The back patio of Oceanside Wellness is strung with lights, laughter carrying through the warm LA night. Someone brought a speaker, Sam’s pouring wine, and Naomi’s already threatened to shut the whole thing down twice because of Cooper’s playlist.

You’re sitting on the edge of a lounge chair, a half-empty plate in your lap, watching Addison swipe chips off your plate one by one like you won’t notice.

“You know there’s a whole table of food, right?” you say, elbowing her gently.

She grins, unbothered, a tortilla chip halfway to her mouth. “Yeah, but yours taste better.”

Across the patio, Violet is clearly mid-story, hands flailing, and Pete’s laughing so hard he nearly spills his drink. Addison’s fingers brush against yours and linger for a second — just enough to make your chest warm.

No one stares. No one treats you differently. Here, it’s just… easy.

Home.

She leans in, voice low against your ear. “Wanna ditch early and go sit on the beach with me? Henry’s at my mom’s.”

You glance around — Naomi’s still glaring at the speaker, Dell’s making a mess with the salsa, and honestly? The idea of Addison, moonlight, and a quiet shoreline sounds perfect.

You smile. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

She grabs your hand as you sneak out the back gate, barefoot heels in hand, laughter trailing behind you into the night.