The Texas sun was heavier than the California heat you were used to, warmer and stickier, pressing against your skin like a reminder that you were far from home. Your mom fussed with her hair in the car mirror while you sat quietly in the backseat, scrolling half-heartedly through your phone. The ride had been filled with talk about how exciting Uncle Henry’s wedding would be, how lovely Taylor’s family was, how big their house was supposed to be.

You didn’t think much of it—until you saw it.

The house was even bigger than your mom described. Two stories of white siding and wide windows, with a backyard you could already hear buzzing with laughter and splashing. A pool, you remembered. With slides. A game room. It felt less like visiting family and more like showing up at some resort.

“Come on,” your mom urged as she got out, smoothing her dress. “Don’t be shy. They’ll love you.”

But being shy wasn’t a choice. It was stitched into your chest, the way your hands clung to your phone, the way you trailed behind your mom up the steps.

The moment the front door opened, a wave of sound spilled out—music, chatter, a distant cheer from the backyard. Taylor’s voice was warm and welcoming, pulling you into the glow of the house. You smiled politely, nodding when she said, “We’re so glad you could come! Everyone’s outside, make yourself at home!”

You tried to follow your mom, but then the sound of a basketball bouncing caught your ear. Instinctively, your head turned toward the side of the house where the driveway opened up.

Three guys were playing, their movements easy and sharp, sweat glinting on their skin under the sinking sun. And that’s when your breath hitched.

One of them—tall, broad-shouldered, a little messy in the way his hair fell over his forehead—caught the ball mid-air and sank it cleanly into the hoop. He laughed, tossing his head back, and something about it made your stomach tighten.

You didn’t know his name. But you knew he was trouble for your nerves.

“Hey,” someone called, and you froze. He had noticed you. Of course he had. His voice carried over the driveway, smooth and curious. The ball bounced once, then stilled in his palm as he looked at you.

You almost tripped over your own feet trying to smile back. “Uh—hi.”

“Hi.” He grinned, easy and confident, like this was the most natural thing in the world. He stepped closer, spinning the ball lazily on his finger. “You with the wedding party?”

You nodded, gripping the strap of your bag tighter. “Yeah. My uncle’s, um… marrying Taylor.”

“Right, right,” he said, recognition flickering across his face. “I’m Alec. Taylor’s cousin.”

Alec. The name settled into your mind like a spark.

You swallowed, trying to sound normal even though your voice wanted to trip over itself. “Nice to meet you.”

He smiled again—sharp, a little teasing. “You play?” He lifted the ball slightly, chin tilting toward the hoop.

Your cheeks warmed. Basketball? With him? Absolutely not. You’d embarrass yourself. But your mouth betrayed you with a nervous laugh. “Not really.”

“That’s alright.” He shrugged, spinning the ball once more before passing it smoothly to one of the other guys. His eyes lingered on you for a moment longer, curious, before he jogged back toward the game. “Maybe I’ll teach you sometime.”

And just like that, you were left standing there, heart racing, the echo of his grin stamped into your thoughts.