Poolside Palm Reader

The pool water shimmered under the Saturday sun. I lurked behind the concession stand, practically a professional spy, watching Jenna laugh at something Marcus said. His orange cat lounged on a nearby lounge chair like it owned the place.

"Get it together, Santiago," I muttered.

I'd been crushing on Jenna since seventh period algebra, and my big move was lurking around the pool party like a total weirdo. Smooth.

The universe decided to make things worse. I caught my reflection - a massive piece of green spinach speckled my front tooth. Are you KIDDING me?

Marcus's cat wound around my ankles, purring like a little traitor. At least someone liked me.

Jenna spotted me and waved. "Hey! Santiago!"

My heart did that embarrassing fluttery thing. "Yo!" I called back, probably too loud. "What's up?"

She started walking over, and I panicked. Should I pretend the spinach was a fashion statement? Should I cover my mouth? I just stood there like a frozen idiot.

Marcus followed, looking all chill. "You coming in or what? Water's perfect."

Then I remembered my Nana's palm reading trick. She'd taught me last summer. "The palm reveals everything," she'd said.

Jenna reached us, grinning. "Santiago! You made it!"

"Hell yeah," I said, channeling confidence I didn't feel. "Hey, can I see your hand for a sec?"

"Palm reading," I explained. "My Nana taught me."

I traced the lines on her palm, making up stuff about how she was creative and brave. Marcus rolled his eyes, but Jenna was actually into it. She laughed when I predicted she'd meet someone amazing at the party.

Later in the pool, she swam over and said, "That was actually pretty cool. You're weird, but like, in a good way."

I'll take it.

Marcus's cat watched from the side, looking judgmental. Whatever, cat. What do you know about teenage romance?

I got Jenna's number later. No spinach incidents. Total win.