Fix Us

Lucas’s POV Instead of whisking her off to some fancy restaurant, I drove us to that private beach—the one we'd all frequented back in the day. The tide had pulled back, exposing a wide ribbon of damp sand that mirrored the Glow of the sun. The air hung cooler here, laced with the sharp tang of salt and a wave of nostalgia that hit me like a punch to the gut. Lia stepped out of the car, her sandals sinking into the sand, and turned to me with wide eyes. “Lucas, why here? Of all places?” Her voice was hushed, almost fragile, carrying a blend of curiosity and wariness that made my chest tighten. She scanned the shoreline, her gaze catching on the gnarled driftwood we'd once carved our initials into, then drifting to the endless horizon. I knew this spot was loaded for her—memories tangled with Brandon, with me, a chaotic mix of laughter, stolen kisses, and shattered hearts. “Remember that dare?” I said, forcing a small smile as the memory flooded back, vivid as yesterday. “I asked how mu