Page 104 of Notice Me, Jameson Hart
“Your brother’s over there,” Jameson says, nodding toward the shoreline.
I follow his gaze and spot Robbie with Matthew and Tyler. They’re laughing about something, and Robbie appears relaxed in a way he hasn’t at home. He must sense me watching because he glances over. Our eyes meet across the beach, and his smile falters. He looks away quickly, turning back to his friends.
“Give it time,” Jameson says, squeezing my hand.
“That’s what everyone keeps saying.”
“Because it’s true.” He shifts closer. “My cousin and I didn’t talk for three months after a wedgie fight. Now we text memes to each other daily.”
“This is bigger than a wedgie fight.”
“Maybe. But the principle’s the same. Family’s complicated.”
Adam appears, settling on Jameson’s other side. “What’d I miss?”
“Kevin brooding attractively,” Jameson says, which makes me blush.
“His specialty,” Adam agrees. “Though usually he adds some dramatic sighing.”
“I can hear you both,” I grumble.
“We know,” they say in unison, which should be annoying but makes me chuckle.
More people arrive as darkness falls. The fire grows bigger, fed by someone who clearly knows what they’re doing. Marshmallows appear, along with graham crackers and chocolate. The music shifts from pop to something more chill, matching the mood.
I watch the flames dance, letting myself get lost in the moment.
“I’m going to grab a drink,” Adam says. “You guys want anything?”
We shake our heads, and he wanders off toward the coolers. Almost immediately, Tyler takes his spot, grinning widely.“Yo, Hart. Now that you’re dating Kevin, we should talk.”
“Tyler, no,” I groan, knowing where he’s going with this.
“What? I’m being a good friend. Looking out for you.” He leans forward, fixing Jameson with what I think is supposed to be an intimidating stare. “What are your intentions with Kevin Theodore Pryor?”
“Oh, my God.” I bury my face in my hands.
But Jameson takes it in stride. “I intend to treat him with respect, make him laugh, and convince him that movie musicals are as valid as stage productions.”
“Controversial take,” Tyler says, nodding approvingly. “I like it. Also, fair warning—if you hurt him, you’ll have to deal with me, Matthew, and the Pryor brothers.”
“Just Adam,” I mutter through my hands. “Robbie’s not speaking to me.”
Tyler’s expression softens. “He’ll come around, Kev. He’s just being a stubborn ass right now.”
“Can we please talk about something else?”
“Fine,” Tyler says. “But I’ve got my eye on you, Hart.”
The night deepens,and the party takes on that dreamy quality that happens when you mix firelight, teenage emotions, and the knowledge that summer’s coming to an end. People drift between groups, voices rise and fall, and I think someone sneaked in something stronger than cheap beer because there’s a distinct wobble to a few people’s gaits.
Rita appears with a group from the drama club, dramatically reciting Shakespeare, because theater kids can’t help themselves. I catch her eye, and she waves, happy despite the mosquitoes she was dreading.
“Want to walk?” Jameson asks.
I nod, and we stand, brushing sand off our clothes. We wander away from the fire, following the shoreline. The music fades to a distant thrum, replaced by the sound of water and night insects.
“I love it out here,” Jameson says. “Used to come fishing with my dad before…” He trails off.
