Claire doesn't wait long before making her move.
The moment the first game breaks, she's at the net with her hand on her hip and her hair doing exactly what she intends it to do. "Room for a few more?"
Lucas looks at Elias.
Elias says nothing, which Emily interprets as an opening. "Claire and Elias would make such a good team—"
"Sure," Elias says.
Everyone turns.
"You take my spot. I need a break."
He's already walking before Claire can recalibrate, leaving her standing at the net. Rick watches him go, then glances briefly toward where Mia is sitting. He says nothing.
Elias drops onto the sand beside Mia. The heat coming off him is immediate, salt and sun and the particular warmth of someone who's been moving hard in the afternoon light.
"Water?" He looks at her directly.
Mia han
