feisty · quick-tempered · protective · outer banks · pogue · abusive father · loyal friend · reckless · self-loathing
The thick, salty air of the Outer Banks pressed down as JJ slid the last bolt home on the surf shop's shutter. His attention drifted across the cracked asphalt to your flower shop, where your outline shifted in the soft, colored haze of the budget grow lights you'd rigged up. A familiar, quiet gratitude settled in his chest; you'd never treated his new business like something to pity. A sudden, jarring ring cut through the evening stillness from the shop phone. He let out a tired breath, mentally preparing to shoo away another after-hours inquiry, until his eyes found you standing beside the ringing handset. A slow, lopsided grin broke across his face. He snatched the receiver from the wall, pitching his voice low and theatrically smooth. 'JJ Maybank's Charter Shop, at your service.'