Pretty Girl - Steven Conklin

1

The familiar scent of salt and pine hit me as JJ's car finally pulled up to the Cousins Beach house. I looked out the window, feeling that mix of nostalgia and excitement that came with every summer here. This house was like a second home, but this year felt different. JJ squeezed my hand, glancing over with that grin that made me feel like I was the only person in the world.

"You ready for the best summer of your life?" he teased, knowing exactly how much I needed this escape. Last summer had left me with more heartache than I wanted to admit, but I was here with someone who loved me as I was, and for the first time, I was starting to feel free from the past.

"More than ready," I replied, leaning over to give him a quick kiss.

We stepped out of the car, our bags thrown over our shoulders, and as soon as I looked up, I saw Belly's face light up. She sprinted down the porch steps, her arms open wide. She collided with me, hugging me tight, and I felt a surge of happiness wash over me. Belly and I had always been close—more like sisters than friends—and every summer, we picked up exactly where we left off.

"Dee! You look amazing!" Belly exclaimed, pulling back to look at me.

"So do you! Look at you, all grown up," I teased, ruffling her hair. Belly rolled her eyes but laughed, her cheeks pink with excitement. We linked arms, catching up on the past few months while JJ brought our bags up to the house.

Inside, Conrad and Jeremiah were lounging on the couch. Conrad gave a small wave, but Jeremiah jumped up to give me a bear hug.

"Hey, stranger!" Jeremiah grinned, glancing over my shoulder at JJ. "Who's this?"

"Oh, this is JJ. Jackson, but I call him JJ," I introduced, and the two shook hands with easy smiles.

But when I looked toward Steven, my heart skipped a beat. He was watching me, his gaze lingering a bit too long. I could see the way he took in JJ's arm around me, his expression unreadable. Last summer's memories came rushing back, but I pushed them down, reminding myself that he was the one who'd walked away.

"Hey, Dee," Steven finally said, his voice quieter than usual.

"Hey, Steven," I replied coolly, offering a small nod. His eyes darted from me to JJ, and there was a hint of something—regret, maybe?—but I didn't let it get to me. I wasn't that girl anymore.

That night, the beach was alive with the energy of the bonfire. Kids from all over Cousins gathered around, laughing, dancing, and catching up like no time had passed since the last summer. Belly was already deep in conversation with a group of her friends, her laughter echoing through the night air.

JJ pulled me close as we made our way toward the fire, his arm securely around my waist. I felt his warmth beside me, and as we walked, I saw Steven standing by the fire, a red Solo cup in hand, looking our way. His gaze was intense, and for a second, it was like he was trying to remember the girl I used to be, the girl he'd left behind.

JJ sensed the tension, and he leaned down to kiss me. It was soft and sweet, just enough to make my heart race, but as I pulled back, I caught Steven's expression twisting. He looked away, his jaw clenched, but I knew he'd seen it.

JJ and I joined the circle around the fire, and for a while, everything felt easy. But as the night wore on and the drinks kept flowing, I noticed Steven's behavior becoming erratic. He kept glancing our way, his expression shifting between frustration and something darker, something he probably couldn't admit even to himself.

At one point, he stumbled over, visibly drunk, and stood right in front of us.

"Hey, JJ," he slurred, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Did Delilah tell you she's been coming here her whole life? That she was always with us, her family? She and I... we're close. Real close."

JJ stiffened, his arm tightening around my shoulder as he glanced at me, confused but protective. I reached up, putting a hand on his chest, trying to calm him down, but Steven took another step forward.

"Steven, knock it off," I said, keeping my voice low, but he just laughed bitterly.

"What? I'm just saying what's true. We've known each other our whole lives, Dee. You and me... we were meant to..." His words trailed off, but the implication was clear.

Before I could respond, JJ moved forward, his voice calm but firm. "Man, I think you've had enough for tonight. Why don't you go cool off?"

"You have no right to act like this, Steven. You're the one who let me go, remember?" SHe looked at him shock written all over her face.

Steven scoffed, and in a flash, he lunged at JJ, shoving him back a step. The tension exploded as they squared off, the crowd around us gasping and whispering. Jeremiah and Conrad rushed over, pulling Steven back, but he strained against them, his eyes locked on JJ.

"Is this the guy you replaced me with, Delilah?" he shouted, his voice laced with anger. "This is who you want?"

My heart pounded as I took a step forward, finding my voice. "Don't speak to him like that! Why are you speaking to me like that?"

Steven's face fell, his eyes filled with regret as the words sank in. He stopped struggling, letting his brothers pull him away, but the look he gave me was filled with a pain I wasn't sure he could ever admit.

JJ took my hand, his gaze steady and reassuring. "You okay?" he asked softly.

I nodded, trying to shake off the lingering tension. "Yeah, I am."

As we walked away from the fire, my heart felt heavy, but it wasn't from Steven's outburst. It was the realization that part of me still cared, despite everything. But I wouldn't let him pull me back in. This summer was mine, and I wouldn't let anyone take that from me—not even Steven Conklin.