Papaya Summer at the Net

Maya's palms were sweating against her **padel** racket, which was gross, because she'd been gripping it for exactly thirty seconds. Summer before freshman year, and somehow she'd let Chloe talk her into joining the club league at the country club her parents could barely afford.

The social hierarchy at Lincoln High operated like a crystal **pyramid** — popular kids at the apex, everyone else scattered in the tiers below, crushed by the weight of it. Chloe had been plotting her ascent since seventh grade, and apparently, padel was her vehicle this time.

"You're not even holding it right," a voice said.

Maya turned. A guy with messy dark hair was grinning at her, holding his own racket like he was born with it attached to his hand. "I'm Jake, by the way. You're Maya, right? I saw you **running** at the meet last week. You almost caught Jenkins in the final stretch."

Heat rose to her cheeks. "You noticed?"

"Hard not to." He leaned against the fence. "You've got insane form. Has anyone talked to you about joining cross country?"

"I — "

"There you are!" Chloe appeared from nowhere, sliding into the space next to Jake like she'd been summoned. "I've been looking everywhere. Maya, come on, we need to check the tournament bracket."

Jake's expression flattened, just for a second. Long enough that Maya saw it.

"Cool to meet you, Jake," Chloe said, like she was bestowing a gift. "We'll definitely catch up later."

She grabbed Maya's elbow and steered her away, her fingers pressing hard. "What are you doing? That's Jake Miller. His cousin's friends with Tyler's older brother. Do not waste this opportunity talking about track.

"He asked," Maya said, pulling her arm free. "He was actually nice."

"Nice doesn't put you at the top of the **pyramid**, Maya." Chloe flipped her hair. "Strategy does."

Maya looked back. Jake was watching them, and when their eyes met, he made a face — crossed his eyes, stuck out his tongue. A ridiculous, authentic face. Chloe would've died.

Maya smiled back, really smiled. "I think I'll take my chances."

Outside, the club's fake **palm** trees swayed in the wind, and for the first time all summer, Maya breathed deep. She grabbed a slice of **papaya** from the fruit bar on her way out, sweet and bright against her tongue. Let Chloe climb the pyramid alone. Maya had discovered something better: people who liked her for her insane form and her tendency to sweat through important moments.

And okay, maybe she kind of wanted to see Jake again. But that was just a bonus.