Chlorine Truths

At Jake's pool party, I felt like a complete spy. Not the cool, cinematic kind — more like the awkward freshman watching from the snack table while everyone else lived their best lives.

The pool lights turned the water into liquid sapphire, bodies cutting through in splashes and laughter. My solo cup was sweating so much I couldn't tell if the condensation was from the heat or my nerves. Across the water, Maya was hanging all over Tyler. My best friend since seventh grade, now acting like I was invisible.

'You gonna swim or just stand there judging everyone?'

Jake's older brother, Derek — the biggest bull at Northwood High — materialized beside me. The nickname fit perfectly: he played linebacker, and he was absolutely full of shit. Always going on about his 'hookups' and 'industry connections,' like anyone bought it.

'I'm good,' I said, casual as I could fake.

Derek sized me up, then his gaze followed mine across the pool. 'Still spying on Maya, huh?' He took a swig from his own cup. 'Everyone knows you've been crushing since spring.'

My face burned. 'I'm not—'

'Save it.' Derek actually laughed, not mean for once. 'She talks about you constantly, you know. Thinks you're the one who's been avoiding her.'

I blinked. 'What?'

'Maya's been waiting for you to make a move all summer.' He nudged my shoulder. 'Unless you'd rather keep playing spy from the sidelines.'

The pool lights caught Maya's laugh as she pushed Tyler into the water. My stomach did that terrifying flip it did whenever she looked at me — which, apparently, she'd been doing a lot more than I'd noticed.

No more watching.

I handed Derek my cup and walked toward the water, toward her, toward whatever terrifying thing happened next.