The rest of the afternoon passes in a haze of canned cocktails and floating on the waves, until we get tired of the beach and head back to the house to kick the drinking up a notch and float in the pool. Nick’s parents invited a bunch of friends over for a barbecue, so the yard fills with people and chatter and music and the occasional burst of fireworks from neighboring houses.

We stuff our faces with hot dogs and corn on the cob and fresh berries arranged in the shape of an American flag. And when the “adult” company becomes too boring for the likes of us, we grab blankets, s’mores supplies, and a few bottles of wine and head back to the beach.

Nick and Jack get a bonfire going while Harley and Gemma stab marshmallows onto the end of skewers. I open a bottle of wine and divvy it up among five paper cups. I couldn’t even tell you how many drinks I’ve had throughout the day, but despite the constant buzz, I haven’t crossed the line into drunk. At least not yet. Instead my insides feel all warm and squishy, as likely due to the company as to the booze circulating through my veins.

Nick and Harley cuddle up on a blanket, for the first time not bothering to hide their obvious affection. Gemma and I share a long look, mostly a giddy happy one, but one tinged with just the tiniest smidge of worry. Worry about what might happen to our fearsome foursome should things not go how we all want them to. Despite my declaration to Harley last night, I don’t know what would happen to the group should things take a turn for the breakup, and the thought low-key terrifies me. But tonight is not the night for thoughts like that. Tonight is for realizing I’ve never seen two of my best friends happier, and for being happy for them.

Gemma folds herself down next to me on our blanket, linking our arms together, sharing a reassuring squeeze. Jack sits directly across from me on the other side of the fire. I meet his bright green gaze and a wide, genuine smile spreads across his face. It’s been nice to see him loosen up a little bit since being here with the group. He’s looking a little lighter, a little younger, and a lot more content.

It’s a good look on him.