His gaze moved from my hair to my chin and cheeks and nose and back to my eyes. “I’m trying to keep strict boundaries between us. The symphony and me. I didn’t mean to take it out on you. Favor is too easily swayed. One second, you’re loved by all. The next, you’re totally forgotten.”
“I’m sorry I stepped out of line. I didn’t mean—”
“You didn’t. I asked for your help.” He shook his head. “Let’s move on.”
My heart constricted with his vulnerability. I wished I could assure him that nobody would care about the man behind the mask, but I couldn’t promise that at all, could I? I ached to reach out and hug him but instead I said, “Race you?”
“What?”
“On your marks.” I braced the wall.
“I’m not racing you …”
“Chicken.” I got my feet ready to push off.
“… because it wouldn’t be a fair race. I’d obviously wipe the floor with you,” he rushed out.
“Get set.”
“Your funeral.”
“Go!” I ducked under the water and shot off the wall. He scrambled in the water next to me. I focused on my perfect stroke. It was like practicing scales, done enough times to come naturally.
We met again back at the wall where we started. We were both panting and grinning like fools. What was it about a swim race that brought out the child in a person in the best way?
“It was a tie,” I panted.
“Only because you cheated. If you hadn’t, I would’ve won.”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
He leaned on the wall with arms crossed. “Okay. You’re a solid swimmer.”
“Oh my goodness,” I said clutching a hand to my chest.
He put his hand on my shoulder, his eyes searched me. “What’s wrong? Cramp?”
“No. I just—I think you just gave me a compliment.”
He dropped his hand slowly into the water as his face formed a scowl. “I rescind it for unsportsman-like conduct.”
“Too late. I heard it. It’s going to my head as we speak.”
Using a cupped hand, he splashed water in my face. I sputtered and kicked him.
“Ouch! Is swimming your workout of choice?” he asked as he backed out of kicking range.
“Yes.”
“You work out a lot?”
“Yeah.” I felt weird talking about it, but it was so crucial for me. I added, “It helps to focus on something. If I don’t work out, I get—” I hesitated.
“I get it. Me too. Mental health.”
“Yeah. My parents were pretty strict after …”
“After you got out of rehab?” he asked bluntly. There was no pity or judgement in his tone. Just as though he were asking about my last dental checkup and not the worst year of my life.
