Poolside Panic

Marcus stood at the edge of the pool, chlorine stinging his nose. The summer party was in full swing—kids from school everywhere, some doing cannonballs off the diving board, others pretending to be too cool to get wet. His stomach did that familiar flippy thing whenever Chloe was around.

She was lounging on a patio chair with her friends, sunglasses covering her eyes but definitely aware of everything happening. Marcus's golden retriever, Buster, had followed him through the unlatched gate—again—and was currently sniffing around the snack table like he owned the place.

"Marcus!" Chloe called out, finally lowering her sunglasses. "Your dog is about to steal Jordan's hot dog."

Marcus bolted after Buster, but the dog was faster. He snatched the hot dog right out of Jordan's hand and bolted toward the pool. Everyone stopped. Jordan, this massive guy on the football team, glared at Marcus.

"Get your dog under control," Jordan said, his voice low. "Or I'm throwing you in the pool instead."

Marcus felt his face burn. But then Chloe was there, standing between them.

"Chill, Jordan," she said. "It's just a hot dog. I'll buy you another one."

Marcus managed to grab Buster's collar before the dog could shake himself dry all over everyone. The dog looked guilty, tail tucked between his legs.

"Sorry," Marcus mumbled to Jordan. "He's an idiot."

"He's a dog, Marcus," Chloe said, smiling. "They do that."

Later, when most people had left and the pool was quiet, Marcus found Chloe sitting on the edge, legs in the water.

"Your dog's actually kind of awesome," she said. "Totally broke the tension. Jordan's always trying to act like such a bull in a china shop."

Marcus sat beside her, nervous again but in a different way. "Thanks for... you know."

"What?" she splashed water at him. "You really think I was gonna let Jordan throw you in?" She paused. "Besides, you're way more interesting when you're not being so chill."

The water reflected the twilight sky, and for the first time all summer, Marcus didn't feel like he was holding his breath underwater. Buster was passed out on the patio, full of hot dog and betrayal, but somehow everything felt okay.