One Sweet Summer

Darla Andersen isn't sure how to spend her summer. While her college friends head off on glamorous vacations or internships, she finds herself stuck in Lakeville—the small hometown she knows like the back of her hand. Just as she resigns herself to a summer of boredom, a mysterious letter arrives, offering her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a cross-country trip to join an elite entrepreneurial program for young innovators.
Eager for change, Darla accepts and embarks on a journey that promises new friendships, creative challenges, and personal growth. Surrounded by driven minds and exciting possibilities, she begins to discover new passions—and perhaps a version of herself she never knew existed.
Yet, amid the thrill of her summer adventure, Darla can't shake the feeling that a piece of her heart still lingers in Lakeville. As she reflects on the place and people she left behind, she must decide what truly matters: chasing big dreams far from home or honoring the roots that shaped her.
This new adult, summer-coming-of-age story blends ambition, nostalgia, and LGBTQ+ themes, capturing the emotional tension between self-discovery and staying true to your past.