I’ve known Sarah Cameron since we were kids. We grew up practically living at each other’s houses — running barefoot along the docks, stealing snacks from the kitchen, sneaking into parties we shouldn’t have been at. Everyone says we’re inseparable, and we are… but somewhere along the way, my feelings for her started changing.

It’s not something I’d ever say out loud. The way her laugh makes my chest tighten, or the little brush of her hand against mine that makes my stomach flip… I keep telling myself it’s nothing. She’s my best friend. That’s all.

One summer afternoon, we were sitting on the porch at Tannyhill, iced teas in hand, talking about everything and nothing. Sarah was laughing at some dumb joke I’d made, her hair catching the sunlight, and I felt that familiar pang in my chest.

Then Rafe appeared, leaning against the railing, that smirk of his already in place.

“Hey,” he said, eyes on me. “You know, the way you look at me… it’s kinda obvious. You’re into me, aren’t you?”

I nearly choked on my tea. “What? No. That’s ridiculous!”

He laughed, loud and teasing. “Uh-huh. Totally ridiculous.”

I waved him off, heart racing. “Rafe, seriously. You’re so full of yourself sometimes.”

He just shook his head, smirk never leaving his face. “Sure, sure. Whatever you say.” And then he strolled off, leaving me staring after him, my chest still pounding.

A couple nights later, Sarah went inside to grab blankets for the fire pit, leaving me alone with Rafe on the porch. The air was warm, heavy with the smell of salt and pine. He leaned back in his chair, eyes on me, that same teasing glint in his gaze.

“So,” he drawled, “you gonna admit it?”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “Rafe, please. Not now.”

“Come on,” he said, leaning forward. “You’ve been denying it for weeks. You can’t just keep lying.”

My chest tightened. I looked at him, hesitated, then finally said it. “When you asked me that… before… you were wrong.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Wrong how?”

I swallowed hard. “I’m not into you.”

He leaned closer, grin sharp. “Then who?”

My hands twisted in my lap. My voice was quiet. “Because… I like girls. Maybe.”

For the first time, he didn’t laugh. He blinked at me, genuinely surprised. Then his head tilted, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Let me guess… this is about my sister?”

I didn’t answer. My silence said it all.

He grinned, sharp and mischievous. “Well, shit. This just got a lot more interesting.”

I crossed my arms, glaring at him even though my heart was racing. “Yeah, go ahead… judge me right now. Seriously, I dare you. I just told you something and it’s probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever done, so go ahead, laugh, make fun of me, whatever.”

Rafe shook his head, still leaning back in his chair, completely relaxed. “Nope. Not judging. Honestly? I’m okay with it. I got you. I’ll help you with this… whenever you need. You’re not alone.”