The Sphinx at the Pool

The chlorine stung my eyes as I paddled backward into the deep end, trying to look casual instead of like I was actively fleeing. My best friend Nina had warned me about Josh's party—"his cousin Maya will be there, and word on the street is she's a total sphinx." I hadn't understood until now.

Maya sat on the pool edge, swinging her legs in the water with this unreadable expression that had everyone either trying too hard to impress her or avoiding eye contact completely. She was gorgeous in that terrifying way where you can't tell if someone's judging you or just thinking about homework.

I'd been doing fine until the spinach dip incident.

Someone's mom had brought those fancy appetizers—spanakopita or whatever—and I'd nervously stuffed two in my face while trying to work up the courage to join the conversation near Maya. Now, every time I opened my mouth to speak, I felt like I had an entire salad garden lodged between my front teeth.

Maya caught me staring. Instead of looking away like a normal person, I accidentally splashed water directly into my own face.

"Smooth," she said, and I realized she was right there beside me.

I wiped my face, mortified. "I'm just—gonna go drown myself now, thanks for noticing."

She laughed, and the mysterious sphinx vibe evaporated. "You've had spinach in your teeth for twenty minutes. I was waiting for you to notice."

"YOU KNEW?" I whisper-shrieked. "Why didn't you say something?"

"I thought maybe it was a look." She grinned. "You know, making a statement. Very avant-garde."

I groaned and submerged myself completely.

When I came up sputtering, Maya was still there, but different now. Less statue, more human. "You want help getting it out?"

"Please."

She reached over and her fingers grazed my cheek, and suddenly the water felt warmer and the party noise faded to background and maybe sphinxes weren't supposed to be approachable, but maybe neither was I.

"Got it," she said softly. "You're good."

"Thanks," I managed, heart thumping harder than it should've.

"Anytime." She paused. "You going to Josh's thing next weekend? The lake house?"

"I wasn't planning on it."

"You should." Maya stood up, water dripping from her cutoffs. "I hear they're having that spinach artichoke dip again."

As she walked away, I touched my teeth, then smiled. Some riddles you don't solve by thinking—you solve by showing up anyway.