Kimberly's POV:
The trip was finally here, and as I squeezed into Jace's car, it hit me—this was the start of summer, whether I wanted it or not. Jace sat in the driver's seat, one hand draped casually over the wheel, while Kenna was cozied up in the passenger seat, looking like she'd won the lottery. As for me? I was wedged into the back with Jessica on one side and Jade and Tori in the row behind, all of them practically vibrating with excitement.
Kenna leaned over, batting her eyelashes dramatically at Jace. "You're sure you don't want to stop for snacks first, babe? It is a long ride, after all."
"Babe, you packed half a grocery store," Jace chuckled, reaching over to give her hand a squeeze.
I tried to zone them out, but the sugary flirting was relentless. Meanwhile, Jessica, Jade, and Tori were deep in a conversation about the "mystery guys" we'd be meeting in Malibu.
"I bet they're all tan surfer dudes," Jessica giggled, practically bouncing in her seat.
Tori chimed in, "I call dibs on the tallest one. You know I have a thing for tall guys."
Ugh. I was already regretting every minute of this trip. Just then, Jace glanced back at me through the rearview mirror, smirking a little.
"Jace!" I barked, leaning forward. "Eyes on the road, please."
Kenna turned back, giving me an exaggerated pout. "Oh no, someone's jealous!"
"Of what, exactly?" I replied, deadpan.
She didn't miss a beat, lifting Jace's hand and pressing a kiss to it with a smug grin. "This."
I rolled my eyes, letting out a sigh. I love my best friend, but sometimes, she's a bit much.
The others, naturally, jumped right on Kenna's teasing bandwagon.
"Come on, Kimmy, don't worry," Jade said with a wink. "You'll totally find your own Malibu boyfriend by the end of this trip."
"Oh yeah, some sun-kissed hottie is definitely waiting for you on the beach," Tori added, nudging Jessica, who giggled in agreement.
That was it—I shoved in my AirPods and sank back into my seat, letting the music drown them out as I stared out the window. The car sped down the highway, but my mind was already miles away, hoping Malibu had something else to offer besides flirty couples and matchmaking friends.