It was one of those lazy, golden afternoons where the breeze smelled like salt and sunscreen, and everything felt like summer—even if it wasn’t. Jake and his sister Gaby had nothing big planned, so like they usually did when the day was too perfect to waste indoors, they decided to take a walk. Living right across the street from Redondo Beach had its perks, and this was one of them.

Jake tugged on a hoodie while Gaby threw on a pair of sunglasses and her signature beachy ponytail. She wore light-wash ripped jeans and a flowy white crop top that caught the wind every few steps, while Jake just went with slides and shorts. It didn’t take long before they hit the sand-lined sidewalk, the sound of waves crashing and seagulls overhead filling the background.

“Tell me why this never gets old,” Gaby said, grinning as they passed a group of tourists trying to balance on rental bikes.

“Because we’re spoiled and live across from a literal beach?” Jake smirked.

They laughed as they walked past a few surf shops and booths selling overpriced keychains. Then, like clockwork, they veered off their usual path and headed toward the corner restaurant with the glass panels and outdoor patio: The Cheesecake Factory. It had been their go-to spot since they moved there, mostly because the view from the outdoor seating area was unbeatable.

The host recognized them instantly and led them to “their spot”—a cozy two-person table tucked along the edge of the railing. From there, they had a perfect view of the beach, the sun starting to dip, and boats lazily cruising by in the distance.

Gaby leaned back in her chair with a satisfied sigh. “Okay, this is giving main character.”

Jake grinned. “I’ll give it to you—this was a good call.”

They ordered their usuals—Gaby going for a chicken avocado sandwich and strawberry lemonade, Jake grabbing a burger and fries. As they waited, Gaby pulled out her phone and snapped a quick video of the ocean, then turned it on Jake mid-bite.

“Caught you in 4K stuffing your face,” she said, laughing.

He rolled his eyes. “If you post that, I’m unfollowing you.”

“You don’t even follow me,” she shot back.