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T hanks. See you then .
A t nine o’clock, I closed the heavy room door. The Dune Scape parking lot was empty and all the other room lights were dark except for the room directly across from mine. I walked toward the motel’s boardwalk. After my shower, I intended to take a walk on the beach, but I fell asleep. I gave in to the nap .
Sasha was waiting for me. Her auburn hair was pulled in a ponytail, and she looked relaxed out of her resort uniform .
“Hey. I’m so glad you could make it.” She smiled .
“Me too. It was a long day .”
“How’s it going at the Dunes?” She stopped at the end of the boardwalk to kick off her flip-flops and collect them in her hand .
“It’s ok.” I followed her lead .
Sasha giggled. “It’s no resort, that’s for sure .”
“No, definitely not, but I appreciate the recommendation. I was desperate last night. I would have stayed anywhere.” I debated whether or not to fill her in on the backstory with Cole .
She grinned. “Well, I hope you’re not disappointed. This is an island party, so no grads here, but I think you’ll have fun. It’s a good group, even if they do get a little crazy sometimes .”
Once we hit the beach, I could see a glowing blaze about fifty yards from where we stood. The Dune Scape was one of the last hotels along Gulf Boulevard before the state park began .
“You can have fires out here ?”
“Not near the resorts. They are inside the city limits. As long as we’re out here near the north part of the island, it’s ok.” Sasha continued toward the party .
There was enough light from the fire for me to perform a quick head count. I added up thirty people. They were scattered in small clusters. Sasha led me over to a group of people standing near a collection of coolers .
“Everyone, this is Kaitlyn .”
Two of the guys in the small circle turned around. I didn’t recognize them from behind without their hats, but I would know those smiles anywhere .
“We know this girl. Hey, there, Carolina.” Lance loudly broadcast my new nickname. He and Cal each slung an arm around my shoulders and squeezed .
“Wait, how do you know these guys?” Sasha looked confused .
“I met them last night at Peabody’s. They volunteered as my pool coaches.” I shrugged my shoulders .
Sasha laughed. “I’m sure they did. Always so eager to help out.” She jabbed Cal in the ribs .
“Ouch, girl.” Releasing me from the hug, Cal grabbed Sasha by the waist, threw her over his shoulder, and made a circle around the fire .
“Calhoun McCoy, put me down!” Sasha shrieked .
Everyone had turned to watch Sasha and Cal circling the bonfire. I could hear some of the guys cheering Cal on. Someone suggested he take her down to the water and toss her in .
“Didn’t think I’d get to see you again so soon.” Lance’s hand slid from my shoulder .
“Crazy small world I guess.” I turned away from Cal and Sasha .
“Yeah, crazy.” He shifted in the sand. “So, how do you know Sasha ?”
“It’s kind of funny. Remember how I told you the airlines lost my luggage ?”
He nodded .
“Well, the other half of the nightmare story yesterday was that I lost my reservation at the Wave Oasis. That’s where I met Sasha. She was nice enough to recommend the Dune Scape and invite me tonight .”
“You’re staying at the Dune?” It sounded like Lance tripped on the words .
