Oakley Ponciano's heart skipped slightly at the look in Grace Barron's eyes.
Honestly, Grace was something else... Oakley had serious doubts about Grace's low self-esteem. How could someone like her believe she wasn't the kind of person people would easily fall for?
Oakley couldn't help but wonder—if she were actually into women, there was a solid chance she'd have already fallen head over heels for this woman.
Reining in her thoughts, Oakley lifted her chin just a little, a smirk curving her lips. "Please. A girl like me isn't that easy to win over. If I were, I'd be married by now."
With a playful flick of her wrist, she pushed herself up from the stone table. Her eyes sparkled with energy as she stood. "Come on, it's time to explore this city."
Turning on her heel, she gathered her hair loosely over one shoulder, squinted up at the sky, then down at a patch of flowers. She even waved casually at a scruffy mutt darting down the lane. With all the poise of a woman born for the stage, she sashayed her way out of the alley.
Grace couldn't help but think—Oakley really was something.
What a shame they'd never actually gotten to know each other properly back in school.
Just as Grace caught up to her at the alley's end, Oakley tilted her head. "Oh, by the way,
where should we go next?"
Oakley was the type who never planned ahead. She liked to take things as they came—wake up when she wanted, pick places to go on a whim, eat whatever caught her eye.
Grace paused briefly, pulling out her phone. "Hold on."
"Mm." Oakley stood beside her, instinctively leaning in to peek at her screen.
Grace's wallpaper was a grayscale image: an open door, a solitary cat sitting at its threshold. Beyond the door, only white—vast, empty. A cold, quiet kind of beauty that seemed to spill right out of the frame.
Oakley murmured her name. "Grace."
"Yeah?" Grace glanced sideways.
Hands behind her back, Oakley swayed slightly, voice light: "Are you lonely?"
Grace turned gently, shaking her head. "Not particularly. Why do you ask?"
Oakley shrugged, glancing again at the wallpaper. "No reason. Just asking."
Grace didn't pursue the topic. Instead, she tapped open an app. "We've got plenty of time this afternoon. We could rent a paddleboat, or visit Seagull Pier and feed the birds, or…"
She didn't get to finish.
"Let's feed the seagulls!" Oakley said at once, eyes gleaming. "Sounds fun. I like animals."
"Sure. We can grab some fries or bread along the way." Grace opened a ride-hailing app. "It's about an hour and a half from here. We should get there around 2:30 and stay until about 5."
Oakley's amber eyes sparkled. "Perfect planning."
For someone who was proud of her lack of structure, Oakley had always found comfort in people who did. It meant she could simply exist—like a carefree accessory, letting others handle the logistics.
"Are we grabbing the snacks now?" she asked, glancing toward a tiny corner shop nearby. "That place looks very tiny, though. Not sure they've got much."
"No need. We can get some there," Grace shook her head and replied.
"Cool." Oakley stretched her arms toward the sky, her soft curves silhouetted in the light. "Let's roll."
About seven minutes later, the car Grace ordered arrived. They climbed in, and the world outside became a moving painting—scenery gliding past in long, lazy brushstrokes.
When they arrived, a few locals had parked small food carts by the entrance. There were snacks, water bottles, sausages, bread, and fries sizzling in makeshift fryers.
Grace bought a bag of bread, a pack of fries, and two bottles of water. Together, they entered the park.
The sky stretched wide and infinite above them. The water of the Seagull Pool shimmered like silver glass, spreading out across the horizon—just like some old poet's line, "A boatful of dreams sails beneath the stars."
Seagulls wheeled and glided above, flocking wherever hands tossed crumbs. They swooped like dancing kites in a breeze.
At first sight, Oakley gasped, lips parted in wonder. "This… This is even more beautiful than the pictures online."
"I told you," Grace smiled warmly. "Not many places keep calling me back, but this one…"
Oakley nodded enthusiastically. "Let's feed them!"
"Gladly" Grace chuckled.
They found an open spot by the railing. Oakley carefully tore open the white paper bag, pulled out a fistful of fries, and tossed them into the air. Instantly, gulls dove and snatched every piece.
"They caught every one!" Oakley squealed, brushing hair from her eyes, laughing uncontrollably. Her joy was contagious—radiating from her eyes, her voice, her whole being.
Grace stood beside her and tossed some fries of her own. The birds were ruthless. In moments, the air was a blur of wings. It was oddly therapeutic.
Suddenly remembering, Oakley turned to Grace. "Could you take some pictures of me?"
"Of course." Grace stepped back, phone in hand.
Oakley didn't pose. She just kept feeding fries, radiant and unguarded.
A soft breeze picked up—tossing her hair, billowing her gauzy dress. Caught between sky and water, she looked almost unearthly. Grace kept snapping away, captivated.
When Oakley reviewed the images, she was stunned. "How are these so good?! You've got serious talent."
Grace wiggled a finger. "Nope. That's just your face doing all the work. I could've been a pig tapping the shutter and still come out with masterpieces."
Oakley burst into laughter, playfully nudging Grace. "Where do you get this stuff?! You're going to give me laugh lines."
Grace raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Not a fan?"
Oakley gave a tiny huff of mock pride. "Who said that? Alright, now your turn. Let me shoot a few of you."
Grace shook her head. "Nah, I'm good."
"You kidding? You look like that and don't want pictures? Blasphemy."
Grace tilted her head. "Call it camera shyness."
"Camera what now?" Oakley's brain couldn't even process the concept.
Grace laughed. "Let's just feed the birds."
Oakley let it go, smiling as she opened a new bag of bread.
The afternoon drifted by in warmth and joy. On the ride back, Oakley scrolled through her photos, still beaming. Then suddenly, she shivered. "Ugh. It's getting cold."
In Ravenwood, the temperature swung drastically between day and night. Light clothing was perfect during the day but totally impractical come sunset. Especially with Oakley's delicate dress.
"Want to head back to Airbnb?" Grace asked.
"Yeah, let's go." Oakley agreed.
They left the park and hailed another car.
By the time they reached the guesthouse, the city had grown quiet. Where once sunlight shone on flower pickers, now the skyline had transformed into something Van Gogh might've painted.
In the elevator to the third floor, Oakley paused outside her door. "Do you hear that sound?"
Grace paused, turning back. "What?"
Stepping into her room, Oakley looked around uncertainly. "It's like... running water or something."
Grace stepped in too. A moment later, she frowned. "Looks like the pipe in the wall burst."
"What? Seriously?" Oakley looked startled.
Grace nodded, pointing. "See that? It's already seeping through."
"Well, this room's clearly out of commission. Let's go ask if they can move me."
"I'll come with," Grace offered supportively.
They headed downstairs and explained everything to the front desk.
The clerk looked apologetic. "So sorry about that. I've already called maintenance, but it's too late tonight—they won't be able to fix it until tomorrow."
"Do you have any other rooms?" Oakley asked.
The clerk winced. "I'm afraid we're fully booked."
Oakley blinked. "Then what now?"
The clerk hesitated, then suggested, "Miss Ponciano, perhaps you could stay with Miss Barron just for tonight? We'll let you know first thing tomorrow if a new room opens up."
Oakley paused, momentarily stunned, having not considered this scenario.
Seeing her unsure, the clerk quickly added, "Our beds are very spacious! Even if you two roll around like crazy, there's still plenty of space!"