Page 21 of The Rookie

“Got it,” he says, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “No salsa tonight. I really think cultural exchange is a key part of this experience, though.”

She shakes her head, smiling despite herself. I hate to admit, as much of a cocky, party-guy persona that Griffin puts up, his intensity is endearing. “Alright, that’s enough from me. Enjoy the rest of your night—but not too much!”

With that, she retreats to one of the lounge chairs by the edge of the circle, leaving us to our own devices.

“So,” Jake says, leaning forward. “What was everyone’s favorite part of the day?”

“The food,” a girl on our program, Kayla chimes in, earning murmurs of agreement.

“The volleyball game,” Griffin adds, winking in my direction.

I roll my eyes, but before I can respond, one of the girls grins at me. “You were really good, Avery. I didn’t know you could play like that.”

“Neither did I,” I admit, shrugging. “It’s been a while.”

“Don’t be modest,” Griffin says, leaning back on his elbows. “She crushed it. Spiked one right past me. It was impressive. I’m man enough to admit she got the best of me a couple of times.”

I glance at him, suspicious of the compliment, but his expression seems sincere. For once.

“Thanks,” I say cautiously.

He grins. “Don’t get used to it.”

The conversation shifts to other topics—travel plans, favorite music, future goals—and I find myself relaxing a little. The sound of the waves, the warmth of the fire, the easy chatter of the group—it’s nice.

“So, Avery,” Jake asks, drawing my attention back to the circle. “What made you want to come on this trip?”

I hesitate, glancing at the flames. “I wanted to improve my Spanish,” I say finally. “And...I thought it would be a good challenge.”

“And because she’s an overachiever,” Griffin adds, smirking.

I glare at him. “And because it’s a great opportunity.”

The group laughs, and someone else turns the question on Griffin.

“What about you, Knox? Why are you here?”

“To learn Spanish,” he says simply. Then he pauses, his grin fading just slightly. “And because my coach thought I needed to broaden my horizons or whatever. And, you know.To party. Iwillbe salsa dancing at some point.”

His tone is light, but there’s something in his expression—something almost...wistful.

It catches me off guard, and for a moment, I forget to be annoyed with him.

“Alright, alright,” Jake says, breaking the silence. “Let’s lighten the mood. Who wants to tell a story?”

As the group shifts into laughter, I glance at Griffin again. He’s back to his usual self, laughing and joking with the others, but I can’t shake the flicker of something I saw in his eyes.

six

. . .

Avery

I’min a lighter mood when I get back to the hotel room tonight, my skin warm from the sun and my hair still smelling faintly of the ocean. I flop onto the bed and grab my phone, scrolling until I find Gavin’s name.

Gavin and I have been dating since this past December, and he’s the best.

Well, mostly.

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