By late afternoon, everyone was mostly settled. Sandals kicked off. Tank tops and shorts on. Sunscreen everywhere.
The ocean roared in the distance, and the school staff kept yelling about group bonding and curfews no one was listening.
But me?
I was on edge.
Because I knew what tonight was.
The part Lana had whispered about on the bus with way too much excitement.
Beach Party. Fire. Booze. And a dare game that always goes too far.
I had a feeling this trip was about to turn into a war zone.
And my heart?
Might not survive it.
The fire crackled loud against the night, sparks flying into the dark sky like tiny stars trying to escape.
Music thumped from someone’s portable speaker. A bottle of vodka passed from hand to hand. Laughter spilled around the circle, wild and reckless.
L
