The summer we met

A walk through Azure Bay

The Summer We Met

Chapter 2 – A Walk Through Azure Bay

The next morning, the sun rose over Azure Bay, filling the streets with a warm golden glow. Maya tied her apron at Seabreeze Café and took a deep breath.

"First day," she whispered. "You can do this."

The café overlooked the beach, and the scent of fresh bread and coffee drifted through the open windows. Customers came and went all morning, and before long Maya found herself smiling as she served drinks and pastries.

Just after noon, the café door chimed.

Maya looked up.

It was Noah.

A camera hung around his neck, just as it had the day before.

"Hi," he said with a friendly smile.

"Hi."

"I was hoping I'd find you here."

"You remembered?"

"You said this was your first day at work."

Maya smiled.

"I did."

Noah ordered an iced coffee and a blueberry muffin before taking a seat by the window. While waiting, he quietly lifted his camera and photographed the waves outside.

"You really carry that camera everywhere," Maya said as she brought over his order.

"It's kind of my best friend."

She laughed.

"I think it likes the beach more than you do."

"Maybe." He grinned. "But today it's mostly interested in the café."

"The café?"

"And the girl who works here."

Maya blinked.

"Don't worry," Noah said quickly. "I mean the place. The sunlight coming through the windows looks amazing."

She laughed again, feeling her cheeks grow warm.

When Maya's shift ended later that afternoon, she stepped outside to find Noah waiting on the boardwalk.

"I thought I'd keep my promise," he said.

"My promise?"

"Showing you around Azure Bay."

Together they walked along the shoreline, passing colorful beach umbrellas, tiny souvenir shops, and children building sandcastles.

"This is Lighthouse Point," Noah said, pointing toward a white lighthouse standing proudly above the cliffs.

"It's beautiful," Maya whispered.

"It gets even better at sunset."

As they continued walking, Noah stopped every few minutes to take photographs—of the sea, seashells, flying birds, and even an old wooden boat resting on the sand.

"You notice everything," Maya said.

"My camera helps me remember the little moments."

Maya smiled.

"I like that."

By the time the sun began to set, they had laughed more than either of them expected.

Standing by the water, Maya watched the sky turn shades of pink and orange.

"I think Azure Bay is starting to feel like home," she said softly.

Noah smiled.

"I'm glad."