Serendipity

I'd feel bad

On my walk back home, I get to thinking.

We hardly talked about going to Liam's party, but I already know what I'm going to say. Anyways, Sydney and I have a beach get-together to attend, not some asshole's party.

I'll have to get permission to bring Kiki to the beach with us, but the only time Mom said no was when it was a day before a hurricane was going to blow through, and then she didn't let me go either.

I feel like going to the beach would be the perfect distraction for Sydney, hopefully cheering him up a bit. Maybe we can get some snacks while we're there, since everything tastes better at the beach.

I make a note to myself to offer to mow some lawns and walk some dogs so I can have the extra cash.

I'm shaken out of my thoughts when I hear the sound of dry shoes against the wet pavement coming up from behind me. I spin around to face whoever it is, then relax when I see Sydney.

"What're you doing?" I laugh, spreading my arms to catch him when he stumbles to a stop in front of me. He pants lightly, face flushed. It looks like he just threw on some shoes and started chasing after me.

"Hang on," He grabs my arm as if to keep me from leaving, even though I wasn't going to.

"What's up?" I ask, confused but not particularly worried.

He inhales deeply, glances around, then pulls me close. "Thank you. I don't know what you did, but it worked."

And then he kisses me. Eyebrows shooting up in surprise, I hesitantly wrap an arm around his torso and return the favor. He trembles slightly, but doesn't pull away.

I'm the one that breaks the kiss, mostly because I can't ignore how tense he is.

"What was that for?" I tilt my head, lifting my hand so I can gently massage his neck. He freezes up, then slowly starts leaning into it.

He sighs, smiling slightly. "Eh."

I scoff at his response, but decide not to push it. I notice how he seems to be enjoying my massage, so I don't stop when I say something else.

"I'm not going to accept his invite."

Sydney blinks at me.

"And we'll be going to the beach that day anyway," I wave my hand dismissively. "Probably having much more fun than those stuffy people at that stuffy party."

His eyes widen, suddenly understanding what I'm talking about.

"You aren't doing this because I pitched a fit, are you?" He sucks on the inside of his cheek, casting me an almost regretful look.

I shake my head. "That wasn't a 'fit', alright? Don't downplay your feelings. And no, that isn't why."

"Good," He tilts his head back and closes his eyes briefly. "I'd feel bad if it were."

"I'm not going because I thought about it, and I don't want to."

"Oh."

"Yeah. Liam probably has plenty of friends that'll go anyways, so we definitely don't need to be there."

He blinks, studying me carefully for several long seconds. "What day are we going, again?"

I grin. "Just text me this weekend when you're available."

"Will do," He lets out an amused puff of air through his nose. I watch him hesitate, then spread his arms, as if asking for a hug.

"Aw," I pull him close and wrap my arms around him, resting my chin on his head. He gives me a squeeze I can't quite decipher the meaning behind, but doesn't let go.