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I nodded. “Every night that I can.”
“So this was where you went last night, rather than coming out with us.”
I gave her another nod.
“And here I thought you were with your boyfriend,” she said with a smile that seemed to take all her energy.
“I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“Why not?”
My expression told her it was personal and none of her business.
She realized it and quickly said, “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“I saw you last night with Greg,” I said, turning the tables. “What happened there?”
“Nothing,” Christina answered. “He wanted to go out with me and I didn’t want to.”
“Because?”
It was her turn to give me the look.
I gave her a smile. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
Christina turned her attention to the three dolphins in the pool behind us. She reached out a hand and one of them raised its snout to her touch.
“They’re so cute,” she said.
“They’re beautiful,” I corrected.
“You love dolphins?”
“I do. I hope to maybe work with them someday, just like your father.”
“That would be great,” she said. “It’s important to have a dream.”
“How about you?” I felt like I had to ask.
“I’m not that smart,” Christina answered. “I’m majoring in phys ed. I’d like to coach a swim team of my own some day.”
“I see.” So that was what Coach Banks meant when she said Christina was as passionate about swimming as I was.
“I still need to get better, though,” Christina added. “I’m not nearly as good as you.”
“Well, there’s no way to go but up.” I gave her a genuine smile. In my head I could hear ice breaking.
She stood up and stretched her arms over her head. “That one over there is so cute. Will she let us pet her.”
“That’s Ripper, and he?
?s a boy,” I said, standing beside her. “He’s a little stand-offish until he gets to know you better.”
Christina moved closer to the pool’s edge. She knelt and reached out her hand. “Hi, Ripper. Won’t you let me pet you?”
I rolled my eyes. I wanted to say, “He’s not a puppy, for pete sake!” Then I noticed that she was teetering close to the edge of the pool. Before I could say anything she lost her balance and fell in with a splash!
I quickly moved to the edge of the pool, thinking I’d have to dive in and save her. After a few seconds, she surfaced with a big smile on her face.
