𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 // 𝗖.𝗙

𝓓𝓲𝓭 𝓘𝓽

"GOOD AFTERNOON." Susannah announces, her voice carrying a warmth that mirrored the sun-drenched beach. Sylvia, ever the helpful one, was busy arranging the final touches, ensuring everything was perfect as Conrad disappeared to fetch them refreshing waters. "I'm Susannah Fisher, chair of the club's community service board, and I am absolutely delighted to welcome you all to Play It Forward!"

A wave of cheers and applause erupt from the crowd, their enthusiasm as bright as the summer day. Sylvia gracefully moves to stand beside Beau and Jeremiah, who greet her with genuine smiles, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"You know, as my mother used to say..." Susannah continues, her words resonating with heartfelt sincerity. "If you're lucky enough to be at the beach, you're lucky enough. And we are very fortunate indeed... which is why, in the spirit of fun and friendly competition, it is time to open our hearts and our wallets and give back to those who may not be as fortunate. We have teams raising money for homelessness, women's shelters, environmental causes, and many more."

Just then, Conrad reappears, a smile gracing his face as he handed Sylvia a water bottle. "Here you go."

"Thank you very much, handsome." Sylvia replies, a playful glint in her eyes as she leans in to give him a quick peck on the lips.

"Woah, woah, woah!" Jeremiah and Beau exclaim in unison, their eyes wide with surprise and playful shock.

"When did this happen?" Beau asks, pointing back and forth between them, his expression a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Well, the feelings developed when we were 13 and—." Sylvia began, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"You know what he's talking about." Jeremiah interjects, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "When did you guys get back together?"

"Yesterday." The couple answer in perfect unison, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared joy.

"Yes!" Beau exclaims triumphantly, turning to his boyfriend with a knowing look. "You owe me a date."

"I told you they bet on us." Sylvia says to Conrad, who chuckles, shaking his head at their friends' antics.

"And with that, I say let the games begin!" Susannah shouts, her voice filled with infectious excitement.

Conrad turns to Sylvia, a tender look in his eyes. "You ready to play?"

Sylvia grins, her confidence shining through. "I was born ready, sweetheart."

"Conrad, don't get hurt out there." Beau calls out, patting him on the back. "I really don't want to sub in."

∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎

"Play smart." Sylvia says, gazing up at Conrad, her eyes sparkling with a mix of confidence and affection.

The warm beach sun highlights the golden strands in her hair as it dances around her face.

"Play smart." Conrad echoes, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

He loved these little moments with Sylvia, the shared anticipation before a challenge.

"And show off a bit." Sylvia adds with a grin, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

She knew Conrad thrived on the spotlight, and a little flair would only add to their advantage.

"That I will gladly do." Conrad responds, his eyes locking with Sylvia's.

He extends his pinky, a silent promise of teamwork and affection. Sylvia mirrors his gesture, their pinkies intertwining in a familiar bond.