“Just… don’t overthink it. Enjoy it. You’ve got one hell of a reason to be happy.”
I let out a soft breath, the night air suddenly feeling lighter. Somewhere in the distance, Olivia’s laughter drifts across the lawn, warm and bright, and I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips.
By the time we’re done setting up the fireworks and miraculously avoiding blowing ourselves up, the aunties have already migrated toward the long table under the veranda lights. And from inside the house, the unmistakable sound of the karaoke machine kicks in.
I hover near the food table, plate in hand, pretending not to eavesdrop in Olivia and Archer’s conversation. There’s something about the way Olivia’s shoulders relax when she laughs with Archer, a quiet warmth I haven’t seen all day.
When it’s my turn to sing, of course, I didn’t resist. I grab the mic, deciding to dive headfirst into one of the classic pop ballads. I belt it out with just enough dramatic flair to make everyone groan and cheer at the same time.Olivia catches my eye, grinning like a little secret is passing between us, and I grin back, caught in the orbit of her light.
Between songs, I drift back toward the sofa, claiming a spot beside her. Archer gives me a mock glare, nudging me with his elbow. “You’re stealing my audience, Lex.”
“They’re all here for her anyway.” I whisper, shoulder brushing hers.
She laughs softly, that gentle, unguarded sound.
“So,” Archer said, leaning in like he was about to share a trade secret, “what do you think of my forehand? Be honest.”
Olivia snorted into her glass. “Honestly? It’s good. But you rush the point too much. You’re obsessed with ending rallies in three shots.”
His jaw dropped, then he laughed. “That’sexactlywhat Coach says. Now I have two people nagging me.”
“You asked,” Olivia teased, nudging his shoulder like they’d known each other for ages. “What you need is patience. Tennis isn’t about who hits harder, it’s about who thinks clearer.”
Archer grinned, a little starstruck, I could tell. “Okay, but imagine if I teamed up with you in mixed doubles. Cadiz-Smythe versus the world. People would lose their minds.”
Olivia laughed, tilting her head at him. “They’d definitely lose something. Mostly their patience watching you trying to end every rally in three shots.”
He gasped in mock offense. “Wow. Betrayed by my future doubles partner.”
“Future doubles partner, sure,” she teased, “but I’d be the one covering your mess.”
Instead of sulking, Archer lit up, like he’d just found a co-conspirator. They kept tossing jabs back and forth.
Later, when the living room hit peak chaos, two cousins belting a Whitney Houston duet, Mom clapping like she was at a Vegas show, I slipped out onto the veranda, trading the noise for the crisp night air. I leaned on the railing, letting the hum of the party fade into a background blur.
The sliding door creaked, and then Olivia’s footsteps padded across the tiles. She didn’t say anything at first, just settled beside me, shoulder brushing mine. We stood there, staring up at the stars, the karaoke muffled behind glass.
“Escaping your fans already?” she murmured, a smile in her voice.
I huffed a laugh. “Just giving the neighbors a break. Can’t keep outshining the karaoke machine forever.”
She tilted her head toward me, that sly smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh, so humble.”
“You loved it.”
Her cheeks warmed in the glow of the porch light, but she didn’t deny it. “I’ll admit… you’re full of surprises. Didn’t have that on my bingo card.”
“What else is on your bingo card?” I asked, playful.
She hums, tilting her head like she’s weighing her options. “Hmm… you somehow making time to check in on me even when you’re busy, eating four cups of rice without even blinking… and, oh making me laugh at the most ridiculous things, even when I probably shouldn’t.”
“You forgot the square where you end up falling for me.” I said, grinning.
Her eyes flicked to mine, sharp and soft at once. “Cocky, aren’t you?”
“Confident,” I corrected, letting the word hang. Then, quieter, “Besides, I already hit jackpot with you.”
She laughed under her breath, shaking her head, but her fingers brushed against mine on the railing.
