"You get me so wet every time, Jake."

"I do my best."

I sprayed her with the hose another time for good measure, aimed right at her head. Nowhere near her shoes, or calves, or any of the other places she actually had mud. She shrieked, spluttering water, hair dripping, t-shirt drenched already. She never should have let me get to the hose first. She should never have agreed to let me rinse her off, once I was done myself.

"Jake!"

"Oops," I grinned at her. "My bad."

Sophia glared at me with withering blue eyes, "I will kill you."

"You'd have to get the hose away from me first," I replied. I loved making her angry. It was so fun. I've said it before and I'll say it again, she had an adorable angry face. That sexy little pout of her lips, her arms folded over her chest, cheeks a little bit pink. It was fucking addictive.

"I might be able to if these two would help me!' She jabbed her thumb to our left, where Maia and Kai stood, safely out of the line of fire.

"Not getting involved," Kai called cheerfully.

"We're not stupid," Maia chimed in, backing up an additional step.

Sophia groaned, "You two suck."

"Us two are dry and would prefer to stay as such."

"What's the plan, Randall?" I teased, waggling my eyebrows at her. She stared at me for a few seconds, as if contemplating her options. I tossed the hose between my hands carelessly, ready to fire at will.

Sophia sighed, "Fine. I give up."

"You give up?" My brow furrowed. That wasn't like her. Plus, her eyes were doing something weird. The thing they usually did when she was plotting.

"You win." That definitely didn't sound like her. It seemed like she was up to something. I saw her loose her ponytail , observational skills on high alert. "My clothes are soaked." Was she— I completely lost my train of thought, breath catching as she pulled her shirt over her head, chucking it onto the nearby picnic table. I practically drooled as she ran a hand through her dark hair, letting it fall over her bare shoulders. God— that bikini top. Two pink spots appeared high in my cheeks, as I willed myself not to let my eyes wander.

"Truce?" she whispered, walking slowly towards me. I was numb, my mouth parting slightly.

"Uh..."

Sophia extended her hand, lashes batting innocently. I was spellbound. By her skin, her eyes, the way her hair brushed her tanned skin, her hips. Jesus Christ. I needed a goddamn ice bath.

"Please." That did it. I began to reach my hand out to shake hers, and in the instant I did, Sophia swiftly snatched the hose and turned it full force on me.

I staggered backward, shielding my face with my hands. It was pointless. She got me. Hey, it was pretty close to an ice bath. Cooled me down quick. I coughed, Maia and Kai roaring with laughter. Sophia was right. They did suck.

"There is no way that worked," Kai shook his head, snickering.

"Men," Sophia hummed, lips twisting into a smug smile, "so gullible." She tied her hair back up, calmly shut the hose off and wrung the water out of her discarded shirt, slipping it back over her head. She headed over to her locker to get a towel.

"Of course it worked," Maia rolled her eyes. "Jake is completely in—" I clapped a hand over her mouth. "Mmph!" She squirmed in my grasp, no doubt growing damp from my own wet clothes. "In love with her," she hissed through my fingers. "You're lucky I didn't bite your hand off, asshole."

"You're lucky she didn't hear you," I retorted, scowling at her.

"Did I lie?"

"I'm not—"

"Dude." Kai threw me a look.

"You should have seen your face," Maia giggled evilly. "Your tongue was halfway out of your mouth."

"Can you blame me?" I sighed wistfully, turning around to watch as her figure grew larger in our eyeline, towel successfully secured. "Look at her."

"Why don't you do something about it then?"

I turned back to face Maia and Kai. "I don't know— I just— it's not—" I rubbed a hand over my jaw, gesturing aimlessly. "It's only been— and, I don't wanna...I can't..." Believe me, I'd envisioned it thousands of times, thousands of different scenarios. What I'd say, what I'd do, when, where...but, I didn't know how'd she's react. I didn't know if she wanted that. Wanted me. Sure, it had been nearly a month. But we'd basically just met. And there was the whole Tommy thing, and...I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted to say it exactly right, and—it never felt like the right moment.

I'd almost done it the other night. When we were looking at the stars. She looked so pretty. And she'd talked about her mom for the first time, her art. She'd shared. She'd shared things that were personal. It felt like— it felt like something was different that night. Between us. Maybe I should have done it.

"Just do it." Maia said. If only it was that simple. "Just tell Sophia."

