Goldfish & Green Smoothies

The padel court smelled like expensive rubber and desperation. I adjusted my grip on the racket, my palms sweating through the headband I'd definitely over-thought wearing.

"You got this, Maya!" Leo called from the other side of the net. His smile was doing that thing where it reached his eyes, and suddenly I forgot how to stand like a normal human being.

I swung at the ball and missed completely. The racket made a sad whoosh sound. Next to me, someone's actual pet goldfish bobbed in its bag on the bench—a birthday party favor from the adjacent court. Because apparently when you're sixteen, you just carry live animals around like accessories.

"Smooth," said Chloe, who was definitely too cool to be at my first-ever padel lesson. She was Leo's ex, but they were still "friends," which in teen language meant she analyzed his every move and I pretended not to notice.

My phone buzzed. MOM: Don't forget your green smoothie!!! It has SPINACH!! Very healthy!! Love you!!

I glanced at the bench where my bright green concoction sat next to the unsuspecting goldfish. Both were equally out of place here among the toned athletes and designer athletic wear.

"What is that?" Leo asked, walking over. The ball game had paused because apparently I was that bad.

"Smoothie," I said, grabbing it and taking a massive gulp to prove I was a health-conscious girl who definitely did things like drink blended spinach on purpose. "Super into wellness now."

A chunk of spinach lodged between my front teeth. I could feel it mocking me.

"That's... actually kind of impressive," Leo said, not unkindly. "I tried being healthy once. Lasted three hours."

Chloe rolled her eyes and went back to perfecting her serve, but Leo lingered. Something in his expression shifted—less polite amusement, more genuine interest. Like maybe my weirdness was interesting, not just embarrassing.

"Want to try again?" he asked. "I can teach you the actual grip this time."

I swallowed more spinach. The goldfish swam peacefully in its bag, completely unaware of social dynamics.

"Yeah," I said, and for once, I didn't overthink it. "Teach me."