She wandered through downtown Silver Shores along the desolate streets while lightning and pummeling rain filled the dark sky. Half frozen, she sought refuge under the awning to the Blushing Beauty Salon. Harper pushed her soaked hair back and caught her breath. In the distance, the piercing cry of seagulls and the call of the lake’s thrashing waves brewed, intensifying with the storm. The familiar sounds of the beach always made her think of Nik. She began feeling remorseful again. No matter how hard she fought to suppress her thoughts, they were plagued with guilt. “Sweetie, are you out of your damn mind?” Harper looked up and saw a full-chested blonde in the doorway, clicking her acrylic nails against the wood. The incredibly low neckline on her tight purple top made her proud cleavage appear as if it was trying to escape. “Sorry, I was just warmin’ up a minute.
