The red carpet was a sea of flashes and chatter as the Outer Banks cast navigated through the season 4 premiere. Rudy had done plenty of these events, but the chaos never still felt surreal.

Then he saw her.

Walking beside Madelyn, abbie practically stopped time. She wasn’t part of the cast—that much was obvious—but she had this air about her that made her fit in, like she’d been born for the spotlight.

“Who’s that with Maddy?” Rudy muttered to Chase.

"That's her best friend," Chase replied casually.

When the opportunity came, Rudy managed to sidle up to Madelyn during a quieter moment. “So, uh... who’s your friend?” he asked, aiming for casual... and missing.

Madelyn raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile forming on her face. “Why? You interested?”

“What? No—” Rudy started, then gave up under her look. “Okay, maybe a little. She seems... cool.”

Madelyn’s grin widened. “Cool? That’s all you’ve got? She’s also smart, funny, and way out of your league.”

Rudy sighed. “You gonna help me out or what?”

“Relax,” Madelyn said, scanning the crowd until she spotted abbie. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

Madelyn tapped abbie on the shoulder, drawing her attention away from her conversation. “Hey, there’s someone I want you to meet,” Madelyn said, a spark of mischief in her tone.

“abbie, this is Rudy,” Madelyn said, gesturing between them. “Rudy, abbie.”