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.