Poolside Padel Operation

Chloe adjusted her oversized sunglasses, determined to look casual. Not like a girl whose best friend had assigned her to **spy** on Jake—the sophomore who'd been flirting with both of them at **pool** parties all summer.

The chlorine smell hung thick in the July air as she lounged on a chaise lounge, phone hidden behind a magazine. Across the water, Jake emerged from the deep end, water droplets glistening on his shoulders like he'd stepped out of a Teen Vogue spread. Of course he looked good. That was the problem.

"Chloe!"

She jumped. Jake was suddenly poolside, dripping wet. "You watching the **padel** tournament later?"

Her brain short-circuited. Padel? Since when did Jake play padel?

"Uh, maybe?"

"Cool. I'll save you a spot." He flashed that smile—the one that had half the junior class swooning.

Her phone buzzed under the magazine. Maya: STATUS REPORT???

Chloe typed back: Target engaged. He plays padel now??

Her backpack sat open beside her, revealing the elephant-shaped **vitamin** gummies she took religiously every morning. Mom swore they were essential for "growing girls," but honestly? She mostly took them because they tasted like fake strawberry and made her feel like she had her life together. Spoiler: she didn't.

Jake caught her eye. "Those the good ones?"

"What?"

"The vitamins. My sister's obsessed with those brand."

Heat crept up her neck. Why did boys always notice the most random stuff?

"They're... fine?"

"Awesome." He hesitated. "So, about the padel match—"

"Jake!" A sophomore Chloe didn't recognize waved from the snack bar. "Court's ready!"

He waved back, then turned to her. "See you there?"

"Maybe."

But he'd already turned away, leaving her with a fluttery feeling in her chest and a sudden realization: she was supposed to be reporting back to Maya, but all she could think about was how Jake had noticed her vitamin gummies. Not her outfit. Not Maya standing right there. Her.

Her phone buzzed again. Maya sent three question marks.

Chloe typed: I think I'm done spying.

Then she grabbed her towel and walked toward the padel courts, leaving her phone facedown on the chair. Some operations deserved to be abandoned.