𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃, jeremiah fisher

twenty-one. me, the sand, and the sea

I WALK BACK into the house after my usual morning run, ready to do my cool down stretches and take a long shower. We're going down to the beach later, and I'm excited to finally wear the new bikini I got a few weeks ago.

Mostly because I want to see Jeremiah's reaction.

I start walking toward the kitchen to grab my recovery drink so I can start doing my cool down stretches. When I round the corner, I look up and stop in my tracks.

Rey and Vanessa are sitting at the counter with Rey's arm around her waist and Van's head resting on his shoulder. His lips are touching her forehead.

I must look like a deer caught in headlights standing there just staring at them. Van notices me first. Her eyes widen as she abruptly stands up and pushes Rey off of her. Rey stumbles on the chair and grabs the counter to steady himself.

"Babe, what the fuck?"

She presses her hand against his mouth, and he just stares up at her in confusion. Her head ever so slightly tips in my direction. My brother turns his head, eyes widening when he sees me.

"Rosie!" Vanessa says, backing away from Rey. "Didn't see you there. How was your run?"

I narrow my eyes at them both. They avoid my eyes.

"I'm giving you guys five seconds to come clean."

They start talking at the same time.

"It's not what it looks like—"

"It's exactly what it looks like—"

"We were just sitting—"

"We're dating."

Van shoves her elbow into his ribs.

"What the fuck, dude."

He glares at her. "Don't call me dude."

I grin and let out a squeal loud enough for them both to cover their ears. I rush over to them and wrap my arms around their necks, nearly choking them.

"Fucking finally!" I exclaim. "Took you guys long enough."

Van furrows her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

I send her a look. "Let's just say you're the most oblivious person I have ever met. Rey could not have been more obvious about his feelings."

My brother glares at me and flicks my forehead. "Shut up."

I smirk. "He literally never shuts up about you."

Van turns to Rey with a wide grin on her face. "Really?"

He rolls his eyes but the corners of his mouth tug up. She coos at him and starts teasing him about being obsessed with her.

I smile at them both. Seeing them like this will definitely take some getting used to, but I'm beyond happy for them.

꘏

"SO ARE YOU and Jeremiah official or what?" Van says as she rubs sunscreen onto my back.

We're at the beach, sitting on a towel on the sand. Rey just left to get us snacks, so I guess now is when my dear best friend is going to attack me with all her questions.

"No," I reply.

She stops her movements and moves in front of me to gape. "Are you serious?"

I shrug. "We haven't really talked about it."