"You're Summer's friend, right?" His head tilted just so.
"Marissa Cooper, social chair – you don't know me?" She squinted.
"I know you." He admitted almost bashfully.
"Summer's friend." She agreed, lips pursed. "You do go to Harbor, right? Water polo team?"
"Yeah, Zach Stephens. I'm the captain."
"Ah. You took over from Luke."
He nodded. "You guys were really close, weren't you?"
"Heh. Sorta." She sighed. "We dated forever…"
"You were like school royalty." He declared.
"Well, you know, life gets complicated sometimes..." She drifted.
"Yeah." He smiled.
"So. You really like Summer?" She changed the subject, his unwavering gaze and pearled smile making her uncomfortable.
"She seems really great." He confessed. "Very… vibrant, full of life."
She laughed a little. "Not usually what Harbor guys look for in a girl – definitely not water polo players."
"Not every guy who plays a sport is a player."
"True." She inclined her head. "The ones I've met however…"
"I assure you, some of us are nice guys." The edge of his mouth tilted up.
She was quiet for a moment, letting the smile slide onto her lips. "Well, you go get some drinks and I'll find Summer." She offered.
"Marissa!"
"Hey, Zach." She stopped mid-step, turning.
"Hi. Could you give this to Summer?" He held out a long beaded necklace. "She left it at my house." He explained.
"Couldn't you just give it to her tonight? I mean you guys are dating." She bit the inside of her cheek.
"I know, but I won't see her till eight and she might need it." His grin was goofy.
"Sure." She nodded. "I'll pass it on."
"Thanks! I have practise now, but I'll see you later." He started off towards the pool as Marissa crossed the parking lot.
"Hey! Zach. You were right." She cracked a grin. "Some of you are nice guys."
He held her eyes for a beat, matching the elongated shape of her mouth. His hand raised in a wave before he backed away.
"Hey Zach, have you seen Summer?" Her long legs leaned easily against the student lounge chair.
His face fell. "I was going to ask you the same thing."
"Oh. Well I'm sure she's just—"
"—With Cohen." His features were painted with defeat.
"No!" She hurried. "No. I'm sure she's just—" The breath stopped in her mouth as Summer could clearly be seen walking through the doorway next to Seth. Letting a hand droop in the direction she finished. "With Seth."
His face was tight. "Yeah." He tried to smile with downcast eyes as Summer approached all smile and grace.
"I'm in a threesome." He let himself fall into the chair opposite her.
"Excuse me?" She spluttered, fingers tightening around her coffee.
"Dating Summer is like dating Seth and Summer." He clarified.
"Oh." She regained her composure. "Yeah, that's true."
"You've dated Summer?" His eyes were mischievous.
"No." She smiled, full and radiant. "I just mean, I get it. Those two are just…" She let the sentence hang, the meaning left to settle.
"Yeah, just." He sighed and she couldn't remember the pearled smile properly anymore.
The silence settled too and she let her eyes read sympathy. "You want a coffee?" She offered.
"Coffee would be great, thanks."
She ordered and they sat amicably. He radiated gratitude and she showed him her new shoes.
"Well, I should—I have class." She gestured.
He nodded, the smile creeping back – just a little, like elastic that needs to be re-stretched. "You should—"
"Well… I'll see you." She nodded too quickly, knocked out of their reverie.
"Yeah." He called after her. "Marissa – thanks."
Her smile was genuine. "No problem."
"Zach, how are you?" She noted his expression. "Newport lost it's charm after Italy?" The smile in her voice faded with his words.
"Italy wasn't really that great either."
"Oh. But I thought Francesca—" Her voice hinted confusion.
"Doesn't exist." He finished. After a moment he continued. "I just didn't want Summer to think I'd been moping after her."
She nodded softly. "It was harsh. I mean I love her, but still…"
"Yeah." Every breath he took was deep, like a sigh. Laboured, almost like he was too sad to fill his lungs.
"So, was the view from the hotel good?" She ventured with a wary smile.
His gloom cracked under her good intentions. "You know, it was."
"Well then the trip wasn't a total waste. Coffee?"
"Only if I can buy this time." He ventured.
"It's a deal."
The coffee was hot and thick with cream, the conversation flowing between breaths blown over the rims of cups.
"So, how are things with you? You and Ryan looked pretty friendly this morning." His voice was even, interested.
"Yeah, I guess. Nothings going to happen though – it'd be too weird now what with all the history and our families—Well, family."
"You do have one complicated family tree." He acknowledged.
"Tell me about it!" She laughed as the last of her latte trickled down her milky throat.
They both sat, empty cups cradled in idle hands. Hearts bursting with other people and eyes searching for something simple.
"We drink a lot of coffee together, one day we should go properly." She observed with gently curling lips.
"That'd be nice." He held out a hand to take her cup, fingers grazing her skin just so.
Her cheeks flushed. "After all, it's no fun being a third wheel all the time."
"From experience I'd have to agree." His eyes were a little darker.
"So… Coffee." Her eyes languidly made their way to where his fingers were still on her cup.
"Coffee." He agreed.
