Summer Pool Rules

The snapback hat pulled low over my eyes wasn't doing its job. I could still feel everyone watching me, even through the brim.

"You coming in or what?" Maya called from the pool edge, doing that thing where she flips her wet hair and suddenly it's a shampoo commercial.

I clutched my vitamin Water like it was a lifeline. "Maybe later."

Truth was, I'd forgotten my swimsuit. Again. Classic Leo move—show up to the biggest party of the summer, the one Jason's older brother was hosting because their parents were 'surprisingly chill' about thirty teenagers absolutely destroying their backyard, and forget the one thing that made it a pool party instead of just regular awkward standing around.

The red Solo cup pyramid on the patio table had grown to impressive heights. Someone—probably Jason—had spent way too long engineering that masterpiece instead of actually swimming.

"Hey."

I jumped. Jason was suddenly there, dripping wet, orange trunks plastered to his legs like they'd been painted on.

"Hats inside, that's the rule," he said, but he was grinning.

My face burned. I reached up to tug it off, but he caught my wrist.

"I'm kidding. Keep it. It looks... actually kind of cool." He lowered his voice. "You okay? You look like you're about to bolt."

I shrugged, words failing me like always.

Jason glanced at the pool, then back at me. Something changed in his expression. "You didn't bring a suit, did you?"

The way he said it—soft, knowing, not making fun of me—made my chest tight.

"I've got stuff inside," he said. "From when my cousin visited last month. It might fit. If you want."

The offer hung there between us, and I realized I had a choice. Keep standing on the sidelines, hidden under my hat, watching everyone else live. Or jump in.

The vitamin Water ended up on the table next to the Solo cup pyramid. I followed Jason inside, leaving the hat behind.

Ten minutes later, I cannonballed into the deep end.

Best summer ever. Starting now.