Chasing Sunrise: A Sweet YA Enemies-to Lovers Romance (Inn for the Summer)

by Sara Jane Woodley

  In fact, a few of my friends and teammates have emailed asking about Momentum and about team tryouts for next year.

  I also had an email from Lucas asking if I minded that he’s now dating Isabella. I chuckled loudly at that and sent him my blessings.

  Guilt crushes me, though, as I open my mom’s email last.

  I hope you’re doing well at Momentum, Jonathan! Your dad and I know that you’re giving it your best shot and we are so proud of you. Let me know what the address is so I can send you your care package. I’ve included lots of protein bars and new shin guards!

  Love, Mom

  I can hear the tense note in her voice asking for the address. I barely remember a time my parents weren’t high-strung and stressed about my soccer career.

  I shake myself off and remember the soccer ball currently wedged under Kiara’s cabin. We tried to get it out the other day, but it’s truly stuck. That is the most effort I’ve put into playing soccer this summer.

  I click out of my mom’s email without typing a response, reminding myself not to feel guilty for pursuing my dream. This summer has already been such a massive step forward and I feel more excited every day to go to school for photography.

  I make my way out of the reception area and walk to the garden. Kiara and I went back to Legacy summit this morning, and I decided to check my emails before work. Now, I’m on duty and looking for Kiara.

  She’s at the docks, helping an elderly lady move her sunchair away from the edge.

  The past two months with Kiara have been amazing. Sunshine, rain, thunderstorm — it doesn’t matter, every day feels magical. Her courage makes me brave and her creativity inspires me. She would’ve loved my grandpa.

  The last time we were at the computers, Kiara sent a photo to the Glacier Journal. The image was spectacular; I was so proud of her. She captured the sunrise perfectly, and I have so much faith in her and in that photo.

  I don’t know if she’s heard back yet, but she doesn’t seem concerned. If they don’t accept the picture, I’ll be shocked.

  As I approach, Kiara looks up at me. With her breezy smile and long hair, she looks perfect. I bring my camera to my face and snap two photos of her as she helps the elderly lady settle into the chair.

  Most of my recent photos are of Kiara. I’m trying to capture her expressions and do her justice, but my photos don’t compare to how beautiful she is in real life. I like to think a few of them are close, though.

  She hops down from the dock and walks over. “Creeping me again?”

  “Always.”

  We walk towards the Inn as I scroll back through my photos. It’s incredible to see how they’ve changed. With Kiara’s help, my photography skills are getting better and better. Not that I can share this with the people back home...

  “Something’s on your mind.” Kiara says. A statement, not a question.

  “My parents,” I say hesitantly. “I wish they could see these.”

  Part of the reason I went to the computers was to see if I had any emails from my parents. We’ve always celebrated my victories together. It breaks my heart to pursue something I love without being able to share it with them.

  Kiara gives me a hug, resting her head on my shoulder. “They’d be proud.”

  “Maybe,” I say, but I doubt it.

  “They would be. You have so much to be proud of.”

  I try to smile, but I still feel guilty.

  Kiara turns to me as we enter the garden. Her beautiful eyes meet mine.

  “And if nothing else, just know that I’m proud of you.”

  39

  Kiara

  “Kiara, Jonathan!” Bree bursts through the bushes.

  It’s a warm afternoon and I’m exhausted. Jonathan and I are regularly chasing the sunrise at the Legacy summit, and this means that our afternoon naps in the hammocks are key to our survival.

  I sit up reluctantly, tired and bleary-eyed. In the hammock next to me, Jonathan is sitting upright with his hair standing on one side. He looks like an electrified meerkat. I stifle a snort as Bree approaches us.

  “What’s up?” I ask.

  “Nice hair.” Bree says to Jonathan. He hurriedly pats down the one side as I burst into laughter. “Have you heard from Delia? We’re having a meeting tonight.”

