The winding road we’ve been on since I left the highway on a whim has taken us through a few coastal towns.
We’ve left a medium-sized town called Shell Cove not long ago, and I spot a sign ahead of us signaling that we’re entering Star Cove city limits.
I immediately like the name; it sounds a little poetic. The romantic in me thinks that a place with “star” in the name can’t be that bad, right?
And to be honest, even the well-maintained road looks pretty with pink and purple flowers bordering the carriageway. Maritime pine trees can be spotted on either side of the road and the sea scented breeze fills my little car from the crack in the window.
We haven’t encountered any buildings so far, but that’s about to change.
There’s a modern two story building, all glass and chrome, a few hundred yards away and a few other taller buildings around it. It looks like some kind of complex.
“Where are we?” Jodie yawns, stretching her arms above her head.
“Some place called Star Cove. Pretty name, right?”
My best friend looks out of her window as I pull over to the curb by the first building and the car comes to a stop. “Why are we stopping here?”
I turn the key in the ignition over and over again, but the engine sputters, refusing to move another inch.
“Mm, I wasn’t actually stopping. But it looks like we’re out of gas.”
“Shit,” Jodie bites out. “Hopefully we won’t have to walk for miles to find a gas station. We’ll have to buy a canister too to bring gas to the car. There’s no way we can afford to get towed.”
My stomach growls before I can break the news to Jodie that we’re very close to being broke.
“I think this is it, babe. We left Hemlock Beach with eight hundred bucks between us. After gas and food, we have around three hundred left. I think we should stop here. We could use this money to get us a cheap room in town and feed us until we get jobs.”
Jodie considers my words. “You’re right. Hopefully this place has some jobs going.”
“It looks like a small beach town. If it’s anything like Hemlock Beach, accommodation might be a little more expensive in the summer, but high season should mean plenty of temporary jobs to cater to the tourists.”
“You’re right.” Jodie opens the passenger door. “Let’s see if someone over there can give us some advice on where to find an affordable place to stay and where someone might be hiring.”
That’s a good idea.
I lock the car and follow Jodie toward the gates surrounding the complex at the end of the road.
As we approach, we see several cars parked outside the modern building I noticed earlier and a small crowd gathered by the entrance.
“What’s going on?” I whisper.
“There’s only one way to find out.” Jodie stops at the end of what looks like a line of women now that we’re closer. “Hey, excuse me.” She taps a brunette girl on the shoulder.
When the girl turns, we’re met by bright blue eyes and an even brighter smile. “Hi, what’s up?”
Jodie returns her smile. “Hi, my name is Jodie, and this is Taryn. Our car just broke down right there.” She points vaguely behind us. “What’s this place? We were hoping to find some help, but we’re curious about why it’s so crowded. Is this a college campus?”
“No, campus is a few miles in the opposite direction. I’m Talia, by the way. This is a new sports complex. Today they’re opening the selections for a new cheer team. The town is going to bid for a new NHL team and they want to put together a team of professional dancers to train as cheerleaders. The selections begin on Monday morning, but you have to get your number now. Then there’s going to be a super selective eight week training camp and the best of the best will be offered a contract.”
Oh my God.
Jodie and I look at each other.
“That sounds amazing. Maybe we could try out.” My heart is beating a hundred miles per second when I say that. I majored in Nursing Sciences because I wanted to have something safe to fall back onto. But dance is my passion, and it would be a dream to do it professionally.
“Sweetie, that would be so much fun. But you just said we’re broke. We need to find jobs quickly, or we’re in huge trouble.”
My face falls at the harsh reality of our situation. “You’re right.” I sigh. It’s all my fault if we’re stranded here, away from our family and friends and about to run out of money.
