Spinach in the Deep End

Marcus stood at the edge of the pool, clutching his red solo cup like it was a lifeline. The annual end-of-summer party. Every fake laugh, every 'totally love that song,' every casual lean against the snack table—pure performance art.

His friends called him 'Bear' ever since that camping trip where he'd refused to sleep in the tent because there 'might be bugs.' Marcus the Bear. Scared of nothing except everything social.

Across the pool, Jordan—the actual fox of sophomore year, with hair that defied humidity and a laugh that made everyone lean in—was deep in conversation with Tyler. Tyler, who'd been spreading bull all week about how Jordan was 'definitely into him.' Tyler, who currently had his hand on Jordan's arm.

Marcus's stomach twisted. He took a sip of his drink, trying to look casual. Failed.

Then it happened. Jordan turned, caught his eye, and smiled—actually smiled—and started walking toward him.

Marcus's brain: *PANIC.* His body: *FROZE.* His reflection in the sliding glass door: *BETRAYED.*

Because right there, stuck between his front teeth like a tiny green flag of social suicide, was a piece of spinach. From the spinach artichoke dip he'd nervously consumed earlier. The spinach dip that was now his undoing.

'Hey,' Jordan said, standing right there. Pool water shimmered behind them. Music thumped. 'Having fun?'

Marcus opened his mouth. Closed it. What was worse—talking with spinach in his teeth or saying nothing and looking weird?

'Your, uh,' Jordan gestured vaguely at their own mouth, 'you have a little—'

Marcus slapped his hand over his face. The ground needed to open up. The pool needed to swallow him whole. The universe needed to hit reset.

'Spinach,' Jordan finished, eyes dancing with something that might have been amusement. 'Happens to everyone, Bear.'

Marcus froze. 'You know that nickname?'

'Tyler told me. Also that you're terrified of bugs, which honestly? Same.' Jordan's grin widened. 'Wanna get out of here? There's a diner down the road. They have milkshakes. And no spinach dip anywhere.'

Marcus lowered his hand. His reflection still showed spinach, but Jordan was still standing there. Still smiling.

'Only if you never call me Bear again,' he said.

'Deal.'