Chasing the Tide

Chapter Two: The Morning After

Lila woke to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, the early morning light filtering through the thin curtains of the beach house. She stretched beneath the crisp sheets, feeling the remnants of last night’s exhilaration tingling in her veins. Her heart still fluttered at the thought of Noah—the way he had looked at her, like she was someone who mattered, someone who wasn’t just a product of her upbringing or the expectations placed on her.

She sat up, running a hand through her tangled curls, and glanced toward the other bed. Cassidy was still asleep, her arm draped over the pillow, her hair spilling in golden waves over the blankets. Last night, Lila hadn’t told her everything. She hadn’t told her about the way Noah’s fingers had lingered against hers, the way his words had felt like both a promise and a challenge.

A soft knock at the door made her jump. Pulling the sheets tighter around her, she tiptoed across the cool wooden floor and cracked the door open.

“Morning, sunshine,” Annie whispered, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. “So… are you going to tell me why you were missing from the dance hall for half the night?”

Lila rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t keep the smile from breaking through. “I just… went for a walk.”

Annie gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “A walk? With who?”

Lila hesitated, then sighed. “Noah.”

Annie let out a delighted squeal and plopped onto the bed, patting the spot beside her. “Oh, this is good. Tell me everything.”

Lila sat down, pulling a pillow onto her lap. “There’s nothing to tell.”

Annie gave her a knowing look. “Lila, come on. We both know you don’t sneak off for midnight walks with just anyone.”

Lila bit her lip, her heart still racing at the memory. “It was just… different. He’s different.”

Annie studied her for a moment before grinning. “Well, whatever it is, I’m here for it. And you know Cassidy’s going to freak out when she finds out.”

Lila groaned, burying her face in the pillow. “Don’t remind me.”

Annie laughed, nudging her playfully. “Come on, let’s get dressed. There’s a whole day ahead of us, and I have a feeling this summer is only getting started.”