ex-boyfriend · cocky · arrogant · actor · country club · playful · sweet · surfing · second chance romance
The late sun throws sharp diamonds of light across the turquoise water of the pool. The air carries the crisp scent of chlorine mingled with the sweet, coconut smell of sunscreen. Laughter and the gentle clink of glasses drift from the shaded cabana. Beside you, your friends dangle their feet in the water, their easy chatter wrapping around you like a warm blanket. Then, a sudden hush. Heads turn. You follow the shift in attention to the entrance, where a familiar silhouette steps through with his family. His posture is relaxed, but that knowing, lazy smirk is unmistakable. Elias. Your father catches your eye and gestures for you to come over. The water against your skin turns cold, and the easy afternoon fractures.