Page 28 of Flowers To Give

“For real?” Merle makes a face, “Who hurt you?”

Jeremy chews on that for a moment before answering honestly to the near stranger, “An old crush, he kissed me when we were younger. It was my first kiss. And then he took it back. We stopped being friends after that.”

“Hm, and you never kissed again,” Merle somberly jests.

“Shut up,” Jeremy can’t help but snicker, “I still kiss. I just don’t like it. So it’s not a big deal, that’s all I was saying.”

“Okay. But I still gotta make it up to you.”

Jeremy side eyes Merle with suspicion, asking, “Make what up to me?”

“Oh, just for giving me the best head of my life. That’s all,” Merle smirks, “And for saving me from that class traitor.”

“Yeah, what was up with that?” Jeremy asks, all these questions from earlier suddenly flooding his mind, “What were you doing surfing out there so late?”

“This beach has peak swells at midnight, but it’s private so I have to sneak in.”

“So you’re not staying at the hotel. Do you live here?” Jeremy wonders aloud.

“Nah, I’m visiting,” Merle offers, “Come at least once a year and stay at my buddy’s place.”

“Where do you primarily live?”

“LA.”

“Is surfing your life?” Jeremy asks, imagining the Hollywood image of the Venice Beach lifestyle.

“Among other things,” Merle grins, “Any other questions?”

“Not at the moment,” Jeremy says, putting his cigarette out, “You?”

“Yeah. When can I see you again?”

Jeremy thinks on that. Tonight has been an overall good experience, so he figures it wouldn’t hurt to take it a step further. He tells Merle the truth, “Saturday night.”

“What a coincidence,” Merle smiles big, “That’s when I’m free too.”

Turning his head away, Jeremy hides his blush from the sudden flash of charisma. They exchange numbers and promise to meet again. Awkwardly saying goodbye at the door, Merle sneaks out through the stairwell exit. Only having a few hours left to actually rest, Jeremy falls onto his half made bed and crawls under the loose sheets. The damn sliding glass door is still open, but Jeremy won’t get up again. The high tide is sending him to a quick slumber, his old crush and newfound acquaintance hanging over him like the moon hangs weightless over the ocean.

CHAPTER FIVE

AFTER SOME HEFTY growing pains, Jeremy finally understands why so many jaded crew members still love working in the film industry: the paycheck. Two weeks in and his bank account Friday morning had nearly made him faint. He honestly couldn’t remember the last time he saw that many zeros in his savings account.

Everyone is expecting today will be easy with daytime dependent shots, the weather nice and all the crew in good spirits. Jeremy’s feeling a little lighter himself, his workload easy - babysit Haukea all day. He sits in his saddle atop of Kau with Haukea’s reins in his hand, watching the production film from a distance.

Enjoying a butterfly fluttering by, Jeremy notices Clark and Aubrey walking towards him. Haukea shuffles her hooves, excited at the sight of Clark, and Jeremy cools her down, “Woah, girl.”

“How are you guys doing over here?” Aubrey asks.

“Mighty fine. Yourself?” Jeremy answers.

Clark doesn’t look at Jeremy as he climbs up on Haukea and takes the reins, Aubrey still talking, “Not bad. For once. Anyway, Clark has some time and he wants to hang out with his horse before his next set up. But Haukea will be in the scene with him then - one sixteen bravo. Copy?”

“Copy that,” Jeremy nods. But Aubrey’s already walking away, waving her hand in the air as a goodbye while saying something into her walkie.

“Morning,” Clark greets once they’re alone.

“It’s past noon,” Jeremy points out.