Page 45 of Before We Were

"I try to stay out of drama," Mia interrupts kindly. "But you know how it is around here."

"Small town, big ears."

She gives me a sympathetic look. "People who thrive on gossip usually don't have much else going for them. Don't let it get to you."

If only it were that simple. "I wish I could erase last night from everyone's memory. Including my own," I admit quietly.

"Well, for what it's worth, I'm sorry you had to deal with Connor at all. He's notorious."

"That he is," I say, feeling unexpectedly at ease with her. "Thanks for stepping in though. I wasn't up for it tonight."

"Anytime," she says with a reassuring smile. "I've only been back in town a few weeks myself. My family just returned from India after two years. It's been quite the adjustment."

"India?" My interest piques. "That must have been amazing."

"It was," she confirms, eyes sparkling with memory. "But it's nice to be back. I missed the beach... and a bit of normalcy."

Before she can elaborate, Camilla and Marcus weave through the crowd toward us. "There you are!" Camilla calls out. "We were starting to wonder if you'd ditched us. Did you find Jake and your brother?"

"No, but guys, this is Mia," I say.

She offers them a warm smile. "Nice to meet you both."

Marcus cocks his head. "Do I detect an East London accent?" His attempt at British pronunciation makes Mia laugh.

"Fresh off the plane," she replies with a playful eye roll that has Camilla chuckling.

"Well, welcome to our little slice of chaos," Camilla says, linking her arm through mine as we head toward the fire.

Ollie materializes beside us, his presence as bold as his personality. "There's my little sis," he announces, throwing an arm around me. His eyes catch on Mia, and I practically see him falling in real time. "You good, Nor?"

"Yes, Ol, I'm fine. You can go now," I say, trying to dismiss him gently.

"Hang on, let me say hello to your friends properly," he insists, turning on the charm as he greets everyone, his attention lingering on Mia. Jake appears beside me, chuckling quietly at his friend's obvious interest.

"Wanna join us for volleyball?" Ollie asks Mia. "You can be on my team." He winks, aiming for smooth.

"Sure," she responds with a confident grin, their chemistry instantly apparent.

Jake steps up, volleyball tucked under one arm. "Nor, you should join us too."

I hesitate. "I'm all thumbs and toes."

"Come on," he pleads with those puppy dog eyes that nearly break my resolve.

Camilla quickly interjects, "I've claimed Nora tonight. You get to keep her every day, tonight it's my turn."

"Next time, promise," I say, grateful for the save.

Jake gives me a playful wink and a quick kiss on the temple. "Fine. Stay out of trouble," he teases before jogging off with Ollie and Mia.

Watching them go, I'm struck by how much Jake has changed from the shy, awkward boy I once knew. He's grown into himself, drawing others naturally while never failing to circle back to me with reassuring smiles.

Camilla nudges me, eyes gleaming. "That boy has a serious case of puppy love for you, girlfriend."

I laugh despite the flutter in my chest. "Jake? No, he doesn't."

"Oh, please," Marcus joins in. "It's as obvious as a giraffe in a flock of sheep. Has there ever been anything between you two?"

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