Tyler snorts. “Seriously?”
“Yeah, seriously.” Lucas gives a dismissive shrug.
“There are a million lakes in Michigan! How is that even possible?” Libby pries.
“I haven’t either,” I chime in.
“You both need to get out more,” Bren mutters.
Have all our friends gone skinny-dipping? I never thought of Lucas and I as boring people but maybe in comparison to our friends apparently we aren’t that adventurous.
“I’ve never done it,” Ryder adds. “Didn’t realize it was a requirement.”
Unease lingers in the air around our now silent table from Ryder’s confession. With his reputation, it takes everyone by surprise. He shrugs nonchalantly, taking another sip of his beer. “Anyways, what else do you guys do for fun besides skinny-dip in lakes?”
A fit of frantic laughter bursts from Libby. “You’re so funny, Ryder,” she croons, placing her head in her hand as she pines over him. “We like to dance. Do you dance?”
“Not really. But there isn’t really dancing music at this bar anyways.” Ryder glances around at the group, as if trying to will someone to change the topic.
“Well let’s finish these drinks and dance in the sand!” Sydney shrieks, startling me. She’s been so quiet I almost forgot she was there.
“One more round first!” Libby exclaims.
Tyler rises, joining Libby and Sydney to order one last drink. My pulse quickens as I catch his eye and raise an eyebrow at him as if asking him if he’s sure he really needs another one.
Reluctantly, he sits back down at the table, telling Libby he’s good on drinks.
A few of us leave the bar and meander down the beach back to the house. Blaine plays music off his tiny, but incredibly loud, portable speaker he brought in his pocket.
My heart beats rapidly again as Tyler makes his way to my side and signals for me to part from the group so we can talk. We veer off a little to talk in private.
“What was that look for back at the bar?” he snarls, his voice low and irritated.
A lump grows in my throat at the bite in his rude tone.
“Nothing,” I answer quickly.
“Laur, that’s a lie. I don’t need you to mother me. I can hold my liquor, and we’re on vacation—”
I cut him off. “You can do whatever you want, Ty, but, if you want to make alternate captain this year, maybe lay off a bit and don’t miss any more workouts because you’re too busy partying.”
“Did Lucas—” He starts before I interrupt him again.
“Lucas didn’t say anything. But as one of your closest friends, who knows how badly you want that ‘A’ on your jersey this year, it’s just my personal opinion.”
“Noted,” Tyler mutters. My stomach twists with unease as an unfamiliar awkwardness falls between us as we drift back with the rest of the group. I’m used to being able to talk to Tyler about anything.
The discomfort doesn’t last long. Sydney ambushes Tyler from behind, jumping on him, almost causing him to fall face first in the sand. Libby’s hysterical laughter mixes with the music. She grabs Ryder’s hand, trying to pull him to dance with her along the beach.
“I don’t dance,” he comments.
Libby pouts with zero subtly, kicking up sand like a child throwing a fit.
“C’mon, Ryder King,” Blaine calls. “Live a little.”
Blaine rushes forward, scooping up Libby and twirling her around as if the beach is a ballroom dance floor. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot movement from Lucas. He tries to be discreet, but I can tell he’s ready to pounce. I take off running down the beach, with Lucas hot on my heels. Catching me easily, Lucas picks me up, spinning in circles. I squeal like a woo-girl. His speed could never be outmatched by mine.
“Is everyone on the team this cheesy?” Ryder grouses, making me giggle.
