S O P H I A H O N E Y

"YOU GUYS fucked," Miles says without a thought.

I choke on the drink- slapping my chest as I try to keep from spraying it all over the table. My eyes widen, locking onto him like he's just accused me of murder in broad daylight.

He stares back, completely unfazed. Like he just commented on the weather.

"What?" I cough, voice strained, trying to salvage my dignity while wiping the corner of my mouth with a napkin.

"You heard me." He shrugs and leans back casually, arms sprawled across the bench like he owns the place. "Don't make that face, you're not exactly subtle."

After the kiss with Theo-which, yes, was intense, and yes, it left my brain a little fried-we'd decided to actually leave the room like normal humans. Well, I did. Theo was quickly intercepted by his aunt, who now had him locked in some serious-looking conversation a few tables down. But he made sure to order brunch for me first.

So here I was, soaking in the Miami breeze, sitting at a private outdoor table by the beach, enjoying my perfectly toasted lobster roll and a chilled Coconut Mojito-a fancy little thing served in a hollowed coconut shell with a tiny pink umbrella I definitely didn't ask for but secretly loved.

Everything was peaceful. Gorgeous. The view of the ocean stretching out in front of me, the breeze lifting strands of my hair, and the quiet buzz of vacationers all around.

Until Miles dropped his verbal bomb and ruined everything.

"That's not-" I start, eyes darting to make sure no one around us heard. "What the hell, Miles? You can't just say that."

He raises a brow and glances pointedly toward Theo. "So you're telling me I'm wrong?"

"No... I mean!" I stammer, eyes flicking to Theo as if he'd somehow swoop in and save me. He doesn't. He's over there, smiling like he's made of sunshine, his dimples fully on display as his aunt says something that makes him laugh.

"We didn't-"

"He's in a good mood," Miles cuts in, tone too casual.

"What?"

Miles smirks, then grabs the avocado sandwich from the table that Theo also ordered for me and took a bite. "He's in a good mood-or should I say the best mood I've ever seen him in since what happened at the party."

"You think?" I ask quietly, but I'm already turning to look at Theo again.

Of course I am.

I'd been sneaking glances at him even before Miles sat beside me. Every time I thought I was being discreet, I caught myself stealing another look. It's like my eyes just... gravitate to him.

That dark brown shirt? Yeah, it should be illegal how good it looks on him-hugging the definition of his shoulders, the rolled-up sleeves revealing those veiny forearms I should not be thinking about right now. His glasses hang from the button-side of his shirt, and he's unbuttoned the top two, revealing just a hint of chest that I'm not proud to admit I stared at for a little too long earlier.

He leans back in his chair now, one leg crossed over the other, one hand placed lazily under his chin. His fingers part slightly against his jaw as he nods along, but I know that face. He's not listening. He's just being polite. Doing that thing he does-charming people even when he's not trying.

"Fine." I exhale, turning back to Miles and narrowing my eyes at him. "We did something."

That's all I can say, because there's no way I'm telling Theo's cousin how good he made me feel last night - to the point that I'm fucking sore to the bones.

He chuckles, like he's been waiting for that confession all morning. "I don't think what you guys did qualifies as something." He nods toward Theo again.

"Look at him. The guy's glowing. And since I didn't see you after you left to get him-and he was nowhere to be found when I went to my room after the party ended, even though he said he'd be sleeping there-I clicked a few things together."

Out of everything Miles just said, it's that part that hits me.

Theo not sleeping in my hotel room.

I remember he mentioned it yesterday, but I'd been too hungry to process anything properly. Now, though-with food in my stomach and my head clearer-the thought settles in my chest with a strange weight.

Why wouldn't he want to sleep in the same bed with me?

It's not like it would've been weird. He's done it before. Hell, he's even asked to sleep over in my room and bribes me with money just to accept. He sleeps beside me when I bribe him to model for pictures, or when he falls asleep watching something on my laptop while I scroll through edits.

Maybe he thought he'd be bothering me. Or... maybe because I haven't asked him for pictures lately, he figured asking to crash would annoy me?

"I see," I mutter, pushing the little umbrella around in my drink, watching it spin and wobble in the ice. It's one of those tropical Miami resort specials with a sugared rim and a slice of pineapple stuck to the edge, but suddenly, the sweetness feels a little off.

I don't even realize I'm speaking until the words leave my mouth. "Miles?"

"Yeah?" he says around another bite of the sandwich.

