Spy Fox Summer

I'm basically a pro at being invisible. Which is why I make an excellent spy. Okay, fine—I mostly just stalk people on Instagram and lurk at the edge of parties, but details.

The party of the year is at Jessica's pool, and I'm currently hiding behind a palm tree, watching my crush Liam talk to the foxiest girl in school. Chloe's all confidence and perfect hair, while I'm over here rocking spinach in my teeth from lunch and sweat everywhere.

I should just go home. This was a mistake. I check my phone—no new notifications, obviously. Because I have zero game.

"Hey!" Someone calls out. I look up and it's Liam. WAVING AT ME.

I freeze. My palms go instantly sweaty. Is he waving at me? Or someone behind me? There's literally nobody behind me except a very confused-looking pug.

"The mysterious spy by the palm tree!" Liam laughs, splashing over to the edge. "You've been lurking all night. Come hang out."

Chloe rolls her eyes so hard I'm surprised they don't get stuck. Meanwhile, I'm having a full-on panic attack because WHAT IS HAPPENING.

"I um..." I stammer. "I was just..."

"Spying on us?" Chloe snarks. "Original."

"Actually," Liam says, giving her a look, "I was hoping she'd rescue me from this conversation. Chloe, you've talked about yourself for twenty minutes straight."

Chloe's face drops. My jaw drops. Liam's already climbing out of the pool, dripping wet, extending a hand toward me.

"I'm Liam," he says. "You're Mia, right? From AP Bio? You sit behind me. You draw really cool foxes in your notebook."

He NOTICED?!

"You... noticed my doodles?" I manage, my heart doing something ridiculous.

"I always wanted to ask about them," he says, grinning. "Plus, you saved me from Chloe. I owe you."

I step closer, forgetting all about being invisible. My palm is still sweating when I take his hand, but for the first time ever, I don't care about being awkward.

Sometimes the spy gets pulled into the mission. And sometimes, missions turn out way better than expected.