Spinach Smile & Mechanical Bull

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror for the twentieth time, checking my teeth. Fresh green spinach from dinner was stuck between my front two incisors. Classic Maya luck. The senior bonfire was in thirty minutes, and I was already spiraling.

"Maya! You good?" My little brother Leo yelled from downstairs. "Buster's barking at nothing again!"

Our golden retriever, Buster, had been acting weird all day—probably could sense my nervous energy. I'd been crushing on Tyler since soccer season started, and tonight was finally the night. Supposedly.

"Yeah, coming!" I flossed until my gums hurt and applied another layer of lip gloss. Not trying too hard. Totally chill.

The bonfire was at Parker's beach house, and the whole team would be there. Tyler would be there. My stomach did that uncomfortable flip thing.

When we arrived, the party was already lit. Fairy lights strung between palm trees, actual bonfire crackling, someone blasting Doja Cat from portable speakers. I spotted Tyler immediately—black hoodie, perfect hair, laughing with Parker near the water. His easy confidence made my chest tight.

"Maya!" My best friend Jaya grabbed my arm. "You look amazing! Come play beer pong—well, juice pong."

Before I could respond, I heard Parker's voice booming. "Yo! Who's next on the mechanical bull?"

Oh no. Parker's dad had apparently rented a mechanical bull. Because that was a normal thing rich people did.

"Maya should go!" someone shouted. Because the universe hated me.

Tyler turned. "Yeah, Maya! You're tough."

His brown eyes crinkled when he smiled. I was doomed.

"Fine," I said, like I had a choice.

The bull operator—some college guy named Chad—gave me a thumbs up. "Hold on tight, sweetheart."

"I got this," I said, climbing on. My hands were sweating.

The bull started slow. I could do this. I was center midfielder for crying out loud. Then Chad hit the fast button.

I lasted seven seconds. Seven glorious seconds of gripping with my thighs, hair flying everywhere, desperately NOT looking at Tyler until—wham. I hit the inflatable mat.

Laughter erupted. But Tyler wasn't laughing. He was just... watching me. Intently.

"You okay?" He reached down to help me up.

Our hands touched. Something electric sparked through my palm, up my arm, straight to my heart. Which was definitely not beating too fast.

"Yeah, I'm good," I said, smooth as sandpaper. "Just professional bull rider, obviously."

His smile widened. "Clearly."

We walked toward the water together, away from the noise. The ocean reflected moonlight like scattered diamonds.

"You know," Tyler said, "I was gonna ride that thing. But after seeing you, I think I'll pass."

I laughed—real, genuine laughter. "Smart move."

"Hey Maya?" He stopped walking.

"Yeah?" Please say something good. Please say something good.

"I was gonna ask you to hang out sometime anyway. Bull ride or not."

The bonfire crackled behind us. Waves crashed somewhere in the distance. My stomach flipped again, but this time it wasn't uncomfortable—it was like, excited butterflies.

"Yeah," I said, feeling my face heat up. "I'd like that."

We stood there for a moment, neither of us saying anything, but it wasn't awkward. It was perfect. Until Parker screamed, "DOG IN THE WATER! BUSTER'S SWIMMING!"

We both turned to see my brother chasing our soaking wet golden retriever up the beach. Buster shook himself off like a sprinkler, spraying everyone within ten feet.

"That's your dog?" Tyler asked, trying not to laugh.

"Unfortunately." But I was grinning so hard my face hurt.

"Cool family." He looked at me. "Cool girl."

Later, as Jaya drove us home, I caught my reflection in her rearview mirror. There, stuck in my teeth again, was another piece of spinach.

But you know what? Tyler had already seen it at the bonfire and asked me out anyway.

Some things, I realized, don't have to be perfect to be completely, beautifully right.