"When was the last time you saw Theo? I mean... has it been long?"

He pauses, brows pulling together. "Hmm... probably five or six years ago? Yeah. It's been a while. Dad wasn't too into us visiting Uncle's place much back then."

I nod slowly. The question about Theo's mom nearly slips from my mouth, but something stops me. It feels... wrong to ask Miles. That's something I should hear from Theo. When he's ready to say it.

So I ask something else instead. Something that's been lingering in the back of my mind for a while.

"Was there ever anything... weird about him to you? Like, behavior-wise?"

Miles leans back, stretching his legs under the table before crossing them and folding his arms like he's settling into the memory.

"Weird?" he repeats. "Yeah I think so. I remember the last time I stayed at his house-just for a night or two-we shared a bed. I thought we'd stay up talking, y'know? Normal cousin stuff. But he barely said a word."

My frown deepens the more he speaks.

"He didn't sleep much. Barely ate. He just... existed. Real quiet. Not in a shy way-more like he was somewhere else in his head. I remember waking up once in the middle of the night, and he was just sitting there. Back against the headboard, staring at nothing. I asked if he was okay. He didn't answer. Just blinked and laid down like it didn't matter."

I wonder if those behaviors were because of his father.

Maybe the silence wasn't peace-it was survival. Maybe the reason he couldn't sleep or eat or speak was because there was mayhem around him. Maybe the only thing he knew how to do was exist. Just exist. Like breathing was the only thing he could control in a house full of shouting and expectations and... disappointment.

A heaviness settles in my chest. Not guilt, but something close. A sadness that wasn't mine, but feels personal now.

"Anyway," Miles says, exhaling loudly and snapping me out of my thoughts. "I'm glad he looks better. I know I haven't had the time to be close to him, but when I overheard Uncle talking about how disappointed he was when Theo chose hockey over the family business... I decided to check out one of his games."

Miles glances toward Theo again, a rare softness behind his words. "And I've got to say-he's killing it."

He really is.

"I'm glad he decided to stand up for himself and do what he loves," Miles says, his voice carrying a rare tone of sincerity. "I don't think I could've done that. But he did-and I respect him even more for it. He deserves it."

He does deserve it.

Even when Tory and some of us from class used to go down to the rink to interview the players, I remember Theo saying his biggest inspiration was himself. Just him. I had snorted at the time, rolled my eyes, thought he was being prideful. But now, hearing this... maybe that pride wasn't arrogance. Maybe it was earned. Worn like armor. And honestly? His pride should be off the roof-and printed in the clouds.

"Well, I've enjoyed this little heart-to-heart, but I have to go," Miles says, standing with a lazy stretch and a knowing smile. "Thanks for the sandwich, by the way."

"Oh, okay."

He chuckles, brushing imaginary lint off his shirt. "Don't miss me too much, sweetheart. And as much as I'd love to keep chatting..." He leans in, lowering his voice mischievously. "Theo hasn't stopped glaring at me since I sat down. So, I must flee."

Before I can respond, he takes my hand and presses a playful kiss to my knuckles. I blink at him, confused.

"What was that for?"

He smirks. "Just pulling his leg a little. Bye, pretty lady." And with a wink, he turns and strolls off, utterly unbothered.

I don't even get a second to breathe before I feel someone slide into the seat beside me.

And I don't have to look.

I know that cologne anywhere.

I turn around and see Theo already watching the path Miles walked down, his stare intense-the same one he had when Scott got all touchy at the café near campus.

I clear my throat to get his attention, and his eyes flick to me instantly.

And just like that, I'm caught.

The sunlight seems to admire him too, casting a soft glow over his face. It makes the blue-grey in his eyes shimmer, and when he smiles-slow, genuine, his dimples deepening and white teeth flashing-I feel something inside me tilt.

"Hey," he says, voice low and warm.

"H-hey."

I didn't mean to melt, but my brain decides to take a lunch break without me. My legs turn to jelly under the table, and I can feel my heart thudding way too fast.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Get it together, I scold myself, shaking my head mentally. It's just a smile, Soph. A dumb, harmless smile. Theo smiles at everyone-

This smile is different from the rest, you know it soph. The small voice inside me-my treacherous conscience-whispers.

"You alright?" he asks, voice dropping lower as he leans in, resting an arm across the back of my chair. His eyes scan my face now, serious. Protective. "Did Miles say something that upset you?"

I shake my head quickly.

