We push through the crowd, but of course, we can’t get anywhere without being stopped by dozens of fans.

Vic grumbles under his breath as we get stopped at least six times for selfies. He tries to fight it at first, but once a group of old ladies starts calling him The Fine Dining Daddy, he gives up.

I smirk, whispering in his ear, “You’re famous, Grey Beard. Might as well embrace it.”

He sighs, tossing an arm around my shoulder and fake-smiling for a picture. After another five minutes of playing America’s favorite hot chef, we finally make it to the pier, where we spot Serena, Kiera, Izzy, and their husbands already posted up like royalty waiting to siege.

Serena suddenly grabs a random guy standing next to her and pulls him close. “Hey, you’re my date today since everyone wants to be boo’d up,” she announces dramatically, only to shove him away right after. “Actually, never mind. I enjoy my freedom.”

Everyone bursts into laughter, and I finally introduce Vic to Izzy’s husband.

“Vic, this is Gabe a.k.a Mr. Money Bags. He invented like, ten different apps none of us understand.” I say, gesturing toward Vic, who gives a polite nod as he extends his hand.

Gabe chuckles, shaking Vic’s hand. “I promise I’m only half as impressive as she makes me sound.”

Next, I nod toward Hawkins, who’s already smirking.

“And of course, you already know Coach Hawkins, who’s also Gabe’s business partner.”

Vic narrows his eyes. “Yeah, but shouldn’t you be at practice right now?”

Hawkins blinks. “During the Beach Bum Parade?” He scoffs. “Bro, everything is shut down today.”

“Wait…” I frown. “Even dance practice?”

My friends answer in unison. “Everything.”

Vic and I freeze. I can’t believe I forgot the town is shut down! I should’ve known better. And then it clicks. Slowly, we turn to look at each other as we realize we’ve been fooled.

“It seems we have two masterminding angels on our hands. I think my star students have set us up.” I smile, still processing their adorable betrayal.

Vic exhales, shaking his head, half-amused, half-irritated. “I think everyone in the house did.”

We erupt into laughter, and I don’t know whether to be offended or impressed by their genius.

The water fight is insane – absolute mayhem. Screams and laughter echo across the beach as people dodge, duck, and dive behind anything they can use as cover. Water balloons explode like tiny grenades, and Super Soakers unleash torrents of cold water.

I’m in my element. Slick Vic, however, thinks he’s safe. He thinks he’s too quick, too agile to be caught. But as usual, he’s wrong.

I spot him near the pier, shaking out his trunks, looking way too fine and way too smug for someone who’s about to get annihilated.