"Tell Sophia what?"

I paled.

"That we should get going because I think I left one of the burners on at the house," I covered quickly, praying she hadn't heard anything else.

"What?" she cried out in panic.

"Kidding," I exhaled, relieved. "But we should head out. I told Abby we'd pick up Stevie's meds on the way back and the vet's office closes soon."

Sophia hit me across the shoulder, "Don't scare me like that!"

"C'mon Randall," I grinned, tugging her towards the parking lot.

After we got the cat medicine, and had a lovely argument about who got to play music on the way home, we were greeted with an empty house. Unlocked. Which meant Abby had been there sometime while we were at work. The other car was still in the driveway though, which was odd.

Sophia checked her phone.

"Oh."

"What is it?"

"Abby just texted," Sophia swallowed, tucking a piece of hair behind her ears. Uh oh. That wasn't a good sign. She held the phone screen up to me, biting her lip.

Abs: quick heads up soph— im heading over to Honolulu for the fourth. Meggy's friend is having her bachelorette, so I'll be gone for a few daysish, like four max

Abs: I prob won't be at the house when you and Jake get back. Can you give stevie her pill?

Abs: also we need groceries

"Well she's right about us needing groceries," I noted, opening the refrigerator. It was practically a wasteland in there.

"I guess that's why Otis knocked off early today," Sophia said more to herself than anyone else, sitting glumly at the countertop. The Fourth of July was tomorrow, and we got the day off from work. Lucky for us, it happened to fall on a Friday, so we basically got a three day weekend. "I knew she was planning on going somewhere with her friends for the fourth, but I didn't know it would be more than a night..."

I watched as she chewed on the inner corner of her cheek. Sophia hated surprises. Also, I knew she'd been missing her sister. My heart hurt for her. I wished I could make it better.

"Sophia—"

"I think I'm going to head outside for a bit," she said quietly, already gliding away, sketchbook tucked under her arm. A sure sign she was definitively not up for talking about it. I watched as she curled up on one of the porch chairs, looking out at the ocean.

Her phone vibrated on the counter, glowing awake. I picked it up, figuring it was probably Abby again. Maybe she'd changed her mind and was coming back home this instant to surprise Sophia. Wishful thinking...

Instead, I was greeted with this:

Tommy 💛: im sorry soph, that sucks :(

Tommy 💛: i know you were looking forward to spending the fourth with her again and the whole sparkler tradition

Tommy 💛: you know I'm always here for you ❤️❤️❤️

Jealousy burned hot and thick in my throat. I know I shouldn't have read the texts. I know that. But in my defense, it's not like I was actively trying to read them. I was checking to see if it was from Abby, perfectly innocent as a temporary resident of her home, and yes, I probably should have stopped reading when I saw it wasn't her name, but I read fast! Besides, what sort of maniac doesn't have the settings on so that nosy busybodies like me wouldn't be able read their texts without unlocking the phone first? It really wasn't my fault. It was an accident.

I shut the phone off, placing it face down in the position I hoped it had been before. Thankfully, Sophia still had her back to the window.

Three hearts. What sort of prick uses three hearts to end a platonic text message? A prick who was not looking for something platonic, that's for sure. Three hearts. What complete and utter bullshit. Three hearts Tommy already had a damn heart by his name, did he need really need the other ones?

I let out a tense breath. I should be glad she'd reached out to someone. Even if that someone wasn't me. Who was standing right in front of her. Who always wanted to be there for her. Fuck.

If I was really being honest, it wasn't the fact that she had texted him about it that bothered me. It was the response. I know. You know. He knew things I didn't. He knew about whatever the sparkler tradition was, and that it was important to her. He knew her. And she knew him. And I hated that. It was the one thing he would always have me beat on; shared fucking history.

I had to do something to get her mind off of Abby's absence. If only so she wouldn't call up three hearts Tommy for a gab sesh which would undoubtedly conclude with his professing his undying love for her. I had been trying to profess my undying love for her for days. He had his chance! It was my turn now.

Empty house, Fourth of July, sparklers...empty house. Back home, an empty house had always been an opportunity, a blessing...an idea struck me suddenly. I mulled it over for a moment, thoughts of laughter echoing through rooms, bass thumping, warm Hawaiian breeze blowing through our hair, red solo cups and tacky sunglasses, and sparklers, lots of sparklers. For Sophia. I'd have to get her agree first. Which would be tricky, because she didn't strike me as the type.

