Page 33 of Rival Summer

A designated committee member began passing out the envelopes as Caroline continued to speak. “Willow," she gestured toward her, "will create a group chat and add everyone.” The crowd shifted, moving closer to grab their envelopes.

"First one completed must have all photos in," Caroline added, "and type 'Blue Devils' once completed. We will reviewall photos at the end of the day and make sure the winner has completed each task. Any questions?"

I turned toward Chandler, but before I could get her attention, a firm grip grabbed my arm.

"Boston, you're with me." Caroline's tone left no room for argument, her fingers squeezing assertively just above my elbow.

"Uh, sure, Caroline," I managed, taken back by her sudden claim on me.

I shot Chandler an apologetic look hoping my expression conveyed to her that I’d have rather been her teammate. Chandler's smile softened, understanding and forgiving as always.

Parker stood up before he said, "So, which of you ladies wants to have me all to themselves today?"

"Ew, not I," Chandler quipped, a grimace on her face.

Willow stepped forward. "I'll oblige, but just so we're clear, I am very competitive. We win or we don't do it at all."

Parker's grin was instant. "Lead the way," he said before they disappeared into the crowd.

"Come on, we've got to strategize," Caroline tugged at my sleeve impatiently, her eyes filled with competitive fire. I let her pull me away, but not before casting a lingering glance back over my shoulder.

Reese had his arm casually draped around Chandler's shoulders. My stomach tightened. I knew that meant they were partners. They would have to spend the day together. After last night, I couldn’t stand the thought. I know Reese said he was stepping back, but could I really trust him? Last year, he’d used her to get to me. What if he was planning to do it again?

"Okay, you drive. I'll keep track of the envelopes," Caroline instructed with an assertive nod that snapped me out of my thoughts about Chandler and Reese.

"Sure," I replied, shaking my head slightly to refocus on the task at hand. As much as I tried, thoughts of Chandler getting into Reese's truck, her laughter mingling with his, kept intruding.

I walked over to Caroline's side of the car and opened the door for her before making my way around to the driver's side.

"Thanks," Caroline said as she settled into the passenger seat. She wasted no time pulling out the first envelope from the stack she was cradling.

Curiosity got the better of me. "Don't you already know what's inside?"

She tore open the seal and peeked inside with a smirk. "As a matter of fact, I don't. Some of the committee members helped organize this part. Keeps it interesting."

"I see," I said, turning the key and stealing one last glance toward Reese's truck. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, forcing myself to look away. Today was about winning the prize, nothing else.

"Ready?" Caroline’s excitement brought my attention back to her and whatever we were about to take on. We had a mission, and I needed to focus on that... and only that.

"I guess so. What does it say?" I asked, glancing over at Caroline as she pulled a folded piece of paper from the envelope, a playful smirk on her lips.

"It says to write your partner's name and something others might not know about them on one of these sheets of paper," Caroline read aloud, her eyes scanning the instructions. "And then hold it up in front of their favorite view in Bayside."

"Sounds simple enough," I shrugged, trying to muster some enthusiasm. "Where's your favorite view?"

"That's easy," she replied, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Go straight, and I'll tell you when to take a left."

I nodded and then shifted the truck back into park just before we left the lot. "Actually, since we're here, we should probably do mine first."

"Okay," she said, looking intrigued. "What's your favorite view?"

"Right here." I pointed toward the ballfield.

"Here?" Caroline's voice was surprised, but she quickly put on a smile. She scribbled something down on the small paper and stepped out to take a photo, leaving me alone with my thoughts for a moment.

When she got back into the car, I couldn't help but ask. "What did you write?"

Caroline just winked, placing her phone down. "Oh, you'll find out."

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