my tank. The same college girls who showed up every shift I worked giggled loudly, but I ignored them as I slipped into the cool water.
I ripped back and forth down the lap lane, working as hard as I could so when my time was almost up my chest was heaving with the force of my breaths. With a couple minutes to spare, I pulled myself onto the side and went and sat in the chair. Several kids lined up along the water’s edge, their eyes flitting between the clock and me.
With a chuckle, I made a show out of putting the float strap over my shoulders, clicking on my fanny pack, and dropping the whistle around my neck.
They jumped up and down, antsy to get back in the water. With a grin, I held the whistle between my teeth and blew. They crashed into the pool with cheers and shouts, and I paced the side, making sure everyone stayed safe.
The time passed slowly, but eventually the sky darkened, and it was time to close. Mrs. Mayes and I did all the regular things—checking the filters, putting away toys, locking up the cabana—and then it was time to go.
Was it sad that I felt safer having her walk alongside me to my car? My dad wouldn’t make a scene in front of her. No, he’d rather protect his reputation than his children.
But when we reached the parking lot, I stopped, standing stock-still. Someone was leaning up against my car.
Twenty-Nine
Callie
After I got out of the shower, there were several messages on my phone. I held it up, reading through the group chat.
Jordan: Want to come hang out at Kai’s pool tonight? He and his dad are out of town, but they said we could use it.
Zara: YES. Ugh I miss having a private pool.
Ginger: Please? I’m so hot right now I’m practically a ginger snap.
Rory: LOL I’m in!
Callie: What time?
Jordan: Seven?
Callie: I’ll be there.
I dug through my closet until I found an old swimsuit at the bottom. It wasn't really a swimsuit, more like swimming trunks and a tank top, but it was all I had. Swimming was honestly the last thing I enjoyed doing. Mostly because it meant showing off my skin, especially when I had a flare-up, leaving angry red spots on my skin. But it was just us girls, and after everything we’d been through this year, I knew they wouldn't judge me.
I put on the swimsuit and then walked out to my car. Carson was working now, and I was kind of glad for the break. Even though our relationship was fake, my mind was having a hard time remembering that. Getting out of the house and spending time with my other friends would be good for me.
I got into my car and drove across town to the ritzy neighborhood where Kai lived. His house was enormous. Not that my house was small by any means, but four of mine could have fit into his. I drove around the driveway and parked by the others’ cars at the back gate. As I got out, I could already hear sloshing water and the giggles of my friends.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed through the gate just in time to see Rory do a giant cannonball off the side of the pool. I giggled at how carefree she was, especially since she had started dating Beckett. Even though he’d been our school’s star quarterback, he never seemed bothered by her size or the fact that she wasn't the stereotypical idea of beauty. That made me like him even more.
As I got closer, I yelled, “Ten out of ten!”
She pumped her fist in the air, bobbing in the water, and then swam toward the edge of the pool where the other girls leaned against the stone lining.
“About time you showed up,” Jordan called.
“I couldn’t find my swimsuit,” I said, gesturing at my shorts and tank and knowing full well it was all I had.
Zara, who rocked a one piece that was just as revealing as a bikini, looked over at me and said, “That can’t be it?”
“Well, I don't normally go swimming.”
Zara shook her head, clicking her tongue. “Girl, next time I'll bring you a real suit. You gotta show off those curves!”
I didn't think to tell her that there probably wouldn't be a next time. Me going out in public and baring my skin like this just wasn't a thing that I did, mainly because of my size and