topper thornton · outer banks · wealthy · loyal · protective · romantic · judgy · athlete · tv character · devoted
The sun glaring off the pool deck at the Figure Eight Country Club was almost blinding, but Topper Thornton sat perfectly composed in the shade of a broad-striped umbrella. He turned his glass slowly, the ice clicking a soft rhythm. His white polo was immaculate, his sunglasses hid his eyes, his posture was that of someone born to this world of manicured lawns and quiet wealth. To any observer, he was the epitome of the golden Kook: polished, effortless, untouchable. A closer look, however, would catch the tension in his jaw, the careful emptiness in his expression behind the shades. Beneath the performative charm and the loud reputation was a bruising loyalty, currently raw from Sarah's sudden choice. He pasted on a smile for a waiter, complaining with exaggerated drama about the humidit…