1Chapter 1: Homecoming
36between toes.
2turquoise paint like a badge of honor, and the gulls
37beside her.
3without anyone else's commentary or questions. In the
38starts again in September. The cottage. This place."
4first time in months.
39while. Or."
5suitcase, a portfolio full of dreams, and a heart still
40She smiled. "Yes."
6about neighbors and garden tomatoes and the new
41One evening after another tide pool visit, this time
7beat-up truck.
42future questions aside for tomorrow.
8bright and careless against the hush of waves. The sound
43Chapter 5: Storm Warning
9cream. Definitely ice cream."
44toward September with quiet
10would."
45busy."
11Chapter 2: Mixtapes And Messages
46in frustration at the work, at herself, at the way stress
12of the flutter in her stomach, the way one conversation
47papers at the old diner on Main Street where the coffee
13accept and type.
48hours."
14ridiculous flip.
49try.
15weekenders.
50space. Got defensive."
16than mine.
51deadline
17"Prepared, I see."
52loneliness of
18covers near the start.
53stronger.
19the design awards, those rooftop views of the city. You
54Chapter 6: The Bonfire
20"For me too."
55stars.
21"Night, Jake."
56cushions in anticipation of fall storms. Her mother
22the clothing campaign, soft colors and clean lines
57simple sundress, hair loose in waves from salt air, the
23the guidance
58marijuana faint in the breeze from some group.
24long blink.
59"Of course."
25"Tomorrow?"
60glowing. Stars thick overhead, Milky Way visible away
26Chapter 3: The Record Shop
61Chapter 7: New Season
27sunlight
62declarations
28berries from the farmers market, coffee strong the way
63to
29the counter.
64up narrow stairs without complaint, sweat dampening
30Smiths album, the Beach Boys for laughs, Joni Mitchell
65than at her parents'.
31own.
66one mid-October, meetings and
32three years ago now, peacefully at home with the
67high-fiving him post-game.
33choices, priorities.
68results.
34"Tomorrow?"
69up from Florida.
35Chapter 4: Tide Pools
