Under the Grit

All Summer Long

The drive had been long but peaceful, the winding roads leading her closer to the promise of a week of escape. As Evangeline pulled into the driveway of the beach house, her breath caught.

It was massive.

The sprawling white home stood elevated on wooden stilts, the classic design of a coastal getaway. Wide balconies wrapped around the second floor, offering views of the ocean just beyond the dunes. The soft crash of waves was a distant but soothing backdrop, blending with the cries of seagulls circling overhead.

She eased her car into the carport beneath the house, the space shaded and cool despite the warm afternoon sun. Parking in the far corner, she killed the engine and sat in the quiet for a moment, taking it all in. This was hers-hers and her friends'-for the next week.

Evangeline stepped out of the car, the salty breeze immediately wrapping around her. She smoothed her sundress with one hand while popping the trunk with the other, grabbing her suitcase and slinging her smaller bag over her shoulder. Her sandals clicked softly against the pavement as she made her way to the exterior staircase that led to the main entrance.

The wooden stairs creaked faintly under her weight, the sound familiar and oddly comforting as she climbed. When she reached the landing, her eyes fell on the front door-a sleek, navy blue with a brass knocker. A small, handwritten note was taped just above it.

Welcome! the note read, the words looping in an elegant script. We hope you enjoy your stay. The key is under the mat. Please don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Warm regards, The Warren Family.

She smiled faintly at the personal touch, peeling the note from the door and folding it carefully before tucking it into her bag. Stooping, she felt around beneath the mat until her fingers brushed against cold metal. The key was simple and sturdy, with a small anchor charm attached to the ring.

Sliding the key into the lock, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The interior was even more stunning than she had imagined. The open floor plan stretched wide before her, bathed in natural light streaming through the large windows. A spacious living area featured plush white couches and a stone fireplace, while the kitchen to the left gleamed with stainless steel appliances and a large marble island. Everything was decorated in soft blues and whites, with touches of driftwood and seashells giving the space an effortless coastal charm.

She set her bags down near the door, her gaze sweeping over the details as she wandered further in. To the right, sliding glass doors opened onto a balcony that overlooked the ocean, the sound of the waves louder here. She made her way to the glass, pushing it open and stepping out into the salty air.

The view was breathtaking.

The sand stretched out in soft, golden waves, meeting the shimmering blue of the ocean in the distance. A set of wooden steps led from the house down to the dunes, and beyond that, the beach seemed to go on forever.

Evangeline leaned against the railing, closing her eyes as the breeze brushed against her skin. For the first time in what felt like weeks, she felt herself relax. The tightness in her chest loosened, replaced by a quiet sense of peace she hadn't realized she'd been craving.

"This is perfect," she murmured to herself, a small smile tugging at her lips.

After a few moments, she stepped back inside, taking a deep breath as she turned her attention to the rest of the house. She grabbed her bags and wandered down the hallway, peeking into the various rooms. Each bedroom was spacious and bright, with soft bedding and coastal décor. She eventually chose a room near the back of the house, its balcony offering a more secluded view of the dunes.