  “Haven’t seen her.” I was looking forward to a long, blissful sleep.

  “What time?” Jonathan yawns.

  “She said she has a big announcement.” Bree says. “Meeting’s at six in the staff room.”

  “Cool,” Jonathan draws out the “oo” as he flops back into his hammock.

  I roll my eyes and hop out. It’s almost 5:30 now, there’s no point in trying to sleep anymore.

  “I’ll come with you, Bree.” I say before turning towards Jonathan and uttering “sweet dreams” at his toppled self.

  I detect a barely audible snore. Yep, he’ll be out for a while.

  Bree and I link arms as we head back towards the cabins. I appreciate her spontaneity and sense of humor. I think we might actually be friends at school in the coming year. She and I are so different, but Legacy Inn blurs the lines.

  “See ya at six, Kiara.” Bree heads off towards the lake, likely to find Noah.

  I stare at my little A-frame home and make a quick decision to head to the computers.

  I’ve been avoiding checking my emails. Ever since I sent Glacier Journal my sunrise photo, I’ve been having second thoughts as to whether it was the right choice. Not only for me, but for Jonathan. I don’t expect to get a response, but I worry more about breaking the news to him than getting the rejection. He has so much faith and optimism, it’d be heartbreaking to see him disappointed in their response, or lack of response.

  I’m walking through the reception to get to the computers when Delia calls out from the little office.

  “Kiara, dear! Would you be able to give me a hand?”

  I jog over and take a peek inside the office. Delia is trying and failing to grab an enormous cardboard box from the top of the cupboard. I grab one end of the box and almost topple beneath the weight.

  “Woah, Delia!” I exclaim as I awkwardly maneuver part of the box into my hands. “You were going to do this alone?!”

  Delia successfully grabs the other end of the box. “It’s not that heavy.”

  Categorically untrue. We hoist the box off of the cupboard and place it on the ground. The top pops open, revealing stacks of the Inn’s brochures — the same one I had on my dining table before coming to Legacy Inn.

  “Thank you, dear.” Delia shoves the box towards her desk.

  Her office is cute, colorful, and no-nonsense. Photos of family and friends are scattered haphazardly on the walls, and Inn-related paperwork litters her desk. A felt garland hangs decoratively on the back of her door — a remnant from the Holiday season. Behind her desk, a massive aerial photo of the Inn and the grounds shows its age. The Inn has grown exponentially in the last few years.

  “It’s a good shot, isn’t it?” Delia asks as I gaze at the aerial photo.

  “How old is it? The Inn doesn’t even have the guest wings.”

  “Ten, fifteen years, maybe?” Delia picks up a brochure and smacks it against her palm. “All of our photography is outdated. That’s why I’m so glad to have you and Jonathan here.”

  “Same.”

  Delia chuckles, takes a seat at her desk, and rifles through a stack of paperwork. Anything she deems not important gets tossed to the floor.

  “I had my reservations when this thing started. But look how far you two have come! You’re friends, our social media accounts are blooming, and each picture is better than the next.”

  “He’s getting better and better, isn’t he?” I say, smiling. I’m ‘winning’ the social media post competition, but Jonathan’s catching up.

  “Not just him, my dear.” Delia finds the piece of paper she wants and scribbles something near the top. “You’ve always had technical talent. Any fool coul
d see that from your application. But now your photos have that something special. You’re not taking pictures, you’re capturing life — if you’ll excuse a sentimental old fool.”

  I blush, and my heart threatens to float from my chest. My photos are getting better — and it’s not just me noticing.

  Delia checks a clock on her desk. “Almost six. Time to head to the staff room. I’ve got a few announcements — one that you and Jonathan in particular will want to hear. I’ll see you there.”

  I leave Delia’s office walking on air. Not only does she believe that Jonathan and I are doing good work, but she also implied that my photos are alive — the very aspect that Glacier Journal said I needed to work on.

