The Heffleys had barely set foot in the neighbors’ backyard before Greg was already complaining about the heat. The entire yard was strung with red, white, and blue decorations, and a makeshift buffet table sagged under the weight of burgers, hot dogs, and potato salad. Kids ran around with sparklers while parents lounged on folding chairs, sipping cold drinks.

Rodrick's faded band tee sure as hell wasn't fit for the occasion of being a patriot.

Rodrick was supposed to be helping his dad unload the cooler from the van, but instead, he was leaning against the fence, looking completely uninterested. That was until he saw her.

She was standing near the grill, eating something as she listened to whoever she was talking to, her smile was easy, confident, and totally unlike anyone Rodrick had ever seen. She was in a bikini...maybe pool parties are fun!

Greg, who had just escaped from helping his mom set up the picnic blanket, noticed Rodrick’s stare and rolled his eyes.

“What’s your problem?” Greg asked, squinting at the girl.

Rodrick didn’t even glance his way. “Shut up, dweeb,” he muttered, running a hand through his messy hair as if that would make a difference.

Before Greg could question him further, Rodrick was already on the move, weaving through the crowd with what could only be described as his version of “cool” strutting. Greg watched as his older brother approached the girl with his typical lack of a plan.

“Hey,” Rodrick started, trying to sound casual. “Cool...nails.”

The girl looked down at her nails, then back at Rodrick with a raised eyebrow. “Uh, thanks?”

“Yeah, I, uh... I’m in a band,” Rodrick blurted out, as if that was relevant. “Löded Diper. You probably heard of us.”

She shook her head, wiping the corner of her mouth.