My thoughts drift to summers past. "No, nothing like that. He's been my best friend since we were kids. Not to mention he's like a brother to me."
"Really?" Camilla presses.
"Yeah," I affirm.
"Does the little golden retriever know that?" She nods toward Jake as he spikes the ball, celebrating the point.
"I'm steering clear of the Sullivan boys—and all boys—this summer."
"Oh girl, good luck with that," Marcus says, gesturing at me with a flourish. "You're a force, sweetie, not to mention an absolute stunner. If I didn't swing the other way, I'd totally shoot my shot with you."
His compliment, though sweet, makes me squirm. I've always seen myself as average, preferring to blend into the background. Even as my body has changed over the past year, I shy away from attention. Complications are exactly what I'm trying to avoid.
The night deepens, shadows dancing across the sand as the volleyball game continues. Jake's athletic grace draws admiring glances he seems oblivious to, though he keeps checking on me with little looks that make Camilla's earlier words echo in my mind.
Is it really that obvious to everyone?
I head to the makeshift beach bar to grab a bottle of water, and it takes less than sixty seconds to be cornered by another hellhound.
"You're brave showing your face tonight." Farrah's voice drops my stomach to my feet. She stands with arms crossed, flashy rings catching firelight like warning signals.
All I wanted was a bottle of water and a drama free night. Was that too much to ask for?
"What can I say? I love the beach," I reply, hoping my sarcasm masks my nerves.
"Especially after your little stunt last night," she snaps. "Where's Nate?"
"He's not here," I say, keeping it short as her smile turns saccharine.
"Kind of pathetic this damsel act you pull around him."
The air constricts around us. "We're just friends," I say firmly. "You have nothing to worry about."
"You think you're a threat?" she smirks, continuing, "That's cute."
Camilla sweeps in before Farrah can continue, and I exhale silently in relief.
"Hey, peroxide Barbie, turn around and walk away," Camilla says, looping her arm through mine.
Farrah's eyes flash as her minions appear beside her, tension crackling.
How do I keep landing in these situations?
Farrah's lips curl. "I admire you Camilla. Not everyone can pull off the bargain bin chic look as well as you do."
Camilla's grip tightens slightly, but her voice stays cool. "Sweetheart, my headband costs more than your hooker earrings do. And Farrah, if you're going to insult me, at least do it right."
"Jesus, Camilla, you should really come with a warning label," Jake laughs as he appears with Ollie and Mia, diffusing the tension.
Farrah's smirk falters and she turns away, clearly frustrated.
As we walk off, Camilla leans close. "Farrah's just salty 'cause Nate blew up at her last night. Big drama, but who knows the full story with those two and their fucked up situationship."
"They fought? Over what?"
She gives me a knowing look. "She's probably pissed because Nate's been avoiding her, or maybe because he played hero to you at the party."
"It wasn't like that. He just—" I trail off, unsure how to explain. The Nate who protected me felt like my Nate, the one I grew up with. I push that thought aside. He's not my anything anymore.