  I want to run to the computers right away to see if they’ve responded. Has my sunrise photo been accepted?

  But I know the announcement has to come first. I vow to check my email after hearing what Delia has to say.

  40

  Jonathan

  My phone alarm pulls me out of my blissful sleep. I stretch out in the hammock and grunt. Ugh, can’t I just have five more minutes?

  The answer? No. I barely have time to run over to the Inn for Delia’s announcement.

  I sit up groggily and pat my hair down, remembering Kiara’s laugh earlier. I exit the hammock and jog towards the Inn. By the time I get to the staff room, everyone is happily milling about. I spot Nath and Vin across the room and make my way over. Kiara is nowhere to be seen, but she’s likely going to be late anyway.

  “Hey guys!” I exclaim as I approach them. “Do you know what this is about?”

  Nath smiles, turning to Vin. “Should we tell him?”

  “Delia swore me to secrecy.”

  Vin and Nath laugh, and their cryptic answer tugs at my curiosity.

  A hush comes over the room as Stefi walks in with Cooper Monroe. I’d gotten to know the guy over the summer and he seems pretty cool. His dad hasn’t been around much — too busy filming, probably. I give Cooper a nod from across the room, and he smiles back. He always looks like he’s laughing at something.

  Kiara finds me in the crowd, and her hand slips into mine. “Golden boy.”

  Her smile is the biggest I’ve ever seen it. She wraps her arms around me and I kiss the top of her head. It feels like I missed something.

  Delia steps up onto a chair at the front of the room. “I imagine you’re wondering why I brought you here on such short notice.”

  The staff room goes quiet, save for the tapping of feet in the room next door as guests grab their dinners.

  Delia beams, her bright smile energizing the room. “A few quick announcements to share.”

  “What do you think it is?” Kiara whispers.

  Delia goes on a tangent about the success of the Inn and how we’re welcoming our millionth guest today.

  “Maybe they’re expanding?” I whisper.

  Truthfully, I have no idea. The only thing I know is that I don’t want things to change. I love Legacy Inn the way it is. It might be selfish of me, but it’s the truth.

  “Given our success, we have decided that it’s time to revamp the ‘look’ of the Legacy Inn. I don’t mean the actual construction and design — I’m sure you all remember the renovations that took place two summers ago—”

  A frustrated groan travels through the room.

  “It wasn’t THAT bad,” Delia says.

  “I still have nightmares,” Vin replies.

  “Quiet, you.” Delia waves Vin away. “We’ve decided that it’s the perfect time to launch a brand-new Legacy Inn advertising campaign! And who better to headline this campaign than our two star student photographers?”

  Kiara’s hand drops from mine as everyone looks our way. My mouth pops open. What is she saying?

  “We love the work Jonathan and Kiara have been doing around the Inn and on the Legacy Inn social media accounts. We want to use one of YOUR photos to headline the entire campaign! This photo will be featured on our biggest ad yet and will be shown around the world.”

  My heart stops and I look over at Kiara. Her face is frozen, her mouth in a tight line as she stares at Delia.

  Only one of us will get this chance?

  This is an amazing opportunity. Headlining an ad like this means international exposure for our work. It’s exactly what Kiara is looking for, and it’s also a major opportunity for me to add to my portfolio and get into photography school.

  Delia wraps up her announcements, but I can’t hear a word she says. My ears are ringing as a billion things run through my mind. I’m vaguely aware that Kiara hasn’t moved a muscle either, our hands hanging limply by our sides.

  Staffers leave the room, congratulating us as they go, and I offer a weak smile of thanks.

  The staff room clears and I finally muster the courage to turn to Kiara. Her eyes are stormy and unsure. I open my mouth to say something, but I have nothing to say.

  Both of us want this more than anything.

  But only one of us will get it.

  41

  Kiara

  Once again, Delia takes the cake with her shocking announcements. My thoughts are dark and dejected as I consider her words.

