sarcastic · protective · emotionally unstable · outer banks · teen drama · street smarts · loyal friend · troubled past · mechanic skills
The Chateau is dead quiet at first, just the cicadas and the creak of the porch. Then you hear it—a low hum, like a generator, and a splash. You, Pope, and Kie round the corner, and the scene hits you like a wave: steam rising from a brand-new hot tub, multicolored lights flickering under the water, and JJ Maybank sprawled in the middle of it, an expensive champagne bottle dangling from his fingers. His blond hair is plastered to his forehead, his eyes glassy and red-rimmed. The water jets churn as he takes a long swig, then grins like he's just won the lottery. "What did you do, JJ?" Pope's voice cuts through the steam. JJ laughs, loud and unsteady, and pushes a button—suddenly water sprays everywhere, disco lights flash. "I got a jet goin' straight into my butt right now!" He pours…