“Noted,” she says, looking back at me. “Thanks for the heads up.”
“You’re welcome.” I smile.
She nods and I dart back across the festival to Graham, who is still playing cornhole by himself.
“What was that about?” he asks.
“Just doing what Raquel tried to do for me,” I say. I snatch a bag from his hand. “Now, prepare to get stomped.”
It’s nearly sunset when we decide to ride the Ferris wheel. It’s slow going to the top, but I get a chance to take in a new view of Driftbay. The whole town sprawls out in front of me and it’s breathtaking. I can see the diner from up here and the cottage on the edge of the beach.
“Wow,” I breathe, as I take it all in.
Graham shuffles in the seat and puts his arm around me. “It’s pretty magnificent, isn’t it?”
I nod. I bite the inside of my cheek as images of my mom flood my brain. I wish she were here to see this.
“Hey,” he says quietly. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I say, my voice shaking. “Just thinking about my mom.”
He pulls me closer to his side. “There might not be much here, but what’s here is enough,” he says.
I think about his words and how true they are. Driftbay is definitely the smallest town I’ve ever lived in, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve met some of the kindest people within these city limits.
We begin our descent just as the sun begins hers. I’m grateful to be here with Graham. He’s never pushy and always meets me where I am.
We climb out of the carriage to find Raquel waiting for us at the gate, tapping her foot. She breaks into a smile when she sees us.
“Hey!” she exclaims. “Sorry about earlier, I got tied up.”
Graham just nods at her explanation.
“A friend of mine is having a party a couple of blocks away. You want to go?” she asks.
“I’m actually going to go help my mom pack up her booth,” he says as he points behind him.
I was hoping the two of us would head to the beach to watch the fireworks. I look back at Raquel and shrug.
“Sure. I’ll go,” I say.
The two of us say goodbye to Graham and then take off on foot in the direction of the party, away from the town square and excitement. We walk a couple of blocks as Raquel tells me about her afternoon. We’re heading toward a part of Driftbay that I haven’t explored before.
I can hear the bass from the music long before we even reach the two-story house. I’m surprised it’s allowed to be that loud in town. We walk through the front door and Raquel excitedly greets a couple of her friends. There’s smoke everywhere and I’m not sure if it’s from cigarettes, or weed, or both.
Raquel disappears into the house with a few of her friends. I look around; I don’t know anyone here besides her. I duck into the kitchen and find a bowl of cherry punch on the counter, next to some matching red cups. Dodging people, I walk over and help myself to a glass. It’s sweet, and doesn’t taste like it has alcohol in it, but of course, I know better than that.
I quickly drink my first glass, feeling awkward at this party, like I don’t belong. I wish Graham had come with us. Anxiety is clawing at the back of my throat, ready to suffocate me at any given moment.I dip out another glass and take a drink, feeling the familiar warmth spreading throughout my body.
The music changes and for a moment, all I hear are the conversations happening around me. Even that is still too much. I gulp down my second glass, waiting for my body to loosen up, for the anxiety to subside. I refill my glass a third time before I head outside for some fresh air.
There’s a sliding glass door on the opposite side of the kitchen. It’s unlocked and slides open easily, granting me access to the backyard. I jog down the back porch steps and sit down on one of them, willing myself to calm down. I take deep breaths and finish my third glass of punch. I debate leaving but I also don’t want to leave Raquel here.
The music, crowd, and atmosphere proved to be a bit too much for me, but the fresh air is helping. The music is muffled now that I’m outside and there’s just a couple of partygoers in the backyard.
The sky erupts into bursts of shimmering color and I stare up at it. I had hoped Graham and I could watch the fireworks from the beach, but maybe next time. I wonder if Beth is watching them, too.
I take another sip of my drink and realize it’s empty. I set the cup next to me on the step. The movement makes me dizzy and I realize how tipsy I am. I’m not sure I could walk a straight line given the chance. I’m rooted to my seat on the steps as I watch the fireworks, in a buzzed, blissful state.