  I’m in competition with the boy I love.

  Only one of us will headline the international ad campaign.

  It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Everything I need if I want to get out of Edendale. But it comes with the highest cost imaginable — for me to win, Jonathan must lose.

  "I need to clear my head,” I say abruptly. Jonathan doesn’t reply. He feels very far away.

  I make my way to the computers, emotions raging through me. I felt so encouraged after my meeting with Delia, and I couldn’t wait to tell Jonathan. I was going to invite him to be there with me when I checked my emails for a response from Glacier Journal.

  Then Delia made the announcement, and the world crashed down.

  Headlining a campaign like this is all I’ve ever wanted. This would be the perfect step on my path out of Edendale. And yet, I know what this would mean to Jonathan. He wants to pursue photography in school, and this opportunity would make him a shoo-in for any photography program.

  So, what should I do? My feelings for Jonathan are real, but can I sacrifice this incredible opportunity — and therefore my future — for him?

  I spend minutes sitting in front of the blank computer screen with my head in my hands. I try to reel in the weight of my emotions.

  Get it together, Kiara.

  I sign in and scroll past the unread emails on the screen, holding my breath. My stomach is in knots.

  But I come up with nothing. There is still no response from Glacier Journal.

  I curse to myself, wishing that I hadn’t gotten my hopes up.

  I click onto an email from Ava, her cheerful tone and cute stories from band camp soothing me. I haven’t told her I’m dating Jonathan, and now I’m not sure what to say. I click out of her email without replying. I can’t muster enough cheer for the happy response I know she wants.

  Then, I spot an email from my mom. I’ve emailed her once since I’ve been here and it looks like she finally replied.

  Hey, Kiki. I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying yourself at Legacy Inn. But, you’re right, this is an INCREDIBLE step towards your career. Shoot for the stars and remember your bright future. The end of summer will come quickly and you’ll be so happy to have this experience under your belt. I know you’ve got this covered, hun.

  Love, Mom.

  Her words are a bucket of ice water poured over my head.

  She’s right. I need to focus on my future. That’s why I’m here at the Legacy Inn this summer — to work. I remember her words — there’s no time for love if you’re not doing what you love. Have I lost track of my path?

  I log off of the computer without replying. I have no news for her, except that I’m now aiming for an even bigger and brighter opportunity. I only have a month before the end of summer, I have to take advantage of every m
inute.

  The event room is bustling as guests enjoy their dinners, but I’m numb to it all. I head out into the garden, contemplating the amount of work I need to do to ensure that this summer pays off.

  A pang of shame hits me as I realize that I don’t have my camera with me. Dread washes over me.

  Have I totally compromised my future?

  42

  Jonathan

  “Kiara, you home?” I wait patiently outside of her door.

  Nothing but silence.

  I head back towards the Inn, my stomach flipping over. She’s gone again, I guess.

  My sense of unease grows with each step down the gravel path.

  As though she can read my mind, Nath calls to me from the garden. “Hey Jonathan, have you seen Kiara?”

  “I haven’t.”

  “Now where did she run off to, you think?” Nath shakes her head, and I get the impression she knows how I’m feeling.

  “Wish I knew.”

  It’s been ages since Kiara and I spent time together. Lately, it’s like she’s never at her cabin. I’ve tried to chat with her at work, but she’s distant and disengaged. Our sunrise hikes are different now too. She’s quiet and distracted the entire time, and she’s been canceling regularly.

  When I do see her, she’s buried behind her camera. She won’t go anywhere without it and stresses about getting the “perfect” photo. Because of this, we rarely explore the grounds anymore. Instead of sitting by the lake or napping in the hammocks, Kiara opts to hang out in the garden or around the docks — near the guests.

  The months we spent together feel like a distant memory.

  I tried to talk to her about the headlining campaign after Delia’s announcement. She caught up with me outside the garden, a grim smile on her face.

  “Hi.”