I pictured Sophia, dancing, laughing, smiling with her dark hair twirling loose around her, cup in her hand and not a care in the world. Her hand in mine. A quiet moment as I lead her out onto the porch and we look at the fireworks, and maybe I tell her. Maybe I tell her.

I had to get her to agree.

Thankfully, I was pretty sure I knew how to guarantee it.

"What if we threw a party?"

"What?" Sophia nearly jumped, surprised by my abrupt ask. I almost felt bad about interrupting her drawing, but I was too excited.

"We're alone. We have the house all to ourselves." I hadn't meant to phrase it that way, and I regretted it the instant it came out of my mouth. Sophia blushed. I soldiered on, "It's the fourth of freaking July. We should throw a party, invite everyone from work, anyone Maia and Kai want. I don't know how we're going to get booze yet, 'cause I don't have a fake...but we'll figure it out—"

"I do."

"What?"

"I have a fake," Sophia said, pressing her lips together.

My mouth dropped open. "You have a fake ID?"

"You don't have to sound so surprised," she huffed, crossing her arms. "It's not like I actually use it. Abby gave me her old one when she got her real one. I— that's not the point," she said, fixing me with a stern look. "We're not having a party." Her mouth moved around the word like it was a foreign object.

"Why not?" I asked. "You have a fake, and empty house, a drinking holiday. It's not like Abby will care."

"Abby doesn't care about anything," Sophia scoffed bitterly. "And we are not throwing a party."

"Hey, Randall," I smiled slyly, "remember that favor you owe me?"

"No."

I grinned widely, "I'm cashing it in."

"Jake, I swear to god—"

"What were your words exactly?" I tapped my chin, scrunching my brow up in mock thought. "Jake. I need you. I'll do anything." I smirked at her, eyes twinkling at the memory, "Anything, Sophia. It's a pretty big statement. One which I'm pretty sure covers throwing a party."

"I hate you so much," she said, but she was smiling. And so was I.

"C'mon, Randall," I nudged her, "it'll be fun. We'll make a playlist and get really drunk and be all festive...I don't know... set off sparklers or some shit." I held my breath, waiting to see her expression shift.

"Sparklers?"

"Sure."

Sophia softened slightly, somewhere faraway, "Abby and I used to set off sparklers every year on the fourth. It was— um— kind of a tradition with our mom." She cast her eyes downward, voice low, "She always liked the Fourth of July. Not because she was like— a raging patriot or whatever— but because of the fireworks. She was kind of obsessed." She laughed quietly, "I guess lights in the sky were kind of her thing. We used to get a pack of sparklers from the store, that and some of those pop-it thingies that crack when you throw them on the ground? She always wanted to set off her own fireworks, Abby too, but I never let them buy any because it was against the rules and dangerous and I thought the two of them would blow us all up and..." she trailed off, shaking her head.

"And you were that kid," I finished for her, fondly.

"Yeah," she confirmed with a small laugh. "I was that kid." She closed her eyes, lost in her memories again. "We'd burn the sparklers— and we'd hold them in our hand the whole time— which I was always so scared to do because I thought I'd get burned or something...but my mom promised it would be okay. Then, right before it burned completely out, we'd all make a wish."

"We could do that," I said gently, my heart so full it could have burst. I felt nothing but tenderness for. Nothing but warmth. It was mesmerizing to watch her speak.

She glanced up at me, squinting suddenly, "Why did you bring up sparklers?"

I shrugged, adopting what I hoped was effortless nonchalance, "It's Fourth of July."

"Jake."

"Yes?" I squeaked.

"Did you see me looking at them when we were at the store?" No. I read your texts with your best friend/person whose calls you keep ignoring because there is something going on between the two of you. Damn. She'd been looking at them in the store? And I hadn't noticed? I was so off my game.

"Guilty," I lied. You are guilty. You are the guiltiest of them all.

She shook her head, "Sometimes I wish you weren't so goddamn perceptive. I can't get away with anything." There was a beat of silence. Then, "Jake?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you."

Most of the next morning was spent in preparation for the evening's festivities, Sophia fighting me every step of the way. I'd gotten the word out to everyone at work, and Maia and Kai were coming over soon to help us set up. They'd told some of their friends on the island, so it was shaping up to be a decent gathering.

