Sink or Swim Summer

The pool filter hummed behind me while I dragged the heavy vacuum cable across the concrete. Another glorious day of my summer job—pool boy at the rich kids' hangout spot. At least the paycheck would cover my share of Jordan's birthday dinner.

"Hey Marcus!" Bella called from the lounge chairs. She was holding court with the popular crew, and I felt that familiar knot in my stomach. "We're ordering pizza. You want in?"

"Nah, I'm good," I lied. My mom had packed me a salad with actual spinach in it—thanks, Mom, way to make me look like even more of a dork in front of the girl I'd been crushing on since freshman year.

Her cat sauntered over, weaving through my legs like she owned the place. Mrs. Robinson's tabby was the only living thing that didn't make me feel self-conscious here.

"You're too quiet," Bella said, jumping into the pool and splashing water at my shoes. "Live a little, Marcus."

The real problem wasn't the quiet. It was that my family had just canceled our beach trip because Dad lost his job, and now I was working double shifts while everyone else's Instagram stories looked like movie montages of summer perfection.

"Maybe tomorrow," I said, finishing up and grabbing my stuff.

"Wait." Bella swam to the edge. "My parents are having people over Saturday. They need extra help. Hundred bucks for the evening. You interested?"

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. Plus free food." She smiled. "And you can actually talk to us instead of pretending you're busy."

Maybe this summer wouldn't completely suck after all. "I'm in."

"Perfect." Bella grabbed my wrist, her fingers still wet from the pool. "And bring your cat. She's cooler than half the people here."

For the first time all summer, I didn't feel like the awkward kid on the outside looking in. Sometimes the best moments happen when you stop swimming against the current and just let yourself float.