Palm Sweat & Party Crashes

My mom made me take the vitamin before leaving. 'For your immune system, Leo,' she'd said, handing me the giant orange capsule like it was some magic shield against teenage awkwardness. If only.

I adjusted my hat for the third time since arriving at Maya's party. It was a backward cap—not my usual vibe, but Tyler said it made me look 'less nerd-core.' The irony? I was currently hiding behind a potted plant, watching people I've known since seventh grade laugh like they'd never experienced social anxiety in their lives.

'Sup, Leo.' Marcus appeared, holding a red Solo cup. 'You good?'

'Yeah. Just. Taking it in.' My palms were sweating. Like, actually sweating. I shoved my hands in my pockets.

'You should talk to her,' Marcus said, nodding toward Maya, who was wearing this floral dress that made my stomach do weird flips. 'It's her party, she won't think it's weird if you say hey.'

'I literally can't right now.'

Maya's golden retriever, Buster, chose that exact moment to escape the kitchen and barrel toward me. The next thing I knew, I was on the ground, hat knocked sideways, dog tongue全覆盖 my face.

'Oh my god, are you okay?' Maya was suddenly there, pulling Buster off me by his collar. 'Leo? I'm so sorry, he's literally insane sometimes.'

I sat up, face burning. My hat was gone. My palms were still sweaty. I probably looked ridiculous.

But Maya was laughing—not mean laughing, but real laughing, like how she laughed in AP Bio when I made that joke about mitochondria being the powerhouse of the wrong crowd. Her hand brushed against my palm as she helped me up.

'That was smooth,' she said, grinning. 'Did you plan that whole falling-for-me thing?'

I stared at her. Was she flirting? Was I hallucinating? 'Uh. No. That was all Buster.'

'Well.' She handed me my hat. 'At least you've got good taste in headwear.' Her fingers lingered on the brim. 'You wanna get some punch? Before Buster decides you're his new best friend?'

'Yeah,' I said, and I swear my heart was beating so loud she could hear it. 'Yeah, I'd like that.'

Later, I'd remember my mom's vitamin speech. Turns out, sometimes the only shield you need is a chaotic dog and someone who laughs at your disaster moments.