We'd gone to the store earlier and purchased not just the desperately needed groceries, but a good assortment of Fourth of July paraphernalia and lots of alcohol. They were having a sale on red, white, and blue plastic leis and I couldn't pass up an opportunity as delightfully tacky as that. I might have gone just a teensy bit overboard on the decorations, but it was worth it. It would be worth it, anyway.

I strung up some lights on the porch, teetering slightly as I leaned across the ladder. It was about an hour or so 'til sunset.

"Careful," Sophia warned from the screen door, doing her best to look as disapproving as possible.

"Worried about me?" I smirked.

"Shut up, Sherlock," she said, ducking her head.

"Maia and Kai will be here soon," I reminded her, dusting off my hands. Sophia just continued to frown, huffing indignantly to herself. I climbed down the ladder, leaning on the doorframe to look at her, "Can I make you a drink?"

She narrowed her eyes, "Why?"

"Because I'm good at it," I replied. " And...I'm hoping it'll take away that grumpy face of yours."

"You don't know what I like," Sophia retorted pointedly, blue eyes sparking with challenge.

"I'll take my chances," I said lowly. Observation was what I did best, after all, and I was pretty damn sure I knew what she'd like.

"Fine," she agreed primly, the beginnings of a smile starting to curve at the corners of her mouth. "But I reserve the right to stay grumpy."

I laughed. "Deal. Besides," I grinned, "I kinda like your grumpy face."

I headed into the kitchen as Sophia busied herself with the stacks of red solo cups. The living room looked shockingly bare without all of Abby's weird knickknacks. Sophia had put all breakables in the linen closet as a safety precaution. She was so so so cute. I queued up some music on my phone to provide a soundtrack for my work. Maia and Kai were bringing a speaker with them, and against my better judgment, I had told Maia she could be in charge of the music.

I poured the cranberry juice and soda water over ice, mixing in the simple syrup I'd made earlier, then the vodka. I finished it off with some muddled mint and a squeeze of lime, and if I do say so myself, it was quite pretty. In fact, I had a sneaking suspicion Maia would demand I make her one when her and Kai arrived.

I tapped Sophia on the shoulder, wordlessly handing her the cup. She took a sip, eyed me. Another sip.

Then, "It's good." Sh sounded almost upset about it.

"I'm sorry— what was that?" I frowned in mock confusion, cupping my hand around my ear. Sophia glared at me.

"I like it, whatever," she kicked at my shins, biting her lip to keep from smiling. "Thank you." She took another sip. "How'd you know I was a vodka girl?"

"Lucky guess," I smirked. I was back on my creepy observational shit, baby! I watched happily as Sophia continued to drink my personal creation, pouring chips into plastic bowls, while I fired up the grill. I'd promised burgers and hot-dogs to people who helped us set up...aka Maia and Kai, and Sophia, of course.

I didn't mind. If I was being completely honest, I loved to cook. I always had. Cook, bake, try out new recipes. It was fun. Neither of my parents spent much time in the kitchen, which is probably the reason I had to learn. Otherwise I'd be having protein shakes and quinoa for every other meal.

"Hey, Randall," I called, sweat beading at my brow as the grill began to heat up. "Come try this."

She sauntered out, running a hand through her hair. I could tell the vodka had started to work its magic. I held the bowl of sauce I'd just made out to her, and she stuck her finger in the mixture for a taste.

"Heathen," I gasped, as she sucked sauce off of her index finger.

She sighed, "Are you just perfect at everything? That's so not fair."

"It's good?"

"It's fucking delicious," she reached for the bowl, but I raised it out of her grasp. She pouted. "I'm going to go get changed before Maia and Kai get here. Kay?" I nodded.

Perfect. She said I was perfect. Perfect at everything. She thought I was perfect? I wasn't perfect. Sophia was perfect. I was so busy reveling in her compliment/complaint that I nearly burned the buns for the burgers. Brioche, lightly toasted, of course. In case anyone was wondering. I flipped another patty.

"Where do you keep the blender?" I heard a shout echo from inside the house. A familiar shout. One that was distinctly Mai Nakamura.

"Maia, stop rummaging around in their home!" Kai's reprimand followed, almost immediately. It appeared the twins had arrived.

"Have you two ever heard of knocking?" I said, carrying my plate of meat into the kitchen. I smelled like smoke. Maybe I should take a shower...

"Door was unlocked," Maia replied, waving me away.

