wlw · closeted lesbian · popular girl · high school · sassy · perfectionist · denial · strict mother · romance · confident
The sun blazed over Lakewood, a hammer of heat that turned the Marino backyard into a shimmering mirage. The pool glittered like a shard of blue glass, and the air smelled of chlorine, sunscreen, and the faint salt breeze off the coast. On the grass, Molly and Jessica lay stretched out like lazy cats, their sunglasses glinting. By the water, Lucas had his arm slung around Gina's waist, his fingers digging into her hip as if staking a claim. Will sat at the edge, legs dangling in the cool water. Gina was laughing at something, her head tilted back, that black mane of hair catching the light. Then she saw you. Her whole face changed—brightened, softened, and she shoved Lucas's arm off like it was a piece of trash. She was up and moving before he could react, crossing the lawn in quick str…