”
His expression shifts from frustration to understanding and he studies me for a while before he nods.
“Then don’t,” he says simply.
