In the glittering world of Westbridge, where mansions line the streets and family legacies are worth their weight in gold, five childhood best friends-Lisa, Theo, Gabe, Gen, and Sam-have grown up in the shadow of privilege, bound by a friendship as...
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The sun hung low in the afternoon sky, casting a warm, golden glow across the basketball court as Lisa leaned against the chain-link fence, watching Theo shoot hoops with practiced ease. The ball bounced rhythmically against the pavement, cutting through the otherwise quiet space.
They'd been out here for a while, ever since they slipped away after class, escaping the crowded halls of St. Augustine Prep. Theo liked this spot because no one bothered him here—no coaches, no classmates, no pressure. Lisa liked it because, with Theo, she didn't have to try so hard.
"Nice shot," she called, stepping closer to the court, arms crossed as she watched him sink another basket. Theo was always on point when it came to basketball; it was one of the few things he could do without thinking too much.
Theo glanced over, his easy grin lighting up his face. "Thanks. Want to give it a try?"
Lisa laughed, shaking her head. "I'll leave the basketball thing to you, Kingsley. I'm more of the cheerleader type."
"Come on," Theo teased, tossing her the ball. "Just one shot. It's not like anyone's watching."
Lisa sighed dramatically but caught the ball. "Fine, but only because you won't stop bugging me." She stepped onto the court, lining up her shot with exaggerated care. "If I embarrass myself, I'm blaming you."
Theo leaned back, arms folded, grinning. "No pressure."
Lisa took her shot, and the ball bounced off the rim before rolling across the pavement.
"Close," Theo said, retrieving the ball.
"Liar," Lisa muttered, though she couldn't help but smile. She stepped back, leaning against the fence once again as Theo resumed his game. They didn't need to fill the silence with chatter—it was enough to just be there, sharing the space.
Just as Lisa was about to speak, the sound of footsteps echoed across the court. She turned to see Gabe strolling toward them, his leather jacket slung over one shoulder, his dark hair tousled in that perfectly messy way.
"Well, if it isn't the golden boy and St. Clair, slacking off during free period," Gabe teased, his smirk firmly in place.
Lisa rolled her eyes but smiled. "Nice to see you too, Gabe."
Theo chuckled, tossing the ball into the net one last time. "Here to join us?"
Gabe scoffed, leaning against the fence next to Lisa. "Me? Play basketball? Please. I'll stick to looking cool from the sidelines, thanks."
"Always avoiding responsibility," Lisa teased, nudging him playfully.
"Exactly," Gabe said, popping a piece of gum into his mouth. "Speaking of avoiding responsibility, you guys going to Bennett's party tonight?"
Lisa groaned. "Another party?"
Gabe grinned. "Yup. Eight o'clock, and Bennett's parents are out of town all weekend. It's going to be good."
