Since 1998

Chapter 15

"Bro, can I ask you something?"

Sam and Devin were sprawled out on the rooftop of the beach house, the midday sun baking the tiles beneath them. They were supposed to be relaxing, but Sam’s phone wouldn't stop buzzing in his pocket.

It was Anna. “You coward. Just ask him and be done with it,” the screen read.

Devin didn't even open his eyes, but a smirk played on his lips. He could clearly hear the vibration against the roof.

"You haven't even opened your mouth, and I can already feel your heart racing from here," Devin teased. "Just say it."

Sam cleared his throat, squinting against the glare. "Have you... you know... actually asked Allison to be your girlfriend yet?"

Devin’s relaxed posture stiffened. The easy vibe evaporated. "Not yet. I have this letter—I’ve kept it for years." He trailed off, his gaze drifting toward the horizon.

While Devin was lost in the past, Sam’s thumbs were a blur. “Baby, he’s got a confession letter from years ago. He never sent it.”

Devin’s eyes flicked over, catching the frantic typing. "I’m trusting you with this, Sam."

Sam went rigid. He scrambled to delete the text and shoved the phone into his pocket with a guilty nod.

"It’s a confession," Devin continued, his voice dropping. "I just couldn’t send it back then. I didn't realize how heavy those three words would feel once I actually had to say them."

Sam let out a loud, forced laugh to break the tension. "Man, you’re overthinking it. Just tell her."

"Easy for you to say. But I have a plan. I’m going to tell her on her eighteenth birthday."

"Oh," Sam said, the pieces finally falling into place. "So, when is that?"

Devin shook his head, a genuine laugh escaping him this time. "September 28th."

"Right in the middle of the school year," Sam noted.

Meanwhile, Anna was losing her patience. Since Sam wasn't giving her a clear reason for the delay, she decided to force the issue. She’d planned a surprise for the next day, but then Allison walked into the room.

"I miss him already, Anna. Wait—who are you texting?" Allison sighed, flopping onto the bed.

Anna realized she couldn't wait. It had to happen today.

"Just Sam," Anna lied. "Look, I’ve got a plan. Let’s go out, just the two of us. You need to get your mind off him for five minutes."

"Forget him?" Allison looked at her like she was crazy. "Why would I do that when his house is right there? I thought you were the smart one."

"Allison, listen," Anna scrambled. "You can’t just keep showing up. You’re the girl—you don't want to look desperate."

"Desperate? Do I look desperate?" Allison walked to the terrace doors, leaning out into the warm air. "We’re best friends, Anna. It’s pretty normal."

"It was different when you were kids," Anna countered. "But now? People talk. There are expectations for families like yours. You have an image to protect."

Allison went quiet. She hated that Anna was right, but the social pressure was a real weight she wasn't ready to carry yet.

"Fine," Allison relented. "Where are we going?"

Anna got behind the wheel and drove toward the coast. After a few miles, she pulled over, grabbed a silk handkerchief, and turned to Allison.

"Okay, what is this? This smells like one of your 'surprises,'" Allison laughed as Anna tied the fabric over her eyes.

"Just trust me. I’m going to show you something you’ll never forget."

At the same time, Sam was playing his part. He’d dragged Devin down to the dunes with an old kite they hadn't touched in years.

"So, this is the legendary kite," Sam said, holding the frame. He looked at it, feeling a strange surge of emotion. "Why does this thing feel so heavy, man?"

"You're being dramatic. Let's go," Devin said, heading for the sand. "It’s been way too long."

Sam watched him walk away. For a second, his eyes actually stung. It wasn't just a kite; it was years of missed chances and quiet longing.

"There's something ominous about this thing," Sam muttered, following him.

By the time they reached the flat stretch of beach, Anna was guiding a blindfolded Allison across the sand.

"You fool! We’re at the beach, aren't we?" Allison laughed, stumbling slightly. Her heart started to pick up speed. She could feel the shift in the air, the sense that someone was watching her.

"Yeah, so what? It’s the coast. Just keep walking, Ali."

From a distance, Sam watched them approach. Devin started to say something, but Sam clamped a hand over his arm.

"Bro, just go with it," Sam whispered.

Devin wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it, but as he watched Allison walking toward him, blindfolded and laughing, his mind went straight to the birthday plan he'd been nursing.

"Almost there," Anna cheered, catching Sam’s eye and grinning.

Finally, Allison was standing right in front of him. Devin went silent. The urge to just reach out and pull her into a hug was nearly overwhelming.