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“Closed for the Night”

Late Evening – JJ Maybank Surf & Bait

The open sign was flipped to “Closed”, and the last of the orange light had dipped behind the trees across the marsh. Everything was still except for the hum of crickets and the soft splash of the tide nudging against the dock.

You sat cross-legged on the counter inside the bait shop, the lights dim, a hoodie pulled over your knees. JJ was locking up the side door, dragging a folding chair over beside you with that lazy kind of confidence he always had when he was truly relaxed.

JJ: “No customers, no drama, no dead fish to deal with. I think that counts as a win.”

You smiled. You: “Pope fixed the cooler without breaking anything. That’s a win too.”

JJ: “Miracles, honestly.”

He cracked open a warm soda and offered it to you first. You took a sip, then handed it back. Neither of you said anything for a while. Just sat there in the quiet. The kind of quiet that only shows up when you’re with the right person.

JJ looked over at you, elbow on the counter, chin resting in his hand.

JJ (softly): “Crazy, huh? That this is our life now.”

You glanced around the little shop — the surfboards, the messy shelves, the half-fixed cash drawer, and JJ’s guitar sitting in the corner. It wasn’t perfect.

But it was yours.

You: “I like it.”

He nodded. Then stood up and moved in front of you, resting both hands on the counter on either side of your legs.

JJ (with that slow smile): “I like you.”

You rolled your eyes — but your smile betrayed you.

You: “Really laying on the charm tonight, Maybank.”

JJ: “I don’t need charm. I got you.”

He leaned in and kissed you — slow, warm, familiar. The kind of kiss that didn’t ask for anything, didn’t need to prove anything. Just felt like home.

When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours.

JJ (barely above a whisper): “Thanks for sticking around.”

You (gently): “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Outside, the wind picked up. Somewhere in the distance, a boat horn echoed across the marsh. But in that little bait shop, with JJ’s hands warm on your sides and his heartbeat steady against yours — the world felt small. Safe.

For once, there was nothing to run from. Just something worth staying for.

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