Orange Hat Summer

My first day working at the community pool snack bar, and I was already regretting everything. The uniform consisted of this neon orange bucket hat that glowed like radioactive waste under the summer sun. I looked like a walking traffic cone.

"Nice hat, loser," said Tyler, dripping pool water from his perfect abs as he leaned against the counter. Because of course Tyler Martinez—swim team captain, junior class vice president, owner of a smile that could end wars—would be my first customer. I had been crushing on him since seventh health class, when he'd accidentally high-fived me during a presentation on consent.

"What can I get you?" I managed, my voice cracking.

"Gatorade. And maybe your number?" He winked.

I froze. Was this happening? Was Tyler—THE Tyler—actually flirting with me? I felt light-headed. Maybe I was already dehydrated from the heat.

Just then, Chloe Chen showed up. Chloe, who I'd been secretly tutoring in algebra for months. Chloe, who'd showed me her favorite indie bands and let me dye her hair purple during a sleepover. Chloe, who I'd been low-key falling for all spring.

"That orange hat is everything," she said, grinning. "Also, Tyler, she's not interested."

Tyler's face fell. "Wait, you're—"

"Yup. And Maya here has better taste than whatever game you're running." Chloe handed me a cold water bottle from the cooler. "Drink this. You look like you might pass out."

My phone buzzed. Unknown number. Then another. Then three more in rapid succession. From the dark corner behind the snack bar, I heard growling. Not metaphorical growling—actual, scary-as-hell growling.

"Is that... a bear?" Tyler asked, backing away.

A black bear, maybe a yearling, emerged from the trees, sniffing the air near the nacho cheese warmer.

"Everyone out! NOW!" I shouted, suddenly and ferociously competent. I grabbed the cash box. Tyler bolted toward the parking lot. But Chloe didn't move.

"Maya, come on!"

"The bear won't hurt us," Chloe said, pulling her phone to record. "Look, it's just hungry. It's probably looking for the trash bins."

The bear found the dumpster instead, satisfied with a discarded bag of chips. Then it lumbered back into the woods.

We stood there, breathing hard, my orange hat askew, chlorine and adrenaline mixing in the air.

"You were amazing," Chloe said quietly.

"I just... I don't know, I just reacted."

She took my hand. "Wanna get out of here? I know this spot by the creek. No bears, no Tyler, no orange hats. Just us."

"Yeah," I said, already removing the hat. "Yeah, I really do."