The doorbell chimed as I stepped into Scoops on Harbor, a cozy little joint that was filled with the sweet scents of sugar and baking waffle cones.
I approached the counter, taking a look at the chalkboard menu overhead.
"First time here?" a voice next to me inquired.
I turned to see a girl about my age lounging by the counter. She had shiny black hair tied up in a high ponytail and sported denim shorts paired with a tank top that read Driftwood Cove Forever. After giving me a quick once-over, she shot me a friendly smile.
"Uh, yeah," I confessed. "Is it that obvious?"
"Definitely. Locals can sense it," she replied with a laugh.
I chuckled awkwardly. "That bad?"
"Not bad! Just… noticeable." She extended her hand. "I'm Kelsey."
"Nice to meet you, Kelsey. I'm Raine," I said, shaking her hand.
"Pleasure's mine, Raine." She nodded toward the guy who had joined us behind the counter. He was tall, tan, and exuded an easy charm, wearing a baseball cap backwards, and had a dimple that seemed a bit mischievous. "This is Ryan."
Ryan flashed me a nod and a grin. "So, Raine, what's your flavor? Chocolate, vanilla, or something wild?"
I blinked in surprise. "Wild?"
"Rocky road, maybe? Or mint chip. Those are the true divisive flavors."
Kelsey rolled her eyes at him. "Ignore him. He thinks he's hilarious. The only real option is cookie dough. It's the law around here."
"Wouldn't want to break any laws," I replied with a smirk as I turned to the counter. "One cookie dough, please."
Kelsey elbowed Ryan. "See? She's clever. She'll fit right in."
"Maybe," Ryan drawled, "but it depends on how quickly she adjusts."
I raised an eyebrow. "Adjust to what? Ice cream politics?"
He laughed. "Nah. Just life in Driftwood Cove. It's a small town where everyone knows each other, and if you sneeze, expect five people to ask if you're sick by lunchtime."
"That sounds a bit stifling," I said.
"Sometimes," Kelsey admitted with a shrug. "But it has its perks. There's hardly ever a dull moment because there's always something happening. And as for new faces? You're basically the highlight of the week."
I blinked. "Me?"
Ryan grinned. "Oh, absolutely. By the end of today, half the Cove will know there's a Raine in town for the summer."
"Awesome," I said, rolling my eyes but unable to help smiling. "Nothing like instant fame."
"Speaking of which…" Ryan leaned on the counter. "There's a party tonight. You should totally come."
I hesitated. "A party?"
Kelsey nodded eagerly. "It's at Mark Avery's house—a big white place on Seaview. His parents are loaded and rarely home, so he throws the best parties. Everyone will be there."
Ryan chimed in, "Think music, drinks, a pool—sometimes loud enough for Mrs. Connelly across the street to call the cops, but that just adds to the fun."
Kelsey shot him a warning look. "Don't scare her away! It's a good time, I swear. And it's the quickest way to meet people here."
"Besides us," Ryan added with a wink.
I shifted my ice cream cone, trying to process it all. "You're really inviting me? Just like that?"
"Of course!" Kelsey exclaimed, as if it were the most natural thing ever. "You're new, you're interesting, and you ordered the right ice cream flavor. That's all you need."
Ryan leaned in closer. "Honestly, you look like you could use a bit of fun."
I snorted. "Do you say that to every newcomer?"
"Only when it works," he shot back with a grin.
Kelsey playfully swatted him. "Forget him. But seriously, Raine—you're coming, right?"
I thought it over for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Sure, why not?"
"Awesome!" Kelsey beamed. "Tomorrow night, nine o'clock. Dress cute but chill—not too fancy, just… party-casual. You know?"
Ryan grinned. "Translation: look good without trying too hard."
"Shut it," Kelsey replied, but she was laughing.
I joined in, shaking my head. "No pressure, right?"
"Exactly," Ryan winked. "Just the entire town waiting to see the new girl's grand entrance."
Kelsey nudged him. "Stop it! She'll think you're serious."
I smiled, a flutter of excitement coursing through me. For the first time since I arrived, I felt like maybe; the summer didn't have to be all shadows and stormy eyes.