"Words, Soph," he says gently. "I need words."

"I'm fine," I manage. "He didn't say anything. I'm just... thinking."

"Thinking about what?"

My mind fumbles for an excuse. "Uh... just the notes I need to write when I get back. I know it's only been a day, but the lectures are quite much and they give lots of notes."

He studies me like he doesn't quite believe it, but lets it slide-for now at least.

Theo then leans back in his seat, his gaze still lingering on me for a moment before he looks out toward the trees swaying gently in the breeze. "Oh," he says casually, like he's letting go of whatever tension he was holding. "Well, you don't have to worry too much. I just heard from my aunt-the wedding's been moved to today. Evening. Probably around five-ish. So, we'll be heading back tomorrow morning."

My brows lift. "So fast? I mean... the wedding. Don't they need time to prepare or something?"

He shrugs, relaxed now. "Not really. They've been planning this thing for a while, I guess. It's all set up already. Beach wedding. Real simple. Nothing huge. Most of the prep's already done."

He pauses before adding with a crooked smile, "Besides, we're just guests, remember?"

"Oh. I thought you'd..." I hesitate, licking my lips. "I don't know, participate or something."

His expression shifts the second the words leave my mouth. The teasing glint in his eyes dims, and for a moment, he looks like he's been pulled out of the moment entirely. But it's fast-he catches it, smooths it away with a slow blink and a sigh.

"I never participate in anything that involves my father, Soph," he says, his voice lower now. Steady, but distant. "And I never will."

I don't say anything right away, but I watch him, how he doesn't flinch when he says it, how the words seem practiced-like he's said them to himself over and over again until they stopped hurting.

But I don't think they ever really did.

"So," he starts, clearly trying to shift the mood away from the heavy stuff. His fingers tap lightly against the table, eyes glancing at me with a subtle, hopeful curve to his lips. "We've got a few hours to ourselves. What do you wanna do?"

"Me?" I blink, a little caught off guard, and he nods once, slow and casual.

"Don't you want to do something?" I ask. "I know you've been busy with your relatives."

He tilts his head at me, the smirk already forming like he's caught something in my tone. "Soph, honey..." he drawls the word like it's his favorite secret, "have you been jealous that I've been spending more time with my relatives than with you?"

My eyes shoot wide. "Oh no! Why would I?"

"I don't know," he says, teasingly, raising one brow. "Why would you?"

I groan, leaning back slightly as he grins, clearly enjoying himself.

"I'm not jealous."

He lets out a soft scoff. "Yeah, and the cloud is orange."

I roll my eyes dramatically but can't help the grin that follows. Then my gaze drifts to the extra lobster roll on the plate and back to him. "Do you want one?"

He blinks. "What?"

I pick it up and stretch it across the table toward him. "Eat. I haven't seen you eat in like... a day."

At first, he just stares at the roll. His body stiffens, posture suddenly a little too straight, like he's been caught off guard. "I have eaten," he says, but his voice lacks its usual certainty.

Now it's my turn to scoff. "Yeah, and the cloud is orange," I fire back with a smirk, watching him carefully. "I won't ask why... if you're worried I will. Just... eat."

His eyes flick up to mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. Guilt? Surprise? Maybe something softer, something like gratitude. I can see the tightness in his jaw, the quiet resistance in his body-not because he doesn't want the food, but maybe because he's not used to someone noticing. Or caring.

I care.

Then-slowly-his expression softens. His fingers reach out, but instead of taking the roll, he gently wraps his hand around my wrist, guiding the food toward his mouth. His eyes stay on mine, as if testing the weight of the moment between us.

I freeze, breath caught in my chest, heart drumming louder with each second.

Then he takes a bite. A slow, deliberate bite.

I blink in surprise, mouth parting just slightly. "Did you just-"

"Mmhmm," he hums mid-chew, smirking like I've been the flustered one all along. He finally lets go of my wrist but not without a gentle squeeze, like a silent thank-you.

I glance around, suddenly aware of where we are. The open patio space is still filled with a few guests sipping drinks, chatting lazily beneath the dappled sunlight-but no one's really paying attention to us. Which is good. Because the way he just held my wrist and took that bite? It would've looked like we were a-

"Let's go," he says, his voice pulling me from the thought.

He pushes his chair back and stands, brushing invisible crumbs off his jeans before glancing down at me.

"Where to?" I ask, setting the lobster roll back on the plate and quickly following as he begins to walk.

