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gratitude.
    “Nope. Just thought I’d keep you company.”
    Mallory studied her friend. Her auburn hair was pulled into a loose braid, her face happy, relaxed. Beach Sam was quite possibly her favorite version of Sam. “Super nice of you, but why do I feel like you’ve been sent on a mission?”
    Samantha shrugged. “Just wanted to check in. I know it’s gotta be a little strange for you—”
    “Because you’re all in love now and I’m not? Nah. I’m good. I happen to adore all of you and will happily be your fifth wheel anytime.” She smiled her most breezy smile for emphasis.
    Sam looked skyward. “Well, how could you not? Plus, someday you’re going to even out that number, I bet.”
    “Yeah, don’t count on it. I’m kind of high maintenance if you hadn’t noticed.”
    Sam slid onto one of the oak stools that surrounded the kitchen island. “What? You?!” Mallory had to throw a dishtowel at Sam because it was ordained by God.
    “Trust me. Someone out there can totally handle you and your many complexities.”
    “If that’s true, I’ve yet to meet her. Please let her be sexy.”
    “Only the best for Mallory Spencer.”
    Mallory sighed dreamily. “You get me. You really get me.”
    “But seriously, you’re okay?”
    She met Sam’s gaze. “I’m okay. I won’t lie. I look at you guys and wonder what it’s like. You know, to be young and in love. But it’s not my time yet. I’m mature enough about the whole thing to get that. And not everyone is meant to settle down. I happen to do really well on my own.”
    “That you do.” Sincerity crossed Sam’s features and the mood seemed to shift. “You know I’ve looked up to you from the first moment I met you, right? And I’m still doing that to this day. This moment.”
    It meant a lot, the candor of those words. “Thank you, Sam.”
    “You’re welcome. Excited for tomorrow?”
    Mallory felt a little flutter of anticipation at the mention of the gathering at the beach house the following evening. Nothing major, but a couple dozen or so friends for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Most of the guests would travel in from the city. Little parties and the details that went into them were her favorite. “Yep. The catering company should arrive at four thirty. They’re bringing everything, so all we have to do is open the doors, sit back, and relax. I told people to arrive anytime after six. That way they’ll be here to see the sunset over the water, which happens to be my most favorite visual in life.”
    “See? You’re kind of a romantic under that very put-together Mallory persona.”
    “Oh, you think so, huh?”
    Samantha nodded. “I know it. And maybe you’ll fall in love at this very party.”
    Mallory stared at her friend. “Doubtful. I made the guest list, remember?”
    “Don’t count your chickens, Spencer. That’s all I’m saying.”
    Mallory followed Sam back to the bonfire and took her seat, joining in the great debate on reality TV and its status as a guilty pleasure. Brooklyn held up a finger.
    “I’m just saying that modern programming pales deeply in comparison to the great shows of the sixties. Give me The Patty Duke Show over American Idol any day.”
    “Thank you!” Sam said in solidarity. “Exactly.”
    Jessica sat a little taller. “That’s all well and good, but I’m still going to watch Yard Crashers every Saturday morning and love it. I refuse to feel guilty about that.”
    Brooklyn stared at her. “You’re a mystery to me, you know that?”
    Jessica leaned over and nuzzled Brooklyn’s cheek. “You love that I keep you guessing.”
    Brooklyn surrendered into a dreamy smile. “I really, really do.”
    Then, out of the corner of her eye, Mallory caught Sam whisper something in Hunter’s ear. There they go again. “I’ll be right back,” Hunter said, and just like that, she headed off in the direction of the house.
    “Do you need something?” Mallory called after her, remembering to play