𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 │ 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧

𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

AT THE BEACH IN BEVERLY HILLS, Emberly sat cross-legged on her beach towel, her pen gliding across the pages of her journal. Around her, the football team spread out on the sand, using the beach for a change of pace in their practice. She wasn't particularly close with any of them, but with Olivia busy and Spencer participating, she decided to tag along.

At least, that's what she told herself.

Her gaze flicked up from the page to where Spencer sprinted down the sand, catching a pass from Jordan mid-air. His laugh carried over the sound of the waves, and she felt a small tug in her chest.

It wasn't like this before. She'd never cared when he dated or had taken a liking to someone else. But seeing him grow close to Layla—being in the front row for it—it hit differently. And part of it confused her. 

She turned back to her journal, but before she could write another word, a shadow passed over her.

"So..." Spencer grunted, dropping onto the towel beside her, the sand clinging to his legs.

Emberly laughed, closing her journal. "Hey."

"This is what rich kids do at 5 P.M. on a Tuesday?" he teased, tilting his head toward the other beachgoers.

"You'll get used to it," she replied with a smirk. "Give it a week, and you'll want to do this every day. But don't let the beach fool you. There's still work to be done." She motioned to a group setting up a table nearby. "Student council's already prepping for the football booster party. And this year, the pressure's on because everyone's coming to meet our new star player. You."

Spencer chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, no pressure at all."

Emberly's grin softened as she shifted toward him. "So... how's it going living with the Bakers? Jordan still being a pain?"

Spencer sighed, leaning back on his elbows. "He's been cool lately. Guess he knows he can't pull the same stunts twice."

"That's good. If he's being an ass, call me," Emberly said with a teasing smile. "I have no problem going over there and kicking his ass."

Spencer laughed, but he knew she would actually do that. He stood up slinging his bag over his shoulder.

"You're leaving already?" she asked, her smile faltering as she watched him gather his things. A flicker of sadness crept in—he was really the only person here she felt comfortable with. The others were just faces she barely knew.

"It's getting late," Spencer replied, adjusting the strap on his shoulder.

"What are you talking about? The night's just getting started." She gestured toward the bonfire, where a group was laughing, beers in hand. "Beers, s'mores, and JJ even busted out his guitar."

Spencer followed her nod to the blonde boy strumming away in a chair. "Ah, yes. Sandcastles and John Mayer sing-alongs."

Emberly giggled. "Okay, you're mocking, but you're totally missing out."

"It's tempting," Spencer admitted, smirking, "but I've got business to take care of."

"Business?" She raised a curious brow, tilting her head. "Very mysterious."

"That's how I like it," he quipped, the corners of his mouth tugging into a grin.

She rolled her eyes playfully, but her heart felt a little heavier as he turned to go.

Spencer took a few steps before glancing over his shoulder, his eyes meeting hers again. For a moment, the world seemed quieter, the sounds of the bonfire and guitar fading into the background.