"Wherever you want to go," he says over his shoulder. Then, abruptly, he stops and turns to face me. I nearly walk into him, halting just in time.

"I'm sure you've got a place you want to see."

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "I never even imagined I'd step foot in Miami, so... the places I want to see? It's kind of a lot."

He doesn't even blink. "Then let's go to all of them."

I narrow my eyes. "Seriously? I have a list, you know. And it's pretty long." I raise a brow, teasing.

But before I can say more, his fingers slide between mine, warm and confident, and I feel that tingle start from my palm and spread straight up to my chest.

"Uh..." I trail off, my heart stuttering.

"Let's go to all of them, Soph." His voice is gentle this time, almost too gentle, and then he raises our joined hands slowly, pressing a kiss to the back of mine.

It's soft. Brief. But I feel it everywhere.

The difference between this and his cousin's showy little move earlier?

Miles was just playing.

But Theo... Theo's touch feels like a spark bomb went off beneath my skin the moment his lips touched me. Warmth rushes to my face, my thoughts tangling in every possible way.

"Okay..." I murmur, struggling to find my voice. "Let me just grab my camera."

I try to pull my hand away, subtly nodding toward a few of his relatives nearby, hoping he'd get the hint.

But he doesn't let go.

His fingers hold firm-not possessive, not demanding, just... steady. Like he's not embarrassed. Like he wants them to see.

I like the way he's holding me.

And before I could think, I tighten my hand.

He smiles.

◇◇◇

"You ready?"

Theo asks the moment we step out of the resort, his hand opening the passenger door. "Is that all you need?" he adds, glancing at my camera and purse, his voice genuinely curious.

I nod, slipping on my sunglasses as the afternoon sun kisses my face. The warm light makes me squint, and I adjust the camera strap around my neck, the small purse tucked securely under my arm. I hadn't bothered changing-my outfit was decent enough for an outing. Theo only swapped out his earlier shirt for a soft pink one that somehow made him look... unfairly good.

"Yeah, let's go," I say, sliding into the seat.

He shuts the door gently behind me and rounds the car with easy strides, slipping into the driver's seat and starts the engine.

The ride is comfortable, the windows rolled down just enough for the Miami breeze to sweep in and dance through my hair. We pull up a little while later, and I immediately recognize the view from one of the lists Blair sent me. I remember showing it to Theo-she'd said it was the perfect spot for taking pictures. Since we were still helping out with Tory's project, I figured it could come in handy. I'd wondered why it was called Wynwood Walls at the time, but after doing some research, I learned it's known for its street art and graffiti. Now that I'm seeing it in person, I get the hype.

We step out, and I'm immediately surrounded by life. Music spills softly from nearby cafés, people stroll in groups laughing, and several visitors are already striking poses in front of the murals.

Simply stunning.

From here, I could see the bright walls that explodes with color, bold murals that stretch from sidewalk to rooftop-each one more chaotic and beautiful than the last. It's like walking into a live canvas.

Theo closes his door, taking in the scene with a curious look, the sunlight catching the warm pink of his shirt and making his skin glow just a little too attractively.

I turn to him, "Are you ready?" I ask, slipping the camera strap off my neck and looking around for the perfect spot to take pictures of him. I'd texted Tory earlier to ask if the shoot still had to be shirtless, but she said not necessarily-any shot would work as long as he looked good.

That made things easier.

"You're still doing this?" he asks, raising a brow like he's trying not to laugh. "I thought you were done using me for cash."

I frown. "Don't make it sound like that. Think of it as... a hustle."

He chuckles. "Fine. But can I ask something about this hustle?"

"Sure," I say with a nod. "As long as it's not about what I use the money for."

My brain immediately flashes to the last time I got paid-how I'd spent it on a damn dildo. I'd even packed a smaller one in my travel bag, just in case. Things hadn't exactly gone according to plan, but honestly? No regrets.

"How much do you get paid?" he asks. "Like, what's your rate?"

"Uh... two hundred dollars," I reply, eyeing him suspiciously, wondering where this is going.

"Not bad," he says with a nod.

I almost scoff. Not bad? That's a lot to me.

"But I thought it was only shirtless stuff," he adds, smirking. "Do you want me shirtless here?"

"No," I say quickly. "Just need you to pose. We're good."

I try not to imagine him shirtless right now, but it's hard. Every time I photograph him like that, my body short-circuits. Back when I was still in denial about wanting to sleep with him, I used to blame it on not being used to seeing guys without shirts on.

