Pretty Girl - Steven Conklin

4

The day after my conversation with Steven, I was still reeling. His words replayed over and over in my mind, making it hard to focus on anything else. He wanted a second chance, but I was with JJ now—a guy who'd been there for me through my heartbreak and helped me find myself again. JJ made me feel safe in ways I hadn't felt in so long.

JJ arrived that morning, cheerful as ever, with a bright smile and a plan to hit the boardwalk with the whole group. He greeted me with a kiss, and the usual flutters in my stomach were there, but part of me felt distracted, pulled back to the conversation with Steven. Belly, Jeremiah, Conrad, and even Steven were going with us, and I braced myself for a full day of pretending I hadn't almost had my heart torn open again.

As we strolled along the beach, the sun warming the sand under our feet, I tried to immerse myself in the moment. The boys competed in carnival games, trying to win stuffed animals for Belly and me, and we laughed as they got increasingly competitive. JJ won me a small bear, and I kissed him on the cheek in thanks. His face lit up in a way that made me feel guilty for even thinking about Steven.

But Steven's eyes met mine from across the way, and for a split second, I thought I saw that same intensity from the night before—a mix of regret, longing, and something deeper. I looked away, clutching the bear a little tighter, hoping JJ didn't notice.

Later that afternoon, after we'd all exhausted ourselves, JJ suggested we go for a sunset ride on his motorcycle. Jeremiah, never one to pass up a chance for an adrenaline rush, begged to come along. I hesitated, the memory of Steven's words from last night creeping in again. I reminded myself that JJ was my life now, and he'd never let me down.

"Let's go," I said, smiling to reassure both of them.

We took off down the winding coastal roads, the warm breeze whipping through my hair as I held onto JJ. The world felt fast and alive, the horizon stretching ahead of us like a promise of endless summer nights. I glanced back to see Jeremiah laughing, his arms thrown wide as he took in the view. JJ squeezed my hand, and for that brief moment, everything felt right.

But then, as we took a sharp turn, something went wrong. I felt it before I saw it—the bike shuddered, losing traction on the road, and for a heart-stopping second, we swerved dangerously close to the edge. My breath caught as JJ struggled to keep control, his knuckles white as he gripped the handlebars. Jeremiah was shouting something, but it was drowned out by the pounding of my heart.

We finally skidded to a stop on the shoulder of the road. My whole body was shaking as I climbed off the bike, my legs weak. Jeremiah rushed over, his eyes wide with worry, and I saw the same fear mirrored in JJ's face.

"Are you guys okay?" Jeremiah asked, his voice tinged with panic.

I barely heard him. I turned to JJ, my voice barely a whisper. "I really thought you did it this time, J." My throat felt tight, my hands trembling as I reached for him. "Never again. Do you hear me? Never again."

JJ looked down, nodding, clearly shaken himself. "I'm sorry, Dee. I didn't mean for it to happen like that. I just wanted... I wanted to do something special with you."

His eyes were soft, vulnerable in a way I hadn't seen before, and for a moment, my anger melted into worry. I pulled him into a hug, feeling his heart racing against mine, and we stood there for a long moment, just holding each other. Jeremiah placed a hand on my shoulder, and I gave him a grateful nod, silently thanking him for being there.