I winced, "Don't tell Sophia that."

"Where is your blender?" Maia repeated insistently, unable to be deterred.

"Why?"

"We need frozen margaritas yesterday."

"Top right cabinet behind the weird ceramic goat thing," I answered.

Maia and Kai helped us finish everything up, sun sinking lower on the horizon and into the ocean. I hooked the speaker up, hung the last of the fairy lights, and changed into shockingly patriotic board shorts that Sophia and Maia claimed "burned their corneas". Sophia was in a deliciously red tank top and a jean mini skirt, hair plaited in two braids, to which Maia had tied little bows. The girls had also found some glitter and star stickers in Abby's bathroom, no doubt from Coachella, which I was certain she went to every year. So they were all decked out.

I was worried that when all the people started to arrive, Sophia would retreat into her room, or start frowning again, but it was quite the opposite. She laughed and drank, and drank, and drank some more. We sang at the top of our lungs and did way too many shots of tequila, and Maia took way too many polaroids of us in those ridiculous sunglasses and leis.

The night continued with an effortless blend of laughter, music, and the gentle caress of the ocean breeze. Music blasted out of the speaker, and I will begrudgingly admit that Maia had made sort of an iconic playlist. I downed another shot, bopping my head to the beat, flinging my arms and my legs all over the place. I wouldn't say I was a talented dancer, but I was a spirited one.

Sophia watched me groove with a tilted head, hands on her hips, uncertain. "You're seriously good at everything," she groaned, shaking her head. "How are you doing that?"

"Try it."

"I just don't even know what's going on."

"Just stop thinking," I told her. "Nobody's watching. C'mon Randall, give me a head bang or two."

She hesitated for a moment, but soon she was whipping her hair back and forth and rolling her arms, and it was just about the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I watched her let loose, the stupidest smile on my face.

Suddenly, the Dire Straits began playing, a slow song, sweet. The people around us began to pair off. I opened my mouth, wondering what to do.

"Dance with me?" she whispered.

I gulped, "Uh huh."

She took my hand, and I wrapped a careful arm around her waist, steadying her as we swayed back and forth. I nearly passed out when after a few seconds she pressed her full weight against me, leaning close into my chest, hand on my shoulder. I twirled her around, and she giggled as I pulled her back to me.

"Jake," she murmured, her breath warm against my ear, "I have a secret to tell you."

"What's the secret, Randall?"

Sophia giggled, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "You know, you're my favorite person at this party."

"Is that the secret?"

"And..." she whispered, "I think you're pretty."

I felt a warmth spread through me, and I couldn't deny the fluttering in my stomach as I responded, "Well, Sophia Randall, you're not so bad yourself."

She playfully nudged me. "Not so bad? I demand a more enthusiastic compliment, Sherlock."

I laughed, realizing that Sophia's tipsy boldness was bringing out a side of her I hadn't seen before. "Alright, let me rephrase that. You, Sophia Randall, are absolutely stunning."

Sophia's cheeks flushed with a mix of alcohol and genuine delight, looping her arms around my neck.

"You aren't allowed to just say things like that when you have your face," she sighed.

"Excuse me?"

"Your face," she said again eyes glossy. "Your stupid pretty, sexy face. You can't just say things like that when you look like that." She groaned again, burying her face in my shoulder, "How am I supposed to function?" I couldn't breathe. How was I supposed to react? How could I say anything? How drunk was she? My hands were on her hips. I could die.

"Jake," she murmured, her words slightly slurred, "did you know you have really nice eyes? Like, distractingly nice."

I chuckled, doing my best not to choke on my own tongue, "You're drunk."

Sophia leaned into me, her gaze fixed on my face. "No, seriously. Your eyes are, like, the color of melted chocolate or something. It's unfair." She was gorgeous. Her hair wisping out of her braids, cheeks flushed and glowing as the fireworks lit up the ocean. I wanted to hold her like this forever. What did this mean? What did any of it mean? My heart felt like it was about to beat out my chest.

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Randall."

"Maybe I want it to get me somewhere."

Sometimes I didn't think she heard herself.

longer chapter than usual

hope you enjoyed!

jake is so cutesy housewife core i love him

also like-- i posted a chapter within a month from the last one???

like thats actually so good for me???

ate up fr!

see you who knows when?

luv ya lots

ttyl,

coco

oh-- comment PLEASE

do it!