Yeah... that was a damn lie.

"Okay, we can do that," he says. "But how about I double it?"

I blink. "Double what?"

"Your pay. Make it four hundred. How's that sound?"

I'm speechless. My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. "What?" I finally manage to whisper, breath caught somewhere in my throat. "Why would you give me that?"

"Because I want to," he says simply.

I shake my head, still stunned. "That's too much, I can't take that." How does he expect me to just... accept that kind of money?

"It's not really much, Soph-"

"It is. For me, it is, Theo." I look at him, trying to make him understand. "I appreciate the help, I do. But I can't just take the money without at least doing something."

"So you're willing to take it if I give you something to do?" he asks, completely misreading what I meant.

"I guess," I shrug, unsure. Then suddenly, I feel his hand brush over my camera. "What do you want to do?"

"You'll see," he says with a grin, sliding the camera from my grip. "Come with me."

Before I can argue, he grabs my wrist and pulls me along. I stumble behind him, heart racing, until he stops, backs me against a wall, and steps away just enough to mess with the camera settings. I blink, confused, not understanding what he's doing-until he raises the camera and points it at me.

My stomach drops.

"Oh no..." I shake my head quickly, waving my hand in front of him. "I... I don't take pictures."

He lowers the camera, frowning slightly. "Why not?"

I hesitate. How do I explain something I barely understand myself? Because I don't feel confident in them. Because every time I think, maybe this photo will be different, it's not. It just ends up reminding me that I'm not one of those girls-those girls who shine in front of a lens like it's second nature.

"I just... don't like pictures, okay?" I say softly, my eyes drifting to the people walking past us.

I know my thoughts are stupid, but I can't help it. I promised myself that coming here-far from Pinehill-I'd finally allow new experiences into my life. And I have, a little. I know there's more to come as I keep moving through college. But this... being in a photo? That might take longer. That might be its own journey.

I glance back at Theo just as he sighs, then I watch him nod slowly. "Okay, I understand."

"Thank you-"

"But I'd still like to take the pictures."

My brows knit. "Did you not hear me say I don't want to?"

"I did."

"And you just don't care?"

"Nope."

"Why?"

"Because you're beautiful, Sophia."

He says it like a fact-quiet, sure, with no room for argument. Not in a teasing way. Not like someone throwing a compliment just to be nice. He means it. And hearing him say it so plainly, so confidently, does something to me. It cracks something open.

For a second, I forget how to breathe. My mind blanks. My fingers twitch by my sides, unsure whether to cross my arms or hide behind the camera like I always do.

"You're beautiful," he repeats, softer this time, like he knows I need to hear it again.

"Y-you said that already," I mumble, trying not to choke on my own breath.

He chuckles. "I thought maybe you didn't hear it the first time."

"I did... I just don't know what to say."

"I don't want you to say anything." He smiles gently, lifting the camera again and adjusting the angle. "Just stand there and look beautiful for me, okay?"

"I... I..."

"Oh," he adds, lowering the camera with a sly look. "And remember-four hundred dollars if you let me take your pictures here."

My eyes narrow suspiciously. "How many pictures exactly?"

He shrugs. "Not sure. Maybe until my hands get tired."

I squint. "Will your hands get tired?"

"Nope."

This was getting nowhere. And aside from my constant attempts to avoid being the center of attention, his words-especially lately-had been messing with my head more than I cared to admit.

He was making me feel things. React in ways that left me frozen, stunned, totally unprepared. Whatever word I could grab onto, none could really explain how my brain just stopped working when he talked to me like that.

It was new. And terrifying.

"Okay, let's do this," I finally say, stepping out from the shade of the trees that stopped helping with the sun a while ago. "You take two-"

"Five," he cuts in.

My eyes shoot wide. "Five?! What do you need five pictures of me for?"

He shrugs. "That's for me to decide. Five or no deal."

I groan, annoyed but not entirely against it. "Fine. Five. And I get to take pictures of you at the next place we go."

He grins and nods. "Deal. Now pose for me." He lifts the camera.

I take a huge breath.

Here goes nothing.

Five minutes into the whole photo thing and we're finally done. I tried to pose, forced myself to smile through it-even though it felt weird as hell. Theo didn't laugh, didn't smirk-he stayed focused, like he knew any kind of teasing and I'd walk off, muttering fuck your dumb money. But... I needed that money. Who doesn't?

