Pool House Confessions

The pool house was stifling, windows fogged from too many bodies and the summer humidity. Maya pressed her cold water bottle against her neck, trying to look casual. This was supposed to be the party of the year — Jordan's parents were out of town, the pool was heated, and suddenly everyone who'd ignored her since middle school was acting like they'd been her best friend forever.

"Hey Maya, come sit!" Chloe waved from the circle of seniors clustered around the outdoor fireplace. Maya hesitated. Last week, Chloe had literally laughed when Maya tripped in AP Bio.

"She's good," said Tyler, appearing beside her. He was Jordan's older brother, home from college, and somehow even hotter than the stories claimed. His hair was wet from swimming, droplet catching on his eyelashes. "They're talking about their college essays. Boring stuff."

Maya's stomach did that embarrassing flip thing. "Yeah. Totally boring."

"My parents got me a goldfish instead of a dog," Tyler said suddenly. "Thought it would teach me responsibility before college." He snorted. "Fish died in three days. I cried like a baby."

"Wait, seriously?" Maya couldn't help smiling.

"Swear on my life." He leaned closer. "I'm failing at this adult thing."

"You're literally in college."

"Barely. I changed my major twice this semester alone." He ran a hand through his damp hair. "My dad called it 'bull' when I told him I wanted to study music. Said I'd never make it."

Maya thought about her own father, who'd rolled his eyes when she'd mentioned art school. "Parents don't get it sometimes."

"Sometimes?" Tyler raised an eyebrow. "My mom still cuts my sandwiches into triangles."

Maya laughed. So did he. And for the first time all night, she wasn't performing. Wasn't trying to be the person she thought these cool kids wanted her to be.

"You know what?" Tyler said. "This party sucks. Let's go get actual food."

"Like... leave?"

"Yeah. Unless you're having the time of your life." He gestured toward Chloe, who was now singing along to a TikTok sound with way too much enthusiasm.

Maya looked at the water bottle in her hand, at all the people she'd spent years trying to impress, and realized she didn't actually want to be here. Not like this.

"I know a place," she said. "Best tacos in town. But you have to promise not to make fun of my order."

Tyler grinned. "Deal. But only if you promise to tell me if I'm being full of bull."

"You're definitely full of bull."

"Fair." They slipped out through the side gate, and Maya didn't look back.