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"Exactly! Can't be looking all ratty when I'm out there"
𓇼𓇼𓇼
Madi hopped into the back of the Twinkie, the familiar van feeling like a second home. JJ was already in the passenger seat, cranking up the music while John B settled in behind the wheel.
"Hope you guys are ready for some serious fun today," Madi said, adjusting her sunglasses as she settled in.
"Always," JJ replied, glancing back at her with a grin. "Especially with you in those shorts."
"Focus, JJ," Madi shot back, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. "Let's make it quick. I've got a nail appointment at 5, so we need to pick up Pope and Kiara before I turn into a pumpkin."John B revved the engine, glancing back at her. "No worries. Pope's probably just waiting around, thinking he's going to miss all the fun."
As they drove, Madi and JJ kept up their banter. "So, are you actually going to jump off the roof of that new house today, or is that just talk?" Madi asked, raising an eyebrow at John B.
"Why not? Someone has to show the world how it's done," John B replied, pretending to be serious.
"Yeah, right," Madi said, laughing. "Just don't take it too far. We still need you in one piece."
When they pulled up in front of Pope's house, John B honked the horn. "Get in, Pope!" he yelled, leaning out the window.
Pope appeared a moment later, looking a bit serious as he climbed into the back seat beside Madi. "Hey, guys. Ready for today?" he asked, adjusting his glasses.
"Always," Madi replied, exchanging a knowing glance with JJ.
"Just try not to get us into any more trouble than we can handle, alright?" Pope added, shooting a mock serious look at John B.
"Hey, that was one time!" John B defended, starting the engine again.
"Sure it was," Pope replied with a smirk.
Once they had Pope settled, they made their way to Kiara's house. "So, how do you think Kie's going to react to this?" JJ asked, raising an eyebrow.
"She'll probably want to turn it into a beach clean-up or something," Madi replied, grinning.
When they arrived, Kiara was waiting outside, her face lighting up as she spotted them. "You guys are finally here!" she exclaimed, hopping into the van next to Madi.
"Hey, Kie! Sorry for the delay," Madi said, grinning as she nudged her. "I need to make this quick, though. I've got a nail appointment at 5, so we can't get too carried away."
"Always with the plans, huh?" Kiara replied with a teasing smile. "But I get it. Gotta keep those nails looking fresh."
"Exactly! Can't be looking all ratty when I'm out there," Madi said, rolling her eyes playfully.
As they drove toward the half-finished house a few blocks from Madi's family hotel, the conversation flowed easily. They discussed everything and nothing, each exchange drawing them closer together.
"Okay, so what's the plan once we get there?" Kiara asked, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
"Honestly? Just mess around and see what we can get into," JJ said with a grin. "Maybe try not to break anything this time."
"Famous last words," Madi laughed.
When they finally arrived at the house still under construction, they piled out of the Twinkie and headed inside. The place was a chaotic mix of exposed beams and half-finished rooms, but there was enough completed for them to explore.
"Let's check out the rooftop! I bet the view is amazing," John B suggested, already making his way up the stairs.
"Yeah, let's not die today," Pope quipped, following behind him.
"C'mon, it'll be fun! Don't be a chicken," John B called back, his tone daring.
Madi exchanged a glance with Kiara, who shrugged. "I'm down if you are."
As they climbed the stairs, the laughter and teasing continued, the easy camaraderie making Madi feel at home. Madi and John B fell into step beside each other, sharing a lighthearted conversation.
"You know, we should totally make this our secret hangout," John B suggested. "Just think about the summer parties we could throw here."
"Yeah, as long as we don't get caught," Madi replied, shooting him a playful look. "Not like you to be so bold."
"Hey, I'm always bold," John B shot back with a smirk. "It's just a matter of how much trouble we're willing to get into."
When they reached the deck, John B made a beeline for the cooler Kiara had brought, grabbing a beer before heading toward the roof. "Who's coming up?" he called over his shoulder, popping the tab with a grin.
"Don't do anything stupid!" Madi warned, crossing her arms but unable to hide her amusement.
"Too late for that," he replied, flashing her a cheeky smile as he climbed up onto the roof.
JJ leaned against the railing, watching John B. "You think he'll actually jump?" he asked, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
"Honestly? Knowing him, probably," Madi replied, shaking her head, both impressed and concerned.
With the sun warming their backs and laughter echoing in the air, Madi knew that today was just the beginning of an unforgettable summer filled with adventure and friendship.
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lmk if you guys want me to make these chapters longer or shorter
