Chapter 59: El Capitan: Trip or Trap ?
Merlina’s dorm room looked like a Sephora and Target haul had a wild party and forgot to clean up.
There were bucket hats, bikinis, bug spray, and three different sunscreens on the bed. She stood in front of the mirror, holding up two bikinis—one black, one dark green. She didn’t say a word, just raised her brows at Phoebe from across the room.
Phoebe glanced up from her open duffel bag.
"Left one’s safer," she said, pointing to the black. "Right one’s trouble."
Merlina smirked. "And what’s wrong with a little trouble?"
Phoebe tossed a pair of sunglasses at her. "Nothing, as long as you bring sunscreen and plausible deniability."
Merlina grinned and tossed it into her bag.
From her own side of the room, Phoebe was carefully arranging her beachwear. Snatched coverups. Snatched bikinis. Snatched... snacks. Priorities.
Belford was gearing up for its classic two-night camping trip at El Capitan Beach. They called it ’building community,’ but Phoebe? She was here for the sunsets, the bonfires, and maybe a little scandal under the stars. Her goals? Look effortlessly flawless and not get devoured by every mosquito in California.
"What if we get matching anklets?" Phoebe blurted out, eyes shining like she’d just invented the next big trend.
Merlina laughed, shaking her head. "You really think this is Coachella?"