“Yeah. We’re almost there.”
“I didn’t even tell you the name of the place. How do you know where to go?”
“I just assumed it was this one.”
“What one?”
“The one everyone goes to.”
“This is definitely the wrong way. This road takes us to the beach. The Driver’s Ed place is on the other side of town.”
“Is it?” She laughs.
“Shayla, what’s going on?”
“Just hold on. We’re almost there.”
“Almost where? Where are you taking me?”
She pulls into the parking lot for the public beach. She shuts the car off and turns to me.
“So I just have to say that I wasn’t sure about this when he asked.”
“Who? What are you talking about?”
“You know how I feel about him, but I know you really like him and from the speech he gave me and all the work he did to pull this off, he obviously really likes you too, so I agreed to do it.”
“Do what?”
“Just head down there.” She points to the left. “When you pass the last lifeguard stand, you’ll see a blue tent. That’s where you need to go.”
I stare at her. “Okay, seriously, what’s going on?”
“I’m not supposed to say. You know, I’m starting to think this isn’t a good idea. What if he’s just luring you here to—” She stops herself. “But he knows I know. And he knows I’d tell the cops.”
“Shayla, what the hell are you talking about?”
“Nothing. I’m being paranoid. Just go. Text me when you’re ready to leave.”
“You’re telling me to get out of the car, walk down the beach, and go in a blue tent?”
She nods.
“This isn’t some joke you’re playing on me with Trystan and Braden, is it?”
“No! I hate those two.” She covers her mouth with her hand. “Sorry! Don’t tell them I said that.”
“I won’t. I hate them too.”
“Go.” She shoos me away. “He doesn’t have much time.”
“He? So I’m meeting someone here? A guy?”
“Rumor, seriously. Just go.”
“Tell me who it is. I’m not going to go meet some guy I don’t know.”
“You know him. And like him.”
