I tug off my flowy dress, revealing my very hot, hot-pink bikini underneath. Turning up my best Baywatch impression, I slow-motion run down the sand and into the water, diving into the cool blue and resurfacing at the little circle the gang has created. And yeah, I might throw a glance Jack’s way to see if he’s watching.

He’s definitely watching.

Nick pulls a canned rosé from the floating cooler and cracks it open before handing it to me. “Did you really just trade one job with endless hours for a different job with endless hours?”

I take a long sip of the sparkling wine, letting it cool the heat flushing my cheeks ever since I noticed Jack noticing me. “Yes. But these are working-for-me hours, so it’s different.”

Harley bumps me with her hip. “I’m proud of you, girl. I know it hasn’t been easy, but things are starting to pick up.”

“As evidenced by the constant array of flowers all over my house.” Jack gives me one of his half-cocked smiles and little bubbles float up into my chest.

But that could be the rosé.

“Maybe one day I’ll actually be able to open my own shop.” Assuming I don’t go bankrupt first.

Nick flicks a tiny splash of water at me. “It’s been two months, let’s have a dose of realism here.”

“It’s been two and a half months. And I’ve never been a fan of realism.” I argue with him not because he’s wrong, but because he’s Nick.

Gemma, currently perched on a giant flamingo-shaped raft, paddles back over to us after having drifted off on the current. “You’re one of the realest people I know, Sadie Jane.”

I push her back away from the group. “I just like talking shit, that’s all.”

Nick raises his beer in the air. “And we love you for it. As long as we aren’t the subject of it.”

“You guys are perfect, what shit could I possibly have to talk about you?” I send an air kiss to each of them.

Harley links her arm through mine. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to any of us.”

“What can I say? I’m a giver.” I chug the rest of my rosé and hand Nick the empty can. “Now give me some more wine. Please.”

Nick sticks a can in a pineapple-shaped floating coaster and sends it my way.

Popping the top, I hold up my can. “I can’t say I’ve always been proud to be an American in the past few years, but one thing is for damn sure, I’m proud of all of you. Happy Fourth, bitches!”

They all echo my toast, and we clink our cans together.

“Fuck, Sade, the sentimentality is off the charts today.” Gemma blows me a kiss and I flip her off.