Page 23 of Our Little Moments

…

I swear Jay can never be serious for too long.

“Walk faster, otherwise I’ll have to drag your ass over here,” Jay complains.

Still, he’s smiling, which lightens the weight lingering in my chest. I’ll always choose seeing a smile on his face over the worry in his eyes from a few hours ago.

“You’re just too impatient,” I call out, walking faster to join him down the street.

“And you’re too goddamn slow.”

Both of us chuckle, the previous heaviness fully gone.

I halt to a stop when the corner of my eyes catch a glimpse of familiar chestnut curls that shine even brighter with the sunlight. Stella’s at the beach, a soft smile on her face.

“Adrian?” Jay calls with that familiar teasing voice.

I drag my eyes away, rushing to join him. Except I wasn’t fast enough.

His eyes find Stella, and he looks at me, a devilish grin on his face.

Can we go back to an hour ago?

“Well, well, well.”

“Shut up.” I laugh, despite myself.

Jay gasps in fake offense. “How dare you tell me to shut up, Adrian. That’s my line.”

I roll my eyes playfully, relieved the diversion worked.

…

It didn’t.

“What are you waiting for, idiot? Go join her.”

“What are you talking about?”

Jay laughs, no downrighthowls, at me. “I can’t believe it. Adrian is trying to play dumb. Over a girl—”

“Oh, shut up. I’m just trying to give her space.”

Jay’s eyes gleam, and I know I made a fatal mistake. “Why, Adrian? Is it annoying you that I’m onto you? Don’t make me drag your ass to the beach, because I will if I must.”

I’m just worried about Stella. I want to be there for her, but I don’t want to be too overbearing—

Jay shoves my back, and I yelp as he ushers me to the beach. As we approach Stella, I free myself from Jay’s grasp just quickly enough that she doesn’t see it. Her eyes light up with curiosity.

“Hi,” she says softly, a hint of laughter in her voice. “Nice seeing you both again.”

I’m glad to see you’re doing better. I’m here if you need me. It’s good to see a smile on your face.

“So, you love the beach, huh?” I ask her, shifting the focus on her so Jay’s teasing can finally stop.

“I never actually got the chance to visit the beaches when I lived in the city. I was always too busy to do so. But now . . . I think I actually love it. The atmosphere is pretty soothing. What about you?”

I think it through, remembering all the times I came here with Layla when we were kids.

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