Chapter 16

In the morning after a tumultuous night, Lila teases Phoebe for having cleaned the room, revealing her hangover from a wild celebration. While Lila appears disoriented, she talks about their plans and the surfing lesson awaiting them, though she shows little enthusiasm. Juice, Lila’s companion, urges them to rush as they are already late, but Phoebe decides to stay back, feeling the need to give Lila some alone time amidst the wedding preparations.

As Lila prepares for the day, she expresses doubts about her ability to surf, admitting that she never wanted to participate in such activities despite having initially promised a surfing morning to appease Juice. Lila’s flippant attitude towards hanging out contrasts with Phoebe’s introspection about her place in the wedding festivities, hinting at underlying tensions regarding her feelings for Gary and her involvement.

At the beach, Phoebe and Gary struggle to fit into their uneasy wetsuits, providing comic relief against the backdrop of their awkwardness. Gary’s laughter endears him to Phoebe; she appreciates the candid nature of his humor amid the challenge of surfing.

As they receive instructions from Aspen, the surf instructor, Phoebe finds a sense of ease, recalling her yoga lessons from the pandemic and feeling present in the moment. She successfully stands on the board, but the joy quickly transforms into a thrilling tumble into the ocean, filled with the lush sensations of saltwater and exhilaration. The dynamic of them cheering for Juice, who immediately masters the waves, strengthens the family-like atmosphere.

Their surfing session grows animated with increasing wave sizes, resulting in laughter and camaraderie among the trio. Afterward, they have lunch at Flo’s, celebrating the day’s adventures, while Phoebe grapples with burgeoning feelings toward Gary and the bittersweet nature of new connections.

Her impulse to share deeper emotions battles with apprehension, but the whole experience of shared laughter and joy at the table creates a sense of warmth. Despite her desire to remain enveloped in this newfound happiness, the sinking realization that moments like these are fleeting leaves her yearning for more. Accompanied by Gary and Juice, she navigates through mundane errands, finding humor and connection amid life’s simplicity .