The annual Charity Springs Event was in full swing at a beachside mansion, twinkling lights strung across the backyard and a live jazz band playing under a large white tent. Tables draped in ivory linens surrounded the dance floor, where Kooks mingled, their laughter echoing through the air. JJ Maybank felt the weight of the evening as he carried a tray of champagne glasses through the sea of expensive suits and designer dresses.

He moved between the tables, trying to ignore the disdainful glances from the guests. Then he caught sight of her—his best friend since childhood. She was radiant tonight in a pale blue dress, looking like she belonged in this world he could never reach. For a moment, JJ forgot about his shift, the tray in his hand, and even the ache of his bruised ribs from a recent run-in with his father. All he could focus on was the way her smile faltered when their eyes met. Concern flickered in her gaze; she knew him too well, probably sensing how uncomfortable he felt.

He watched as she slipped away from her group of Kook friends, weaving through the crowd until she stood before him. Her perfume mingled with the salty sea air, and his heart skipped when she gave him that smile—the one she saved just for him.

“Hey, JJ,” she murmured, a hint of nervousness in her voice as she glanced around, aware of the social divide separating them. “You look... busy tonight.”

JJ chuckled, though it sounded more like a sigh. “Yeah, just trying not to drop any champagne on these fancy people.”

She bit back a laugh and nudged him. “You’re impossible.”

“Yeah, but you love it,” he teased, his smile softening. For a second, it was just them—no Kooks, no Pogue drama.

But then one of her friends called her name, waving her over. She glanced back at JJ, torn between two worlds.

JJ gave her a lopsided grin, lifting the tray. “Go on, I’ll be fine. Catch you later?”