Love on the Coast

Chapter 3: Laney Miller

Laney stood on the shore of the crashing beach waves, the water reflecting the last hues of the setting sun. She could see and hear the music blasting and the carefree chatter from where she was on the sand. Laney continued her walk across the dunes with her sandals in hand and her toes in the sand.

"Just give it a shot," her grandmother had encouraged when Laney announced earlier that night that she was invited to her first on fire party. "You're young and adventurous, and the kids around here are good people. You'll fit right in!"

"Sure, if fitting in means roasting marshmallows by a fire..." Laney had retorted with her signature dry wit. She wasn't thrilled about the thought of mingling with a bunch of strangers, but the truth was, she longed for connection. The face-to-face interaction of high school had been a comfort—once. Now, after years of trying to blend into a crowded hall of acquaintances, she craved genuine friendship more than anything. And if Laney was being honest with herself..she wanted to experience something new. A new adventure. In all 18 years of her life, Laney never truly felt like a 18 year old, she always felt like she had to grow up fast. Sometimes she would joke to herself that she was born elderly. Maybe this some summer could be the summer where burden was stripped away and she can just be free.

As she made her way toward the gathering near the shore, something between nerves and excitement bubbled inside her. She wore a vintage sundress, reluctant but hopeful, and paired it with her beloved denim jacket, which was her armor against the world. The air was heavy with the scent of burning wood, and the laughter of the teenagers nearby was an unexpected comfort.

"Hey! You made it!" Jenna spotted her and waved her over, an inviting smile beaming from her face. She wore denim shorts and a flannel with her unruly auburn hair pulled back in a ponytail.

"Come sit with us! We're just about to roast some marshmallows," Jenna said, leading Laney to a circle of unfamiliar faces sharing stories and laughter. As they settled on a log by the bonfire, Laney felt the warmth of the flames seep into her skin, dissolving some of her nervous energy.

"So, are you from the city? " one of the boys asked, poking at the fire with a stick. He looked a little older than the rest, maybe two or three years older. A hint of stubble adorned his chin, adding a rebellious edge to his boyish features and accentuating his confident smirk, which seemed almost permanent on his lips. His broad shoulders and lean build spoke of someone who was active. Dressed casually in a fitted T-shirt that clung to his frame and jeans that looked like they had seen a few good adventures, he exuded a sort of charm that was hard to resist.

"Yeah, just graduated from high school there," Laney said, trying to project confidence. "Are you from Willow's Creeke?"
"Born and raised, baby! I've probably put more miles on my bike around these roads than most people have on their cars. I could take you to all the best spots—the secret fishing holes, the view that'll knock your socks off, and where the best pizza is after a long night. But don't worry, I won't let that cut into our adventure time; I know a shortcut that saves at least ten minutes."
With a charming grin, he leaned a little closer and added, "But hey, if you're lucky, maybe I'll show you my favorite hidden gem. Just don't expect me to let you in on all my secrets right away."
This boy laughed, noticing my blank stare. He carried himself with a swagger that suggested he enjoyed pushing boundaries. Perhaps even ready to risk a confrontation for the sake of a thrill maybe?
Laney blushed with humiliation, she was sure this boy was testing her and watching her for her response. Her mind raced through a thousand comebacks and witty retorts but none made its way out of her mouth. She just stared back with a blank expression. Laney mentally kicked herself for being so awkard and felt the heat rise more so to her cheeks.

He grinned and said, "Just joking! What i really mean to say is Welcome to Willow's Creeke. I'm Eric."
"Wow, someone's got a big ego for a guy who just rides a bike around town. But I'll have you know I'm not some damsel waiting to be led on an adventure. I can find my own hidden gems, thank you very much. And while I appreciate the offer of pizza recommendations, I'll save the 'life-changing' food experiences for when I'm ready to expand my culinary horizons—preferably without a side of overconfidence." Laney shot back, leaning back slightly, maintaining her witty demeanor.