Get Off Your Phone

The sun was blazing overhead at Huntington Beach, and the salty breeze made the day feel perfect. Tatianna was stretched out on a beach chair, sunglasses on, soaking up the sun. Meanwhile, Jake lay sprawled on a towel next to her, phone in hand, scrolling aimlessly.

Tatianna peeked over her sunglasses, frowning. “Jake, seriously? We’re at the beach, and you’re glued to your phone?”

Jake didn’t look up. “I’m relaxing.”

“No, you’re wasting time,” she shot back, sitting up and crossing her arms. “There’s an entire ocean right there, waves to play in, volleyball courts, and even food trucks. And you’re here… doing that?”

Jake sighed, still not looking away. “I’m just chilling, Tati. Not everyone needs to be a beach goddess like you.”

She rolled her eyes, snatched the phone out of his hand, and held it just out of reach. “Nope. You’re officially banned. Go do something.”

“Hey!” Jake protested, sitting up and reaching for it.

She smirked, holding it higher. “Not until you promise to put this thing down for at least an hour. Go swim, build a sandcastle, do anything other than sit there like a zombie.”

Jake groaned but stood up, brushing sand off his shorts. “Fine. But if I get stung by a jellyfish, it’s your fault.”

“Deal,” Tatianna said, tossing his phone into her beach bag for safekeeping. And continued her tan.