Page 10 of When You Had Me Adapting

I nod, tip my beer up, and swallow hard. Tanner walks over and spins the volume control on the radio. “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone blares through the speakers.

“So, tell me the funny story about how y’all know each other?” Gray yells over the music.

“Tanner grew up playing lacrosse with my cousin, Archie,” I explain.

“Yeah and five years ago I needed a roommate, and Jacks did, too, so Archie introduced us. While Jacks traveled for work, Logan subleased his room for a bit. We’ve all been friends since,” Tanner says.

My eyes shift over to Lacey. She’s looking at Tanner while he speaks, and for a split second, I think I see her eyes fill with tears. I wonder if she knows what brought me back here. There’s no way, because if she did, then I would have seen her five years ago,right? Then again, she could know and maybe she really hates me that much. She quickly covers her eyes with her sunglasses and goes back to scrolling on her phone.

“We didn’t know Lacey and Poppy knew Jacks until Poppy’s graduation party last weekend. Funny how fate intervenes,” Tanner continues to explain the situation with a big grin on his face.

“Interesting,” Gray says. “So, how did this never come up?” she asks hesitantly, her eyes jumping to Lacey and then back to me.

“I travel a lot for work. I’ve been out of the country for the past year off and on, so I had no way of knowing Poppy andLogan had started dating. Lacey, Poppy, and I knew each other a long time ago. The girls call me Jace and the guys call me Jacks.”

“Oh my god. So y’all thought he was two different people?”

“Yeah,” Lacey says. She’s still staring at her phone, pretending to avoid the conversation all together.

“I really should stop missing girls’ night,” Gray laughs. “So, what do you do for a living, Jacks?”

“I’m a photographer.”

“What, no way. That’s so cool.”

I nod and take another sip of my beer. Lacey stands and walks past me like I’m not even there. I try to think of something to say, but nothing seems right. I know she doesn’t want to talk to me, but maybe if I keep trying, she’ll let me back in.

“Don’t be modest, dude,” Tanner starts. “Jacks is?—”

“Just a photographer,” I interrupt him. He throws me a look and then sips from his can, but doesn’t try to finish his sentence. My eyes settle back on Lacey who’s filling her cup. The gold chain shimmers around her neck and it’s confirmed. She’s wearing exactly what I think she’s wearing, but why? Before I can stop myself and because I need an answer, I stand and move to where she’s standing by the cooler.

“Can I help you?” she asks, taking a sip from her cup.

“I was just grabbing another drink.”

She lets out a long sigh and goes to walk away.

“Wait,” I beg, knowing I need to say something. Anything. She freezes, but doesn’t turn around, so I continue. “I like your necklace.”

She slowly turns and meets my gaze, giving me a quizzical look. Her hand finds the locket and she rubs it between her fingers. “Thanks. It was a gift from my brother.”

“Colton?” My heart deflates in an instant. She thinks Colton bought her the necklace?

“Yes, Jace. The one and only brother I have. I know you’ve been gone a long time, but I didn’t acquire any more siblings while you were away.” She shakes her head and starts to walk back towards the others.

“Wait, I—” I start, but Gray interrupts me.

“Jace, will you take our picture?” she asks.

“Huh?” I look at her confused.

“Will you take our picture?” She hands me her cell phone. “Come on Lacey!”

Gray and Tanner move together on the back of the boat. Lacey squeezes in close to Tanner. Jealousy consumes me as I watch my roommate throw his arm around her.

“Wait, we want to get in it,” Poppy yells. I hear a splash and then before I know it, both Logan and her are in the boat and walking over to join the group. I’m used to being behind the camera. I usually prefer it, but seeing the five of them sit there like the cast ofFriends,while I take the picture, totally blows.

“Say, summer,” Poppy yells.

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