Page 76 of Between the Boards
Based on Gabriel’s expression, what they’re requesting must not be all that great.
“What are they asking for?”
He sighs heavily, looking around the room before glancing back at me. “They want to either straighten your hair, or give you a wig.”
I frown, slightly taken aback. “Is there a reason they don’t want my hair curly?”
”They’re promoting a product that’s meant for people with straight hair,” he sighs. “My guess is they picked you because they’re trying to do damage control after the scene Colton caused at the competition.”
“Ugh.” I curl my lip in disgust. “I’ll pass.”
He nods as if he expected it.
“But, I do have an idea I wanted to run by you, if you have time,” I quickly say.
He looks up at me curiously. “An idea?”
I nod. “What if instead of searching for sponsors that have products that align with me, we partner with a brand to create those products?”
Gabriel stands up straighter. “I’m surprised I never thought of that,” he says. “Good thinking, kid.”
“It was actually Colton’s idea.” I giggle. “While he was doing my hair last night, we got to talking about products and searching for brands that cater to people that look like me. He came up with the idea right there on the spot.”
“Is that so?” He says, a smirk playing on his lips. “Can I ask you something?”
“Uh, sure.”
“You two seem to be spending a lot of time together,” he says. “My cousin even told me she caught you both making out at her bar more than once.”
My cheeks warm at his directness, and I can’t think of anything to say, which only causes his smirk to grow wider.
“I’m just curious to know if you two have something going on, seeing as you’re apparently going on a date with my brother-in-law tonight.”
He doesn’t sound or look like he’s genuinely concerned for Zale’s sake. In fact, from what I remember, they tolerate each other for Zalea’s sake.
“Colton and I are just friends,” I say, but it sounds weak even to my own ears.
Gabriel nods, pursing his lips slightly. “That’s a shame,” he murmurs as he rounds the desk and takes a seat. “Seems like he’s head over heels for you.”
I’m too stunned to speak. This is so unlike Gabriel, meddling in other people’s business so pointedly, and I know it’s going to be on my mind for the rest of the day.
“Anyway,” he says, clearing his throat. “I’ll put together a collaboration proposition and reach out to a few contacts I have who I think would be perfect to partner with on this.”
“Thanks Gabriel,” I say quietly, turning to leave.
“Oh, one more thing,” he calls out.
I look at him over my shoulder, noticing his sly smile first. “Stephen Kodak, the judge that’s been targeting you, is on unpaid leave pending an investigation.”
I gasp, turning to completely face him. “Does that mean he’s gone?”
He folds his hands together on his desk. “It’ll be pretty damn near impossible for him to get back on the board.”
“What happened?”
“Well,” Gabriel scratches his arms behind his head and leans back. “It seems thatsomeonetook the time to examine his judging patterns when it came to every single marginalized surfer, and there was a very clear history of lower ratings.”
I’m so happy that my vision begins to blur with happy tears. “Was it you?”
