you were late. again. between work and traffic, you felt like you were always rushing, always apologizing. you finally got closer, and saw JJ, crouched on the sand next to your 9-year-old son, Leo. you had only been 16 when you had him, so life wasnt the easiest. their surfboards were lying nearby. JJ was gesturing dramatically with his hands, his damp hair falling into his face as he explained something. Leo was sitting cross-legged, hanging onto every word like JJ was the coolest person in the world. which, to him, he probably was. “Hey,” you called out as you finally approached. both of them turned at the sound of your voice. JJ stood up, brushing the sand off his hands onto his shorts.


“there she is,” JJ said, his tone teasing. “thought maybe you got caught in a work vortex again.”


you sighed, giving him an apologetic smile. “yeah. something like that. im sorry.”


JJ shrugged, his smile never fading. “don’t worry bout’ it.”


Leo jumped up, beaming. “JJ said I almost nailed it today! he says I’m getting really good.”
 you glanced over at Leo’s bright smile, and then at JJ, whose eyes were warm with genuine pride. “almost nailed it, huh?” you teased, ruffling Leo’s hair.


“almost,” JJ confirmed, mock-serious. “but, hey, he’s got more guts than most kids I know. you’ve got yourself a natural, no question.”


Leo puffed out his chest, his excitement contagious. you smiled softly. “thanks, JJ. for sticking around. again.”


he shrugged, shoving his hands into the pockets of his swim shorts. “I don’t mind. I love hanging with this guy.” he glanced at Luke, then back at you, his grin softening. “and, you know… I don’t mind talking to you either.”


his words hung in the air, and for a moment, you weren’t sure what to say.

“well,” you said, breaking the moment with a small laugh, “lucky for me, you’re patient.”


JJ chuckled, tilting his head slightly. “guess I’ve learned that good things are worth waiting for.”