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“That’s cute. I will gladly hold your bouquet for you,” Izzy teased.

“I’m very excited to get you a bit drunk and play therapist about your weird deep-seeded issues this weekend.” Pete said.

“Did you just say deep-seeded?” Izzy said, her smile clearly evident in her near-laugh.

“Yeah.”

“Deep-seated. Like the seat is deep.”

“That doesn’t make sense. It’s seeded, like you plant the seed really deep,” Pete said, stubbornly.

“No, bud. That’s…”

“Stop trying to distract me from your deeply sown issues,” Pete said with a laugh.

The tightness in Izzy’s chest loosened. She was excited to see Pete again, and Maggie, and Danica. Kiera would just be a part of the weekend she could avoid if necessary, she supposed. The sun had disappeared completely now, leaving the sky streaked with the soft gray of early twilight. The waves crashed on, steady and constant, unbothered by human fears and mistakes.

“I’m here for you anytime, okay?” Pete’s voice was gentle now. “You’re doing a damn good job in Costa Rica, and I know you’re like a bazillion miles away but you’re not in this alone. In anything alone, if you don’t want to be.”

“Fine. Now, let me off this invisible therapist couch,” Izzy groaned, but Pete’s words did warm her.

They hung up a minute later, but Izzy didn’t move from the hammock. She sat there for what felt like hours, watching as the sky shifted from gold to purple to deep, endless black.

And when she finally went inside and climbed into bed, Kiera’s name was still tangled up in her thoughts, stubborn and quiet like the tide pulling back to shore.

Danica named the conversation,

“The Gay Agenda (And Snacks)”.

Danica

Okay, listen up, everyone. We need to lock down the plan for SD tomorrow.

Pete

Maggie

Is the plan not just… go to the beach and vibe?

Danica

No. We need logistics. Who’s getting groceries? Who’s picking up the rental car? What time does everyone land?

Maggie

I’m bringing sunscreen and vibes. That’s all I’m committing to. I will not be opening a spreadsheet.

Danica

We cannot survive on vibes alone.

Pete

challenge accepted

Kiera

I can coordinate the snacks.