Page 119 of Sparks Fly

Sawyer: I’m already smiling.

Me: First-night uniform.

Her reply came immediately.

Sawyer: Fuck. You look really good.

Warmth settled low in my stomach as I stared at the screen.

* * *

Day two arrived loud and bright.

Sunlight filled the house, and Taylor Swift played on a Bluetooth speaker before the coffee had finished brewing. Everyone moved through the kitchen in swimsuits and cover-ups, already buzzing with boat-day energy.

Lilly stood barefoot at the island in a white linen cover-up, sunglasses perched on her head.

“There you are,” she said when she saw me. “We’re still on track, right?”

“We’re perfect. Boat’s ready. Cooler’s packed.”

She wrapped her arms around me. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’d survive,” I told her. “But you’d be significantly less organized.”

She laughed and squeezed me tighter.

At the marina, everything felt even brighter. Music carried across the docks, phones came out, and Lilly climbed aboard laughing while her sash flashed in the sunlight.

“To the bride!” someone shouted.

Lilly grabbed my hand and pulled me into the middle of everyone as they cheered.

The day loosened after that.

The wind tangled my hair, the sun warmed my shoulders, and drinks kept appearing in my hand. I danced when the music hit right, laughed until my stomach hurt, and let Lauren drag me into far too many pictures.

I just had fun; I didn’t worry about schedules or plans. I just drank, sang and laughed. When I finally checked my phone, I had a message from Sawyer waiting.

Sawyer: I hope your day is great.

Me: I’m a little drunk.

Sawyer: I figured. Are you having fun?

I looked across the boat at Lilly dancing with her arms raised, surrounded by people who loved her.

Me: I am. Don’t get jealous.

Sawyer: I’m not. Maybe a little turned on.

Heat curled low in my stomach.

By the time we docked that afternoon, we were sun-warmed, tipsy, and still laughing.

Back at the house, Lilly caught me before heading toward her room and pulled me into another hug.

“You’re the best,” she murmured.