The Pool Party Fail

Maya's palms were sweating. Like, actually sweating. Which was ironic considering she was about to be submerged in water anyway.

"You're literally overthinking this," said Jenna, adjusting her bikini top in the rearview mirror. "It's just Tyler's pool party. Everyone's gonna be there."

Everyone. Including Lucas.

Maya's stomach did that thing where it felt like it was running a marathon against her will. She'd been lowkey crushing on Lucas since seventh period English started, when he'd made that actually hilarious joke about Romeo being a total simp. But they'd barely spoken beyond "hey" and "can I borrow a pencil."

The problem wasn't the swimming. Maya was on the varsity swim team, faster than anyone in their grade. The problem was pool parties meant bathing suits meant exposure meant the possibility of looking like a complete idiot in front of the one person she actually wanted to impress.

"What if I just... don't go?" Maya suggested weakly.

Jenna gave her that look. "We're already pulling into his driveway. Also, you're in my car, so good luck escaping."

They arrived. Music was already thumping from the backyard. People were everywhere—Tyler's older brother's college friends, some seniors, the whole popular crowd that Maya usually successfully avoided.

Then she saw Lucas. He was standing near the pool, holding a red solo cup, laughing with his friends. Water droplets glistened on his shoulders. He'd clearly already been swimming.

Maya's heart was literally beating so fast she felt like she might pass out.

"Maya!" Jenna waved. "Come on!"

Someone pushed her into the pool.

It was cold, shocking, amazing. Maya surfaced, sputtering, as everyone laughed. But then Lucas was there, extending a hand.

"You good?" he asked. His voice was deeper than she remembered.

"Peachy," Maya said, immediately regretting it. Who says peachy?

Lucas grinned. "Nice. You're on the swim team, right? I've seen you at meets. You're crazy fast."

Wait. Lucas had seen her swim?

"I mean, I'm okay," Maya said, suddenly aware of how her hair was plastered to her face and her mascara was probably running down her cheeks. Great. Just great.

"Nah, you're being modest," Lucas said. "I tried to keep up with you at that meet last month. Got absolutely smoked."

Maya's stomach did a different kind of flip. This one was actually kind of nice.

"You swim?" she asked.

"Used to," Lucas said. "Now I mostly just run. Track team."

"Oh, that's why you're always wearing those weird shoes in the hallways," Maya said before she could stop herself.

Lucas laughed. A real laugh. "Okay, valid. But they're actually super comfortable."

They stood there in the shallow end, water up to their waists, talking about nothing and everything. Jenna gave Maya a thumbs-up from across the pool. Maya's cheeks burned, but for once, she didn't want to sink beneath the water and disappear.

Maybe pool parties weren't so terrible after all.