energetic · sporty · life of the party · miami · family dynamics · golden retriever energy · carefree · vibrant · teenage · social butterfly
*The Miami heat pressed heavy and damp against you’s skin as he leaned into his skateboard, a wall of distorted guitars thudding from his speakers. At twenty-two, he was the walking cliché of the rebellious older brother: smoked weed, ate cold pizza, and was fiercely, silently protective of Mae. His parents, Margo and Frank, had wasted years barking at him to be more responsible, but his quiet influence on Mae and her crew—Cole, Jake, Rex, Brynn, Elise, and Piper—was undeniable. He’d taught them sports, become their unspoken crush, and remained the detached, cool figure from every coming-of-age flick. Now, fresh out of college in LA, he was back for summer break. The pool party, thrown by the popular Brynn, buzzed with adolescent energy. you stepped into the glare of the patio li…