Page 20 of Hawaii Can Suck It

“Blazey-Boo! Your queen needs you!”

Enter Astrid, stage left, filming herself as she makes her grand entrance. Her neon pink dress appears painted on, platinum extensions flowing as if she’s got industrial fans following her around.How does she do that?

“Yeah, babe, coming!”

Wait. BABE?!

Blaze jogs to Astrid, and she grabs him by the collar. “Action!” Astrid commands.

And then theykiss.

It’s not just a kiss. It’s a spectacle. A sloppy, over-the-top mess of lips and tongue that goes on far too long and should come with a splash zone warning. My stomach churns in secondhand embarrassment. Reece stiffens beside me, his breathing shallow, his jaw locked tighter than a bank vault.

When they break apart, Blaze grins and wipes his mouth. “Wicked, babe. Your vape breath tastes like cotton candy and chemicals.”

“Cut! Blaze, what the hell was that? You are being a freaking Labrador. We’re doing it again.”

Blaze blinks at her, his confusion so pure it’s almost endearing. “I thought it was good. Like, romantic.”

“Ew no! That was so NOT it,” Astrid snaps, already adjusting her phone for another take. “Can you pleasenotdrool on me? This isn’t a dog park, and I amNOTyour chew toy.”

Blaze shrugs, unbothered. “Whatever you say, babe. Let’s roll.”

They dive in for round two, and I can feel Reece vibrating with barely restrained fury. Blaze pulls back after a shorter kiss, and Astrid inspects the footage.

“Better,” she mutters. Then she swivels to face Reece, still recording.

“What! The! Fuck!” Reece looks ready to commit murder.

“Sorry not sorry, but like, the universe literally told me to live my truth!” Astrid’s voice is sheer TikTok drama. “We’re not hiding our love anymore. Blaze actually appreciates my crystal-infused lifestyle! And you’re not going to ruin this for us, Reece.”

“Yeah, she told me we’re vibe soulmates.” Blaze is a brainless bobblehead, nodding. “But pro tip, when you’re going down on someone—those vagina gem things get stuck in your hair, and it hurts like a bitch to rip ’em off.”

“Blazey!” Astrid screeches, smacking his arm. “What did we just discuss?”

“Right, right. Never talk,” Blaze says sheepishly. “Got it, babe.”

“Now, kiss me again. And... action! Don’t forget to smash thatLikebutton, bitches, if you want more sizzling love content!”

I glance at Reece, whose face is currently buffering betweenWTF,I need a drink, andJesus take the wheel. This trip went from bad towelcome to hell, enjoy your stay.

Then, they’re going at it again.Oh, shit.Blaze is Astrid’s new boyfriend.

CHAPTER FOUR

REECE

Myvisiongoesred,then white—am I blacking out? Because Ican’tbe watching my most trusted friend swap spit with the woman who left me at the altar approximately eight hours ago.

Blaze. My fucking childhood best friend. Mybrother. The guy who once superglued his own ass cheeks together on a dare—standing there, next to Astrid, looking like I’m supposed to fist-bump him and say, “Congrats, bro, you tapped that ex-fiancée booty.”

Why is he smiling? His arm is slung over her as if they’re a goddamn couple. This can’t be real. And why does he keep acting like everything’s chill? Like I knew this was coming. Like he’s not twisting the knife with each stupid grin and exaggerated wink.

How long?I want to ask.How long have you been playing me, Blaze?

But all I manage is “You know what, Astrid—”

Before I can get another word out, Cam steps in front of me, alarm in her hazel eyes.

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