Strings of Fate: The First Loop

CHAPTER 17

I sat between Matt and James. Closer to James. Not really on purpose, but maybe it was. His warmth was familiar now. His shoulder brushed mine every time he leaned forward to say something or laugh. Matt stayed quiet mostly, sipping his drink and smiling that clean, restrained smile he always wore when he didn’t know what else to do.

We played card games, then truth or dare.

Drake was dared to throw Corey into the ocean. Instead, they both ended up splashing each other waist-deep in the waves, laughter echoing as they stumbled out soaked and shivering.

Matt chose truth.

“What’s the most un-Matt thing you’ve ever done?” Inez asked.

He rolled his eyes. “I ditched class once… to study for a math contest.”

We all groaned.

“God, you’re so rebellious,” James said, grinning.

Then the bottle pointed to me.

Inez smirked. “Betty. Dare. Kiss James. On the cheek, don’t freak out—it’s just a game.”

I hesitated. I felt my heart flip, once, hard.

James blinked. “Only if you want to,” he said quickly, trying to play it cool. But I could see the red crawling up his ears.

So I leaned in and kissed his cheek—just a second, just a brush. But I felt him stiffen like I’d touched something electric. When I pulled away, his face was crimson, his grin crooked and stupid and happy. And then I saw Matt—just a flicker in my peripheral vision—his smile tight and forced.

I looked down and didn’t say a word.

Then it was Tim’s turn.

Before the bottle even finished spinning, Inez exploded.

“What is wrong with you, dude?” Her voice cracked sharp across the fire. “Why are you so cold to me now? I can’t figure you out. You change your mind like—like a girl changes clothes. One day you’re yes, the next you’re no. In, out, up, down. Tell me what your deal is!”

We all froze. Even the fire seemed quieter.

Drake let out a low whistle. “Damn.”

Tim looked at us, wide-eyed and cornered, like a deer trapped between headlights and the edge of a cliff. “E-Excuse me,” he mumbled, then stood and walked off.

“Yeah, run away,” Inez shouted after him, her voice sharp and trembling. “That’s what you boys are good at.”

No one said anything for a long moment.

Then Drake stood. “Alright, maybe we should… call it a night.”

We murmured in agreement. Gathered our things. Kicked sand over the fire.

The walk back to the resort was quiet, our footsteps heavy and slow.

The stars above were muted by clouds, and somewhere behind us, the sea glass with our names was sinking into the ocean.

The next morning started with the buzz of salt air and sunscreen. Inez was the first to bang on our door, her hair already in braids, her voice way too loud for how early it was.

“Let’s gooo! The ocean isn’t going to swim itself!”

I groaned from under my blanket. “Tell the ocean to wait.”

She poked her head into our room, eyes sparkling. “Nope. We’re on vacation, and my itinerary is sacred.”

“Who made you tour guide?” I asked, yawning.