The Summer Catch (Oyster Cove Series Book 5) Read online

  The group of friends I'm vacationing with have been a part of my life since we attended secondary school. Though we've drifted apart at times, especially in the past several years, I know they'll always be there for me. The problem is, all of our lives have gone in different directions, and the bond we once shared has been torn apart for various reasons.

  We haven't all been taught to respect people less fortunate. In fact, the group of girls I'm vacationing with find it difficult to be kind to anyone they've come across on this sweet little island. They’re living up to the stereotype of rich bitches. It’s pathetic and sad.

  My parents didn't come from money. Maybe that's the difference between them and myself. Even though I'm spoiled, I value what we have, because I grew up hearing how hard my father worked to give it to us.

  Even though I'm in law school, my heart is set on working for a non-profit organization. I want to help people fight large corporations that do them wrong. It's a cutthroat career I know I'll be able to handle.

  Because of my upbringing, I suppose I'm critical about certain situations. Take our tour guide for instance. He's probably met all types of people in his line of work, but for some reason believes we’re the worst of the worst. I'm not defending my friends, especially Davina. She's ruthless and cold when she wants to be. She reminds me of what a bug feels like when it's squished to death. She'll never think about that bug again or how she ended its life.

  In some ways I admire her perseverance, but in other ways I loathe her method of thinking. She's aware she's being a bitch, but when called out on it she's offended. It's hypocritical, not that you'll ever hear me saying it to her face.

  Davina is self-centered. She thinks people below her are her servants. Her parents made her the way she is. Her dad bought property all over the country and contracts out solar electricity to co-ops. They're millionaires. The fact that she left the Hamptons to come to this island is shocking. She's blatantly said she wouldn't travel to places without five star spa accommodations.

  This quaint little town bleeds history. It's a family town. There's literally two bars that close around midnight. It’s peaceful and stress free. It’s the kind of place where people come after busting their asses for thirty years at a shit job, to finally be able to relax and smile. I’ve visited plenty of beaches, but none feel like I could actually live there.

  I could see myself buying a home on the water when I’m older, married, and maybe even have children one day. For now my future is already laid out. Three more years of college, and then an internship at my parent’s firm. After that I’ll join the practice until I can gain enough experience to branch out on my own. It’s a good plan; one that’s going to take a little more time to reach.

  Dreams of coming to a place like this are farfetched. It was hard enough for my friends to convince me to join them on this trip. My parents had invited me to Aruba for a month. They rented a big house for just the three of us. If they didn’t encourage me to come here instead, I would have declined. These girls like to drink their fancy champagne and gossip about anything and everything. I’m the quiet one. I’m the one who holds their hair while they’re puking. I’m the one who makes sure everyone is tucked into bed before being able to sleep myself. I’ve always been the responsible one, because I see what stupid mistakes can do to someone’s life. I’ve been around enough court cases to know right from wrong, and I don’t take chances. It’s not worth a lifetime of regret.

  Even this kayak excursion was something I didn’t feel safe doing. I’m not familiar with the area. Accidents can happen. Now I’m forced to be the mediator for our guide and my hard-to-deal-with friends. I’m not having a good time at all.

  It’s too bad he’s playing into Davina’s hand. If she’d take him seriously she’d acknowledge his valid accusations. Instead she’s put up a wall. The only thing she knows is that she will get the last word in, and she doesn’t give a damn who she hurts to make it happen.

  This poor guy didn’t wake up this morning and ask for us to ruin his life. I feel sorry for him. At first he seemed nice. He’s obviously lived here on the island for a long time. He’s very informative and conscious of his surroundings. It doesn’t hurt that underneath his life vest, he’s shirtless and looks pretty fit from what I can tell. His wavy brown hair blows in the cool breeze, and his tan skin tells me he’s been outdoors even with the weather still being chilly. I’m not close enough to see his eyes, but they appear to be either light brown or hazel. I’m sure of that much. Either way, his long lashes make it appear like he’s wearing eyeliner, when I know he’s not. At least I hope he isn’t. It would be a shame if it weren’t natural. What really catches me is his smile. It’s bright and perfect. Working a job with the public, I can only assume he’s normally good with people, just not my group, because we’re awful, at least some of us.

  I’m sure he’s hit on so much he’s used to it by now. Our group may actually be the worst he’s ever hosted.

  Davina is relentless. She keeps calling our guide’s boss until he answers. We listen to her complaining about the poor guy, going into detail about how she’s been treated unfairly, while never once admitting her faults. I’m forced to sit here and pretend it doesn’t bother me, because I know if I call her out, we’ll all have a terrible vacation. I’m not sure if she’s gotten worse, or I’ve just been oblivious for far too long. All I know is that this is the last time I ever go anywhere with her again. It makes me regret coming.

  On the other hand, this is the kind of place I can let loose in and not worry about who might judge me. Right now I can pretend my stressful life doesn’t exist. I’m not the perfect law student, or the daughter my parents pride themselves on. Right now I’m whomever the hell I feel like being and for the first time in forever it feels amazing.

  Chapter 4

  Caleb

  Being prepared for Koby was an understatement. I’m not sure how I managed to keep the group together after the vicious bitch made the call and then proceeded to taunt me the rest of the way back to the rendezvous point.

