Page 16 of Rival Summer

"God, I missed you," I breathed out. Willow's hug was a reminder of the unspoken bond we shared, a friendship worth being in Bayside for.

We might have stayed lost in our reunion if not for a sharp voice interrupting our bubble. "I'm not paying you to cuddle."

Looking up from our spot on the floor, I saw Caroline standing over us, arms crossed, gaze as stern as her tone. A box thudded beside me, overflowing with rolls of paper towels, glass cleaner, and a pile of sponges and brushes.

"Your first mission: make the entrance bathrooms sparkle like the Fourth of July." Caroline's lips twisted into a tight smile,though it held no warmth at all. "Everything needs to be top-notch for tomorrow."

Willow and I exchanged a glance as Caroline strode away, leaving a trail of intimidation in her wake. Our smiles held a mutual conspiracy, eyes twinkling with silent awareness at the absurdity of being tasked with bathroom duty.

"Up you get," Willow chirped, extending a hand to help me off the floor. Together, we hoisted the box of cleaning supplies.

"Thanks, girl," I said, brushing off the dust from my clothes. "Let's knock this out. Then onto the next ridiculous task Caroline comes up with."

"Got your back," Willow replied, her grin infectious. "Bathroom duty now, and a much needed margarita later." Arm in arm, we took on the bathroom shitstorm together.

The next day, Willow and I got ready for the welcome event together. I twisted a silver tube, watching as the dark red shade of confidence emerged. I glided the lipstick over the contours of my lips, trying to hide my turmoil. My stomach knotted knowing I’d see Reese and Boston at the Blue Devils’ welcome event. But this lipstick—bold and unapologetic—was my armor. It made me feel invincible, or at least that's what I told myself. As my grandmother would have said, “Lipstick and the right pair of heels can carry you through any battle.”

"So, how has Reese been?" I asked casually, my eyes meeting Willows in the reflection.

"Same old Reese," Willow responded with a small smile. Pausing, she added, "Well, maybe not entirely the same. Wait till you see him."

Curiosity piqued, I turned to face her directly. "What do you mean?"

She flashed a knowing grin. "Oh, you'll know when you see it."

"Whatever," I muttered, brushing off the vague response. "Is he with anyone?" I said, changing the subject.

"No, I don't think so," she replied, applying the final touches to her makeup.

"Have you guys talked much since last summer?" she prodded gently.

I shook my head. "No. He tried to send me a few messages, maybe called once, but I didn't really get the feeling he wanted to actually talk."

Willow's expression softened. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," I said, forcing a smile. "Everything happens for a reason."

"Are you nervous to see him?" she asked, her curls bouncing as she tilted her head.

"Yeah, can't help it—but I’m staying away. Not repeating last summer."

"I have an idea," she said with a wink. "I know exactly what you need."

"What do I need?" I echoed, puzzled.

"You need a hot girl summer." Her eyes twinkled mischievously.

I couldn’t suppress a laugh at the absurdity. "What does that mean?"

"Oh, Chandler," she rolled her eyes playfully. “It just means that you do what you want this summer, no boys bringing you down! No worries.”

"Hmm... that doesn’t sound so bad," I admitted.

"And I will totally help you execute this plan."

Despite the playfulness of the exchange, a knot of worry still settled in my stomach, heavy and persistent. Tonight loomed over me like a shadow I couldn't escape.

When we got to the welcome event, I beamed, proud of the work we’d done the night before. We’d outdone ourselves.The tablecloths draping over the long tables glimmered with an elegance last year's linen couldn't match, and the banners swayed grandly above us, commanding attention.

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