Poolside Confidential

The water in Jordan's backyard pool glowed like liquid LED—Instagram-ready blue that made me feel like I was drowning in expectations. I clutched my phone, thumb hovering over Jake's story for the third time today. Yeah, I was basically a professional spy at this point. No cap, I could tell you his entire schedule just from his posts: 8:15 AM bus stop (if he made it), 3:00 PM basketball practice, 7:30 PM whatever he was doing that made him look like he had his life together.

Behind me, Buster—my sister's ridiculous golden retriever—decided now was the perfect time to shake himself dry, spraying chlorinated water all over my vintage sundress. "BRO," I hissed, wiping droplets from my phone screen. "I was living vicariously through that story."

My best friend Maya slid over, extending her palm like she wanted a high-five but actually wanted my phone. "You're not gonna believe this. Jake's caption says 'thinking about you' and I'm pretty sure it's about—"

"Don't," I cut her off. "If you say it's about me, I will actually pass away."

The party noise swelled around us—laughter, splashing, someone's terrible music taste. I hated this. Hated that I cared. Hated that I was hiding behind a fake palm tree, literally and figuratively, instead of being the kind of girl who just walked up to people and said hey.

Then Jake walked past. He didn't even see me. Just kept going, like I was invisible. Like the water in that stupid pool had more depth than I did.

"You know what?" I stood up, grabbing Buster's leash. "I'm done spying. I'm done being background character energy."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "What are you gonna do?"

"I'm gonna go talk to him. Like, with actual words. From my mouth."

"Bold strategy," Maya nodded, impressed. "But also, you might wanna fix your hair first. The whole 'chlorine disaster' aesthetic isn't giving."

I laughed. For the first time all night, I actually felt like myself. Not the version of me that existed through someone else's story. Just me, standing there with a damp dress, a dumb dog, and suddenly enough courage to jump in the deep end.