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“I’m sorry,” he says. “It’s really just a pool.”
“I like it.”
“Why?”
Avery laughs. “I don’t know why. I like that it’s just us here. I like seeing you in this light.”
“You don’t have to be nice.”
“What?”
Ryan feels like he might as well throw himself in the pool.
“I’m so bad at this,” he confesses. Then he looks down, because he doesn’t want to see Avery’s reaction.
Avery steps closer. “I think we’re at the point where you don’t get to be the one who decides whether you’re good or bad at this.” He touches Ryan’s arm; Ryan looks up. “I think this is turning out to be an amazing first date.”
Ryan is so surprised, all he can do is echo, “First date?”
Avery takes his hand again. “Yes. And don’t forget the other part. Anamazingfirst date.”
“But you live hours away.”
“That’s no reason to stop, is it? I mean, there has to be a second date, right?”
Ryan doesn’t understand why he can’t accept this, why he can’t just say yes, of course of course of course. It’s like he can’t trust his own happiness. It’s like he’s already forgotten his ability to soar.
But. Something good must have happened, because something has enabled his hope to be stronger than his doubt.
Avery’s presence certainly helps.
The response takes a little longer than either of themwould like. As Ryan’s heart builds momentum, Avery’s approaches a dip.
Just in time, Ryan says, “I would love a second date. Like, tomorrow. What are you doing tomorrow?”
Avery smiles. “I think I’m having a second date with you.”
At this moment, two things happen: Avery’s phone vibrates, and a light goes on behind a door on the other side of the pool, which Avery assumes is the women’s changing room.
“Maybe we should go,” Ryan says.
“Goodbye, pool,” Avery says.
And Ryan, not holding back, takes on a goofy voice and says on the pool’s behalf,“Goodbye, Avery.”
Avery laughs, and Ryan loves the sound.
—
Back in thestairway, Avery checks his phone.
“What is it?” Ryan asks.
“It’s my friends. I think they want to go soon. Because of the drive back.”
“Oh.”
“I’m going to tell them we’re getting in one last dance.”