  To be honest, I didn’t care if I got paid for the day. Pissed didn’t cover the way I felt about this group of girls. I knew they were tourists from up north. If the looks of them wasn’t a dead giveaway, the accent was. Had my brother been with us, it would have been much easier to give them hell. More disgusted than I can ever remember getting, I refused to give her more ammunition. Maybe the hot chick was right. It was better I leave things alone.

  Out of the whole group, she was the nicest. As a matter of fact, before they got in their convertible BMW, she managed to slip me a hundred dollar bill with apologizing eyes. One thing I knew for sure is that the tip was a gift from her alone. She mouthed the words ‘sorry’ before turning around and joining the bitch crew.

  Davina, the obvious leader of Bitchville, flipped me the bird while racing out of the parking lot.

  “Fuck you too!” I said loud enough she could hear me. The crunch of the gravel told me someone was behind me. My shoulders slumped as I turn and find Koby standing there with disappointment in his eyes. “I had to wave their payments to keep them from leaving a bad review.”

  My brows raise and I laugh loudly. “That ain’t going to do shit. I’m pretty sure I just met the devil, dude. She was like an evil succubus.”

  “Whatever she was, she really didn’t like you.”

  I motion from my shoulders to feet. “What’s not to love?”

  He playfully shoves me. “Maybe you were asking for it?”

  “I ask for a lot, but never that shit. I’m not kidding. They were awful. They’re lucky I didn’t come back without them.”

  Koby cackles. “That bad, huh?”

  “Terrible. I have a headache like a motherfucker. In fact, I think I need to take the rest of the day off.”

  “Too bad we’re double booked. Get your ass some lunch and be back in two hours. Forget about those chicks. You never have to see them again.”

  “Good,”
I happily reply. “Remind me to never travel up north.”

  Across from the kayak rental business are several food trucks. Since there’s no traffic in the spring months, I run without looking. I know everyone on the island with the exception of newly born babies and people who may have just moved here. Most of the older couples frequent the diner my family owns and operates. Ever since Mr. Paul’s Place closed its doors, we’ve been slammed every morning. Although we welcome the business, even in the off-season, it’s sad to know that a place we spent every Sunday morning at is gone.

  Evie Walls has a baseball hat on, hiding her usual long blonde hair. When she sees me coming across the lot she starts on me. “Look what the cat dragged in. If you came here for lunch, sorry about your luck. We’re closed for assholes and their friends.”

  I scan the lot and realize I’m alone. Since my tour ended early, the lunch rush hasn’t started yet. “I’ve had a shit morning. Don’t start.”

  She snickers and hands me a soda, Coke mixed with Dr. Pepper. It’s something I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid. With a wink, she leans forward to chat. “You weren’t out last night. Paul got a stick up his ass and decided to sink that old Johnboat. He set the bitch on fire and sent it out to sea. Then we got drunk and hung out on the docks. Bristol came by.”

  Bristol is my little sister. She’s still a minor, not that it stops her. No matter how hard the rest of us try to keep her out of trouble, she always seems to find her way in it. “That damn girl. You should have called one of us.”

  “I did. I text both you and Coop.”

  Suddenly realizing that I’ve yet to check my phone, I shrug. “My bad.”

  “She didn’t seem messed up. Matt was with her.”

  Matt, AKA my stepbrother. Bristol and Matt have a love-hate-hate more relationship. I’m assuming last night they were getting along. I never got a call that one was in the hospital or jail so that’s a good sign.

  “Brant, West, or Dane can deal with her. I’m tired of bailing her out. Now she thinks she can crash at our place any time she wants. That shit ain’t happening.”

  “Why?” She responds with sarcasm. “You think she’ll come between you and getting your dick wet?”

  Evie and I go way back. Most island kids do. Our classrooms were on the small side. The dating pool was shit. Everyone has messed around with everyone, and the list isn’t at all long. It’s sad actually. Evie and I messed around years ago. We had fun, but neither of us wanted anything more. I guess that’s why we get along so well. We’re on the same page and she’s actually cool about it.

  “Shut up. Give me a pit beef sandwich with chips. BBQ and horseradish.”

  “It’s already being prepared. After I heard the commotion and saw you headed this way I took the liberty of ordering for you.”

  “Thanks,” I say as I pull out the hundred-dollar bill and slap it on the counter. “It’s the only cash I have.”

  “Seriously? You know I can’t break this. You’re the first customer of the day.”

  A guffaw escapes me before I tuck the cash back in my pocket and pull out my wallet. “Fine. Here.” This time I hand her a ten. She rolls her eyes and says something under her breath as she turns around to place it in the register. While she’s back there, I check her out from the backside. “You been working out?”

  She cocks her head back and flashes an evil grin. “Did I say you could stare at my ass?”

  I sip on my cold beverage. “I don’t need permission. Once you’ve hit it, it’s totally allowed.”

  “No wonder those ladies took off so quickly. They were probably vomiting in their mouths.”

  When she faces me I take it upon myself to fill her in. “Those chicks were horrible people. They scare me. I wouldn’t touch any of them with a ten foot pole, and you know it takes a lot to deter me from a free lay.”

