Along The Distant Shore

Chapter 8

4 days later.....

I sit cross-legged at my desk, Purple Rain spinning softly on the turntable, filling my room with that crackly vinyl warmth. I hum along, feeling a little blush creep up on my cheeks. There's no listening to this song now without thinking of Leo—his goofy smile, his off-key humming in the car, and how he somehow makes even quiet moments feel like they're buzzing with something I can't quite put into words.

I prop my digital camera up on a stack of books and hit record, leaning into the lens with a smirk.

"Okay, this might sound weird," I start, dropping my voice to a playful whisper, "but I think I could actually be the next Emma Chamberlain." I laugh, scrunching my nose. "I mean, I'm quirky, awkward... a little neurotic. People need that, right?"

I twirl a piece of my hair, pretending to look all self-assured. "Picture it: 'River Scott, YouTube star, world traveler, icon.'" I pause, glancing off to the side, like I'm already imagining my new life. "Or maybe I'll just be a professional over-sharer. Either way, someone's bound to subscribe."

Just then, my phone buzzes on the desk, pulling me out of my daydream. I glance down, and my smile softens when I see Leo's name pop up on the screen.

I swipe to answer, leaning back in my chair. "Hey."

"Hey, superstar," he says, that laid-back tone in his voice that I've come to love. "What are you up to?"

"Just practicing my future influencer career," I say, rolling my eyes but smiling anyway.

"Oh, nice. Can I be in the background, giving unwanted commentary?"

"Obviously," I laugh. "Wouldn't be the same without you randomly talking about football or food."

"Well, in that case, before you blow up and forget about us peasants, I was thinking we should hit the beach today. You, me, and the whole crew. What do you say?"

I bite my lip, feeling a thrill at the thought of spending the day with him—and, yeah, our friends too. "Sounds perfect."

"Cool," he replies, and I can practically hear him grinning through the phone. "I'll pick you up in an hour?"

"Deal."

As the call ends, I set my phone down and turn back to the camera. "So... maybe a famous YouTuber and a beach babe? What do you think?"

I winked at the camera, reaching over to stop the recording, already daydreaming about the day ahead.

I tied on my black bikini and threw an oversized button-up on top as a cover-up. After checking myself in the mirror, I grabbed my phone to text the group.

Me: Beach day. Leo's idea. You two in? Meet at my place?

It didn't take long.

Chelsea: Free and already halfway out the door. Should I bring my cooler ?

Becca: Count me in, but if I get sunburned, it's officially your fault.

Me: Yeah, yeah, blame me when you look like a lobster.

Chelsea: Bring sunscreen, genius. You remember what happened last time?

Me: One time! I forget it ONE TIME.

I rolled my eyes, knowing they'd both come fully prepared with enough sunscreen and snacks for the entire beach. My phone pinged again, and Chelsea sent a mirror selfie of herself in a tank top and shorts with sunglasses perched on her head.

Chelsea: Acceptable beach fit?

Becca: If you're aiming for "high school gym teacher on vacation," it's perfect.