Afterward, we stopped at a taco truck. He bought one-for me-and when I asked why he didn't get anything for himself, he just said he wasn't hungry.

Stubborn asshole.

I gave him a bite of mine anyway, and that somehow turned into a pattern. Every place we went, he'd buy one thing, and I'd end up feeding him a bite of mine. It was ridiculous. Annoying. And I started suspecting maybe he was doing it on purpose.

But weirdly... I didn't mind.

We hit the garden next-another spot from Blair's list-and I got the shots I needed of Theo, more than happy to capture him this time. By the time we were finished, I hadn't even realized how late it had gotten.

It was almost time for his father's wedding.

And the second we started heading back to the resort, the light in Theo's eyes dimmed just a little. The playful spark from earlier slowly faded, like he was already preparing himself for whatever was waiting at the end of the day.

We arrive at the resort and Theo checks the time. His brows lift. "We should head to the beach. We're already late."

The clouds from earlier had cleared, leaving the sky with a warm blend of red and orange-like the evening had dressed up just for the wedding. Too bad the wedding was for the devil's favorite couple.

As we moved forward, my feet sank into the sand, and I silently thanked myself for wearing sandals. The cool breeze from the waves kissed my skin, offering a small bit of calm I didn't know I needed.

But that calm shattered the moment we heard the shouting.

Confusion hit me like a slap. Theo's dad-the groom-was yelling. Loud enough to echo over the water.

"What's happening?" Theo asks, his steps picking up pace. I follow closely behind, the tension thickening as we get closer. Some guests were already leaving, while others stood in clusters, their phones raised, recording the mess.

Then I see her-Patricia-on her knees in the sand, still in her wedding dress. Her makeup was a mess, streaked down her cheeks with tears, and she was pleading. Begging.

It was hard to watch.

"Miles!" Theo calls, spotting his cousin standing off to the side in a sharp black suit. His phone is slightly raised in one hand, discreet enough that most wouldn't notice-but I do.

Miles turns to us with a grin that didn't match the chaos. "Theo! You missed a hell of a show."

"What happened?" Theo asks, voice flat, sounding unbothered.

Miles shrugs like it's just another Sunday barbecue gone wrong. "Just another cheating act. The usual. Only this time-it wasn't Uncle."

I frown. "Wait-"

Miles leans in slightly, like delivering gossip he'd been dying to spill. "It was Patricia. She's the one who cheated."

My eyes widen as shock washes over me. "How... how did it happen?"

Miles gives a smug grin. "Someone sent a video. Patricia and one of Uncle's business associates. And Dad just-" He cuts himself off as Theo's dad's voice rises again, filled with rage and betrayal.

"You can already tell how he reacted, can't you?" Miles continues with a shake of his head. "God, I love this family. We never fail to outdo ourselves with the drama." Then he glances at his phone. "Anyway, I gotta go do some damage control before this spreads too far. If this hits the media, it could tank Dad's entire business."

He waves us off, leaving us standing there amid the wreckage.

I watch the chaos unfold, still stunned. It's bad. Really bad. And then I glance at Theo-wondering how he's processing all this.

Laughter.

A sharp, loud burst of it pulls my attention instantly. I whip my head around to see Theo laughing-really laughing-and for a second, I think he's lost it.

"Um... Theo?"

He takes a deep breath, calming down a little, then looks at me. "Yeah?"

"You okay?"

He exhales slowly, eyes flickering back to the scene unraveling on the beach. "A little. I mean... this sucks. Big time. If I ever make it to the NHL, they're gonna dig up everything about me. And this? This will definitely be a headline."

He chuckles again, but there's a tiredness behind it now. "But right now? This is actually kind of great."

I turn my gaze back to the scene. Theo's dad finally stops shouting, his chest heaving as he glances around like a man about to explode. His eyes land on us-on Theo-and for a moment, they just lock. There's a storm in his father's expression, but he says nothing. Just turns and walks away.

Something tells me their relationship didn't just crack-it shattered. And I want to hope it's fixable, I want to think something good can still come from this... but some things go too far.

"Soph."

I turn toward him. "Yeah?"

He doesn't look at me. His eyes are still on the beach, on the broken wedding and all that it meant. Then finally, he turns to me.

"Let's go back."

"To the resort?" I ask, even though I already know that's not what he means.

He shakes his head slowly. Then he meets my eyes. "No... let's go back home," he says softly. "Let's go back, Soph."