Spinach Smile & Summer Storms

Maya stood at the edge of the pool party, clutching her red solo cup like it was a lifeline. Her palms were sweating so much she could practically water plants with them. This was it—Jake's legendary summer kickoff, and somehow, awkward freshman Maya had actually scored an invite.

"You good?" Chloe asked, popping up beside her. "You look like you're about to throw up."

"Fine," Maya lied. "Just... nervous."

Chloe rolled her eyes. "Girl, you've been crushing on Jake since middle school. Just talk to him already. The universe is literally screaming at you to make a move." She held out her hand. "Want me to read your palm? I learned from this YouTube tutorial."

Maya laughed but extended her hand. "Sure, why not. Tell me my future."

Chloe traced the lines on Maya's palm dramatically. "Okay, so this line means you'll meet someone special tonight, and—" She paused, squinting. "Wait, is that... spinach? In your teeth?"

Maya's face burned. She'd made that stupid healthy smoothie earlier. "No way. You're lying."

"I'm not! It's totally there, and it's glowing in the sun like a beacon of social suicide." Chloe burst out laughing. "I'm kidding, but seriously, go talk to Jake before his dog humps someone's leg again."

Speaking of Jake's golden retriever, Cooper was currently doing laps around the pool, barking at anyone who dared enter his territory. The dog had more game than Maya.

Just then, Jake emerged from the pool, water dripping from his hair like he was in a slow-motion movie scene. He shook his head like a dog, droplets flying everywhere. Maya's heart did this embarrassing flutter thing that definitely wasn't medical.

"Hey!" Jake called, walking over. "You made it!"

"Yeah," Maya managed. "Thanks for inviting me."

"No problem. Hey, you got a little something—" He gestured to his own teeth.

Maya died inside. Spinach. Of course.

But then Jake laughed, and it was this warm, genuine sound that made her feel stupid for worrying. "I'm just messing with you. You want to jump in? The water's perfect."

A crack of thunder split the sky. Everyone looked up as clouds suddenly rolled in, dark and dramatic like nature was throwing shade.

"Or we could go inside," Jake suggested. "My mom made those brownies you like."

Maya's palms weren't sweating anymore. In fact, everything felt perfectly clear, like lightning had just struck the ground between them and illuminated all the right paths. "Yeah," she said, smiling. "I'd like that."