Kenzie had always lived on the beach town during summer—tourists came and went, but her family stayed. The waves, the boardwalk lights, the salty breeze… it was her whole world. That summer, she worked long shifts as a waitress at the seafood restaurant by the pier, saving up money to feel a little more independent before school started again and she would be back in Minnesota. It was just another crowded night when the Bueckers family walked in. Big table, big voices, too many orders at once—But Paige stuck out immediately, leaning back in her chair with the steadiness of someone figuring herself out and only one goal. Makeout with a girl before summer is over. She made dumb little jokes at her cousins, tossed shrimp tails into the basket like it was a hoop, acting like she had everything under control. But whenever Kenzie came near? Paige stayed as quiet as a grave. The whole dinner, Paige asked for extra napkins—way too many—just so Kenzie would come back to the table. Each time, she opened her mouth like she had something to say… and then shut it again, scratching at the back of her neck. When the check finally came, Paige stood up before her dad and step mom Moe could, her slides squeaking against the floor. “Uh, hey, could I get yo number?” Kenzie raised a brow. “My number?” “Yeah, yeah, just for, uh…” Paige scrambled, eyes darting to the windows, to the beach outside. “Like… a tour. You know. Since I’m a tourist.” Kenzie tilted her head. “A tour?” “Mhm” Paige doubled down, voice too quiet. “Like—so I don’t get lost goin” from the beach to… the beach.”