Page 58 of Finish Line

I smile and tip my face toward him. Luke does the same thing.

The guys leave, and as Cin and Paige place water and pop in the cooler, I go back and put Mav’s notebook on my dresser, then I make sure we have snacks and sunscreen.

As we make our way down to the beach, Paige groans.

“What’s wrong?” I glance around for what could upset my friend.

She points toward the beach, where the guys set up a volleyball net. “Great, it’s gym class all over again.”

I giggle. “Oh, Paige, it’s friends playing volleyball, no big deal.”

“Just wait until I hit the ball into your face or the water.” She points to my face, then the water. “You remember, don’t you?”

Cin’s head bounces between the both of us.

“I was in gym, and we were playing volleyball,” Paige stares at the sand. “I went to serve, and instead of going over the net, it curved and hit the teacher.”

I demonstrate with my hand.

Cin covers her mouth and tries to hold in her laugh, but it doesn’t work. When we both laugh, Paige stands with her arms crossed.

“It’s nice to see you laughing again.” Cin shakes a bottle. “Do you need some sunscreen?”

“Yes, please, or I’ll be a lobster by tonight.” I take the bottle off Cin, sit down, and put it on.

“Can you do my back, please?” I ask.

“Only if you can do mine.”

“Deal.”

When she moves behind me, I stiffen when she touches me for the first time, but as she continues, I calm down.

We switch, and I put it on her. Then she helps Paige.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand. I search the row of houses for anyone who might be out of place.

“Shelby, you all right?” Paige moves the cooler closer to us.

I fidget in my seat. “Yeah, just not used to having people around me.”

I’m used to the beach being empty, but since this is spring break, more people lounge near us.

“You couldn’t have picked a more relaxing spot,” she says.

“I didn’t pick it. Frank did. I told him I wanted something warm. But since being here, I can tell you the ocean has a way of healing you.” I stretch out to help calm my nerves.

The sun is about two-thirds of the way through the morning sky, causing the surrounding foliage to cast into the shadows. Small birds dart along the sand, picking up insects and beach crabs before flying off with their bounty.

Like the many times I’ve been here, groups of people play in the sand, but they’re farther down the beach. Sailboats and catamarans float in the distance.

“Did I tell you Cam’s teaching me to surf?” I ask.

“No way.” Paige laughs.

“I’m pretty good at it,” I say.

“Good at what?” Cin adjusts her umbrella to block more of the sun.

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