Palm Reads and Poolside Secrets

Mia's palms were sweating — legit dripping — as she stared at herself in the bathroom mirror. The pool party at Jake's house was supposed to be the night everything changed. The night she finally infiltrated Maya's friend group and proved she belonged.

"You got this," Tasha texted. "Remember: spy mission. Find out what they're saying about me."

Mia grabbed her phone and headed outside. The backyard was already packed, bass thumping from speakers, pool water reflecting string lights like something out of a movie. Maya and her squad were lounging on pool floats, looking effortless in ways Mia couldn't even fake.

She almost bolted. Then she locked eyes with Jake, who was towing the stolen school mascot bear costume behind the shed like it was contraband.

"Hey," he said, grinning. "Wanna help me hide the evidence?"

Mia laughed — actually laughed — and helped him stuff the bear costume between recycling bins. They ended up sitting poolside, knees touching, talking about everything and nothing until Maya's group drifted over.

"Who's gonna read palms?" someone asked.

Before Mia could process it, Jake volunteered her. "She's legit. Try her."

Her heart hammered but she went with it, tracing lines on Maya's hand and talking about confidence and hidden talents. Everyone crowded around, fascinated. For the first time, she wasn't spying or trying to prove anything. She was just existing.

Later, Jake walked her home. "You're cool, you know that?"

"I was literally faking the palm thing."

"Yeah, but you made Maya feel special. That's rare."

Her phone buzzed — Tasha asking for intel. Mia hesitated, then deleted the message.

Some things weren't worth bearing the weight of anymore.