  “That bad, huh?”

  “They make you look like an angel.”

  She takes a handful of ice from the machine and throws it at me. “You suck, Caleb.”

  “Maybe, but you do it so much better than me.”

  With it being slow, Evie sits out at a table while I eat my lunch. We make plans to hang out with everyone over the weekend and part ways with more ornery banter. When my break is over I feel a bit more relaxed. It’s good to know when one woman pisses me off, there’s always another to take the sting away.

  After staring a good while at Evie’s ass, I’m intrigued to know if she’s hiding any new tricks I might want to explore.

  At the end of the day, it’s a good time to be had by all. That’s my personal guarantee.

  Chapter 5

  Caleb

  My afternoon kayak tour is a family of six, the youngest child age seven. They are calm and quiet, which enables me to give them the best damn experience around. When all is said and done I get a twenty dollar tip and pat on the back from the dad. At least someone appreciates my skills.

  Koby gives me a lift back to the apartment. Once inside, I plop down on the couch for a nap, knowing damn well my brother will wake me when he gets home. Except, it’s not his charming voice that greets me. Instead I hear arguing and sit up to find Bristol and my father having words. She’s carrying two large bags. Before I'm able to wipe my eyes, I'm being pointed at. "Your sister thinks she can move out and support herself, and I'm tired of arguing about it. She's not coming home until I get a sincere apology."

  Bristol rolls her eyes while keeping her arms crossed over her chest. She's so damn difficult. "Whatever! I'm not coming back."

  "You can't stay here. We don't have the room. Go stay with Brant."

  "He won't let her. They don't want her coming and going in the middle of the night. West either. Dane has his hands full with the baby."

  "Well that's not my problem."

  "It is now. You and Coop are free to stay at the house. You're there every day as it is. Let this little know-it-all learn a lesson."

  I stand, stretching, before walking my dad outside to the porch. "This is a joke, right?"

  His stern face tells me otherwise. "No. I've had it. She refuses to follow the simple house rules and she doesn't want to pitch in. She won't cook or clean. She doesn't pay rent. Hell, she barely wants to show up for her shift at the diner. I'm losing my mind, and it's not fair to Alice."

  "Again, how is this my problem?"

  "Son, I need your help. Just let her stay with you for a couple weeks. Make her pay rent. Show her how much better off she is admitting she's wrong. She needs to learn a lesson."

  "You do know this could blow up in your face, right?"

  "If it does, I'll help her move to another place. I have a good feeling that she'll be home after a couple days. Especially staying with you and Coop."

  I shouldn't be offended. "What's that mean?"

  “It means you guys live like a bunch of pigs. You eat, sleep and shit here. When is the last time you picked up after yourselves?”

  I shrug. “It’s not that bad. We do our laundry.”

  “At my house,” he counters. “Listen, I’m not asking you to take care of her. Just keep an eye on her. Be her brother.”

  Running my hands over my stressed face, I hate that I’m about to agree with him. “Fine. She can crash here for a while, but it’s not permanent. She’s a pain in my ass too.”

  “I bet your mother is turning over in her grave right now. She’d know what to do about her. Should’ve known she’d be the hardest one of you five kids.”

  “She’s a spoiled brat, Dad. What did you expect?”

  “Maybe. I just tried to do right by all of you.”

  “You’re a good dad. She’s just an asshole right now. I guess we all were at some point.”

  He places his hand on my shoulder. “Watch your little sister for me. Don’t enable her. Make sure she has a curfew while she’s with you boys, and don’t you dare let her drink. If I find out you’ve let her get drunk with your friends I’ll beat both of your asses.”

  I la
ugh. It’s comical to think about my dad picking me up and putting me over his knee. I’m as big as he is. “You could try.”

  He shoves me and laughs at himself. “Just behave.”

  “She’ll be fine, Dad. I’ll make sure she never wants to leave home. I’ll make her scared to go outside.”

  He’s shaking his head and rolling his eyes as he sticks his head in the door and gives my sister the news. “Your brothers are in charge. Listen to them and abide by their rules. If I have to come and get your ass, you’ll never hear the end of it.”

  “Whatever, Dad.”

  I remain on the porch until Dad gets in his truck and pulls away. Then go into the house to find my sister making herself comfortable on the couch. I push her over and take the remote from her hand, turning on a zombie horror flick I know she can’t stand. “My house, my rules, sis.” Slipping my feet up on the coffee table, I turn to face her. “What’re you making for dinner?”

  “What? I’m not doing shit for you.”

  “Oh really?” I point for the exit. “There’s the door. You don’t want to pitch in, get the fuck out.”

  She shoves me, but doesn’t leave the couch. “I’m not going to be your slave. Dad wouldn’t leave me alone. I’ll barely be here.”

  “Don’t think you can use me for a place to keep your shit while you run around town.”

  “Caleb, I’m going to do whatever I want. I’m almost twenty. Dad needs to chill.”

  “You need to chill. He’s worried about you.”

  “Well he’s overbearing and I’m sick of it. If I want to party, I’m going to. End. Of. Story.”