The wind whipped up, swirling my hair around me, the cold ocean breeze a balm to my overheated skin. The sound disguised the approaching footsteps. I didn’t hear a thing until two forms began to lower themselves, one on either side of me. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the surf, its pounding rhythm the only thing I was certain could keep me calm.

Caelyn wrapped an arm around me, while Kenna pressed her shoulder into us. A huddle against the storm. My safe harbor.

They said nothing for a long time as I stared out at the ocean, knowing their presence was what I needed most. As much as they wanted to fix everything for me, they didn’t have the magical powers to bring my sister back or prevent Ford from turning into a giant asshole. I glanced up at Kenna. “Caelyn call you?”

“Of course, she did.”

Caelyn squeezed my shoulder. “Hunter said to tell you he’s covering the bar for the rest of the day.”

I scoffed. “Like that makes up for this.” He should be thanking his lucky stars I loved his parents so much. If I didn’t, I would’ve quit on the spot.

“He didn’t give you any warning?” Kenna asked.

“Not a damn word other than to tell me he was working on finding us some help.”

Kenna let out a low whistle. “Some help.”

“I have no idea how I’m going to work with him.”

Caelyn released my shoulder and began running a hand up and down my back. “I overheard them talking. Ford’s only staying through the summer. Maybe it’ll be good. You’ve been saying Frank and Kara could use more help, and I know you and the bar need it.”

I winced. I’d bitched on more than one occasion about how Ford had left his family high and dry. I knew he’d sent them money; I’d overheard Frank and Hunter talking about it. But money wasn’t the same as support. I knew that better than anyone. I’d take love and support any day. “God, I’m such a hypocrite.”

Kenna straightened, turning to face me. “You’re a hypocrite because you don’t want to work with a man who smashed your heart to pieces? Who abandoned you in the worst moments of your life? When he had to know that you needed him? We were crazy close growing up, Bell, but Caelyn and I both knew it was Ford who was your best friend. You guys just had this weird bond, and he shat all over that.”

Caelyn’s mouth pulled into a hard line. “That’s not helping, Kenna.”

“What? It’s the truth. It’s not going to help Bell to pretend this is going to be all sunshine and roses. It’s going to suck big time.”