Holding Billy’s wallet, Xavier stood knee high in the foamy Atlantic Ocean.
The waves broke gently against his calves and the afternoon sun shone down on his face. He couldn’t stop grinning at the sight of Billy, who, fully dressed, swam, or at least attempted to swim, several feet from him, deeper in the sea. “Careful,” Xavier screamed again. “Watch out for the undertow.”
But the ocean wasn’t agitated and the waves weren’t too impressive. Billy would be all right. At least he knew how to swim. Xavier had always been too afraid of the water, though his father had tried to teach him.
Xavier looked around. Was he here? Was he really here?
Daytona Beach. Now what? Where would they park the car tonight? Where would they wash up? Xavier had spotted a few cheap motels off the shore, deeper i
