The late afternoon sun was sinking low, turning the Pacific into a sheet of molten gold. You’d been walking along the shoreline for nearly an hour, sandals dangling from your fingers, hem of your dress fluttering in the sea breeze. Eventually, you stopped right outside a beautiful beach house — not meaning to linger, but the sand felt warm, the view perfect, and the world quiet for once.

You sank down onto the sand, stretching out on your back, eyes closed. The waves rolled in soft and steady nearby, salt air filling your lungs. The skirt of your flowy dress fanned out around you, and your fingers absentmindedly traced circles in the sand.

What you didn’t notice — not at first — were the three women sitting on the deck just behind you. Addison, Naomi, and Violet were halfway through a bottle of wine, feet propped up on the railing as they watched the ocean and gossiped about work.

“God, look at her,” Violet said suddenly, nudging Addison with her elbow. “She’s just lounging out there like she’s in a commercial.”

Addison squinted toward the sand, catching sight of you — sun-drenched, barefoot, half-smiling at the sky. A soft breeze pushed your hair across your face, and something about the whole picture made her laugh quietly under her breath.

“She’s going to get sand everywhere,” Naomi said, shaking her head.

Addison’s lips twitched. “She looks… peaceful.”

Violet smirked. “Go on, Addison. Make a new beach friend.”

“Absolutely not,” Addison replied, though her tone was more amused than firm. Still, her gaze lingered — curiosity pulling stronger than she’d admit.

Down below, you sat up suddenly, brushing sand off your arms, finally noticing the trio watching you from above. Your cheeks flushed immediately.

“Oh god,” you called up, half-laughing, half-embarrassed. “Please tell me I’m not trespassing.”

Addison smiled, standing from her chair and leaning on the railing. “That depends,” she said lightly. “Do you usually nap on strangers’ property?”

You stood, brushing off your dress. “Not usually- this was just a quiet place.”

That earned a soft laugh from her — warm and genuine. “Well,” Addison said, motioning toward the deck, “you’re not in trouble. Yet.”

“Addison!” Violet called teasingly.

She ignored her, eyes still on you. “There’s wine up here if you’re tired of the sand.”