The last night at the beach house buzzed with the soft hum of waves, low music, and the clinking of bottles scattered around the patio.
They were all sprawled on lounge chairs and pillows, the warm salty breeze tangling their hair. Drinks flowed easily—champagne, margaritas, cheap wine someone found buried in the kitchen cabinet.
Eliana sat cross-legged, a glass of something sweet and bubbly in her hand. Her cheeks were already flushed from the sun and the alcohol. Her heart raced tonight. Maybe—just maybe—she and Nicky would sneak away again.
Renee leaned heavily against her, giggling uncontrollably. "El, tonight's your night. Birthday rules. You have to make a bad decision."
Eliana laughed, cheeks warm. "We'll see."
A few boys from the next beach house had wandered over—Andrew, George, and two others she hadn't caught the names of. It all blurred under the champagne.
One, a tall guy with messy brown hair and a cocky grin, dropped onto the lounge chair beside her.
