“We’re over at one of his friend’s houses today. Em, you should see this place. The house is as big as The White House but right on the lake and he’s got this huge pool… I never want to leave.”

“Sounds awesome. I was calling to make sure you hadn’t fallen into depression and turns out you’re having a better summer than me. I’m jealous.”

“Why? What’s going on with you? When do you leave for Disney?” Her family’s summer vacation plans of going to Orlando to visit Disney World and the beach is all she’s talked about for the past two months.

“Eh, that sort of fell through. My mom got shingles and all she wants to do is sit inside in front of the fan.”

“Sorry.” I sit beside the pool and stick my legs into the water, capturing a bit of the bliss like a contact high. “You should come visit.”

“I bet Tanner would love that. He finally gets you to himself, and you still find ways to cockblock him.”

I fumble for words. “I’m not… he’s not… we’re…”

“I was kidding, but wow, you sound guilty. Did you two finally hook up? You bitch. I expected you to call me immediately when that happened. Tell me everything.”

“You misunderstood. I only meant that he doesn’t care about having me alone. Datson is coming up tomorrow, and his sister and her friends are coming later this month. We’re just friends, Em.” I do consider telling her about the kiss, but I think that will only add fuel to her theory that Tanner and I are inevitable.

Maybe it’s part of my stubborn competitiveness, but the more people insist Tanner and I are more than friends, the more I want to prove them wrong. Sparks be damned.

11

TANNER

Jonah racks the barbell and we both move to add another plate to either side before taking a quick rest between sets.

He takes a seat on the bench and wipes his forehead with a towel. “What are you guys doing tonight? Do you want to head over to The Cove?”

“That sounds good. I’ll run it by Sydney.”

“What’s up with you two? I can’t figure you out.”

“We’re friends, man. I’ve told you a million times.”

“I don’t buy it, and it’s not because I don’t think guys and girls can be friends. It’s the way you talked about her all these years and then seeing you two together.”

“Sydney is super competitive. You guys were basically daring her to kiss me, therefore guaranteeing that she would just to prove you wrong.”