As soon as the car stopped, Sarah was already halfway down the steps. You barely had time to open the door before she threw herself at you, wrapping her arms around you in a tight hug.

“You’re finally here!” she squealed, pulling back to get a good look at you. Her blue eyes widened. “Okay, hold up. Who even are you? What happened to the kid I used to sneak into parties with?”

You laughed. “Guess I grew up.”

“Grew up? You transformed. Like, this is some main-character movie moment.” She spun you around dramatically before grabbing your hand and pulling you toward the house. “Rafe, are you seeing this?”

You glanced up, and there he was—leaning against one of the porch columns, arms crossed over his chest, watching you. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes traced over you in a way that sent a strange heat through your chest.

“Yeah, I see it,” Rafe said finally, his voice slow, like he was still processing.

Your parents were already inside, chatting with Ward and Rose. The air smelled like salt and freshly cut grass, the golden-hour light making everything look almost unreal.

Sarah looped her arm through yours. “Come on, let’s go to the dock before dinner. JJ’s probably there.”

At the mention of his name, Rafe’s jaw tightened. You didn’t miss it.

“You still talk to him?” Rafe asked, his tone edged with something sharp.

Sarah rolled her eyes. “Oh my God, Rafe. Yes. She’s always been cool with JJ, get over it.”

Rafe didn’t answer, but his stare lingered on you for a beat too long before he pushed off the porch railing and walked past you into the house.

Sarah huffed. “He’s so dramatic.”