Before I can escape into my book, two figures approach. The girl catches my attention immediately—vibrant orange and pink outfit flowing perfectly, long black hair framing striking features. Her companion rocks a retro yellow bomber covered in patches, platinum buzz cut stark against deep skin, carrying quiet confidence.
"Oh, my God, hey!" The girl's voice carries. "You're Nora, right? From the party?"
I nod cautiously. "Yeah. How did you??—?"
"Everyone there knows who you are now."
Great. So much for staying invisible.
"I'm Camilla,” she beams, claiming the seat across from me. "And this is Marcus."
Marcus nods, grinning as he takes Jake's vacant spot. "Just an FYI, Camilla has no filter or personal boundaries. But it's nice to meet you."
I smile despite myself. "Likewise. I think."
His laugh is warm. "Well, you definitely made the night interesting."
"Glad someone enjoyed the show."
"So, what's your plan for tonight?" Camilla asks, radiating energy.
"Tonight?"
Is this stranger I met less than twenty seconds ago really asking what my plans are tonight?
"Yeah, there's going to be a bonfire at East End Beach. You should come."
Yes, yes, she is.
"Do you always invite strangers to things?"
"Told you, no filter or personal boundaries," Marcus whispers, nudging my arm.
"Only the interesting ones," Camilla grins, a confident sparkle in her eyes. "We'll pick you up on our way through. It'll be fun."
I hesitate, my fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the summer list peeking out from my notebook. The whole point was to push myself beyond these comfortable walls I've built. To say yes when every instinct screams no. The paper might as well be glowing, challenging me directly.
"Uhh, yeah," I finally manage, swallowing down the anxiety rising in my throat. "Yeah sure, why not?" The words feel foreign on my tongue, but somehow right.
Camilla claps excitedly, her bracelets jingling with the movement. "It's settled. Give me your phone so you can text me your address."
She punches in her digits and hands me back the phone.
"I think this is the start of a really amazing friendship, girlfriend."
"We'll see you tonight at seven!" Camilla yells as she walks toward the front door.
As they leave, I glance at my blank seventeenth item. Maybe it's a placeholder for unexpected adventures. This summer might just be one for the books after all.
CHAPTER11
YOU SHOULD SEE THE OTHER GUY
NATE
WatchingNora get into the car with Jake twists something deep in my gut. I can't take her home myself—not in my state—but knowing he's the one taking care of her drives a thorn deeper into my side. She hasn't been here a full day and she's already wreaking havoc in my head.
The party rages on around me, everyone too caught up in their own worlds to notice what just went down. Lines of white powder disappear up noses, couples lose themselves in dark corners, and I need a minute alone. In the bathroom, I lean over the sink, examining Connor's blood on my knuckles. At least that bastard got what he deserved.
