Chasing the Tide

Chapter Six: Dream Chaser

A few hours later, the girls found themselves strolling along the boardwalk, oversized sunglasses shielding their tired eyes from the glare of the sun. The air buzzed with the sounds of summer—seagulls calling overhead, the distant hum of live music, the scent of fried food and saltwater filling their lungs. The contest flyer had been taped to the side of the lifeguard stand, its neon colors catching Annie’s eye the moment they set foot on the boardwalk. Bikini Fun in the Sun Contest! Grand Prize: A trip to L.A. for a professional swimwear shoot!

Annie’s heart pounded as she yanked it down, spinning toward the others. "This is it. This is my chance."

Cassidy raised an eyebrow, sipping her iced coffee. "To prance around in a bikini?"

"To get discovered," Annie corrected, her blue eyes ablaze with excitement. "You know I’ve always wanted to break out of that small-town life. This could be my ticket."

Lila forced a smile, her mind elsewhere. Her phone buzzed in her bag—Cotton. Again. She ignored it, the guilt creeping up her spine. She should be picking out wedding invitations, not making out with a Marine on the beach. Not wondering what it would feel like to finally let go.

"You’re really doing this?" Lila asked, forcing herself back into the moment.

Annie smirked. "Hell yes. And you’re coming with me."

Cassidy sighed. "Looks like we’ve got a front-row seat to Annie’s Hollywood debut."

Just then, a seagull swooped down and stole Cassidy’s sandwich straight from her hand. She yelped, causing Annie to burst into laughter. "See? Even the universe wants me to be a star!"

Lila’s phone buzzed again, Noah’s name flashing across the screen this time. Her fingers itched to answer.

Maybe Annie wasn’t the only one chasing a dream.