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Lily tossed her bathing suit on the bed. “What was I thinking suggesting we go to the pool? Don’t you think this stretchy material and lack thereof is rather revealing?”
“You’ll fit right in.” Anna plunked onto the mattress. “Besides, Benjamin will be in swimwear too. Don’t you want to see those long legs?”
“You’re incorrigible.”
Anna chuckled. “I encourage you—I think that’s what you mean.”
“Yes, of course, that too.” Lily picked up the one-piece green suit and laid it against herself. “I still can’t believe how incredible Benjamin is.” She twisted back and forth. “He knows all the right things to say.”
“I’m happy you’re happy. We’re going to have such a good time together.” Anna rubbed the palms of her hands together. “Anything you’d like to tell me about last night?”
“We didn’t get much of a chance to talk after the movie started.” Lily laid the suit on the towel and rolled it into a ball. “Benjamin held my hand the whole night and every time his fingers brushed mine, I couldn’t focus on the movie. Instead, I imagined what my life would be like with him.”
“Oh, and how was it?”
“Peaceful, like we enjoyed the ordinary things in life.” Lily placed her hands to her heart. “Spending time together going to the corner market or eating in the kitchen or taking a drive.” She squeezed her arms tighter to her chest. “I enjoy going with him in his car. It’s a shame he walked to the theater. Not that I didn’t appreciate Emmett driving me home last night, but my time with Benjamin ended so soon.”
Anna clapped her hands together lightly at the fingertips. “Everything’s moving along quicker than I hoped.”
“I have known him for a while already. As far as how we met last night—you’re not absolved from being so sneaky.”
Anna unveiled a cheeky grin. “Would you have gone if I told you he’d be there? I don’t believe you would. You said it yourself—you’re happy.”
“I am, but I also want to make decisions in my own time. You’re the one who believes in fate.” Lily stuffed the towel under her arm. “If we are meant to be together, wouldn’t it happen on its own?”
“I suppose so, but not if you’re off in Milwaukee and he’s here.”
“I plan to get to know him better these next couple of months. We’re going to take the relationship slow. I’m trying to be realistic, so please don’t get your hopes up. If things don’t work out at least I can still leave town. Nothing has changed since the discussion we had before the movie.” Lily opened the bedroom door. “Let’s go enjoy our time at the pool.”
The first day of summer had turned out to be a perfect day for the grand opening of the pool. If it hadn’t been for FDR and his New Deal, the community of Hub City would only be fanning away the heat. Lily propped her head with her hands while lying on the cement edge next to the pool. She loved swimming but her last handstand hadn’t ended so well. She’d swallowed a bunch of water and couldn’t quit coughing.
Anna seemed to be having an enjoyable time despite trying to get away from a bunch of young boys at least ten years her junior. Surprisingly these boys must have thought splashing was some form of endearment. She stood. Leaving Anna alone much longer to fend for herself wasn’t a good idea. Besides, so far there wasn’t any sight of the men coming to their rescue, although the hour had to be close to the end of their workday. Lily jumped into the pool, weaving her way toward Anna.
“Nice to see you come back into the water, Lil.” Anna bobbed up and down, rippling the water around her. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Yes, thanks for asking.” Lily joined in the quick movements, creating even more waves. “I watched how you kept swimming away from those annoying boys. I think they like you.”
“I’m not so sure.” Anna’s neck stopped at the water level and she popped back up like a spring. “You know I’m an old married lady now.”
“With lovely green eyes.”
“Oh my! That’s sweet of you.”
Lily stopped bouncing. “The next time those boys splash around us, I might have a way to make them quit.”
Anna pointed. “Now is your chance, here they come.”
Lily made a circle with her thumb and index finger, stuck them in her mouth, and blew. A piercing whistle louder than the lifeguard’s echoed over the people in the pool. The boys stopped and swam in the opposite direction. “Look at that Anna, it worked.”
“Hey, are you whistling at us?”
Anna turned in the direction of the inquiry. “We sure are.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.” Running to the edge, Emmett lunged into the air grabbing his crossed legs before hitting the water.
A whistle blew from the lifeguard’s stand. “No running!”
Emmett shot up and appeared right in front of Anna.
“Nice one.” Anna wiped the water off her face. “Lil and I were just talking about how males show their affection.”
Lily laughed.
“Come on, Benjamin.” Emmett motioned with a flick of his hand.
Benjamin shook his head. “I think I’m going to sit here on the edge for a while.” He lowered himself onto the ledge, dangling his feet into the water.
Lily faced Anna and Emmett. “You two can swim if you want. I’ll go over and keep Benjamin company.” She took several strokes, kicking her feet toward the long-legged man. Anna sure was right about getting a gander at those legs.
She swam to the side of him and stood while he swooshed his long feet through the water. His feet appeared double her size six, and his stark-white, slightly hairy legs hadn’t seen a ray of sunshine in quite a while. Although his well-defined thigh muscles were absolutely swoon-worthy.
Her legs wobbled as she braced her hand on the ledge. “You look like you’re ready to go swimming.” He wore a wide horizontal striped black and gold top paired with black shorts trimmed by a white belt. “Are you planning on coming in and joining the rest of us?”
“Maybe in a little while. I’m still trying to get used to the water. Besides, it’s enjoyable now that you're here.”
“It is?” She smiled. He’s such a sweet charmer.
Benjamin’s eyes twinkled through the squint of his lids. “I couldn’t help but notice how well you swim. You sure make it look easy.”
She squeezed water from her hair. “Thank you. I spent many summers at Anna’s grandparents’ pond in the country. They had a large oak tree that had a rope tied to an overhanging branch next to the water. We’d swing out and let go. I had to learn fast how to dog paddle, otherwise I would have sunk to the bottom like a rock.”
“I’m certain I would sink. I never learned how to swim.” He fluttered his feet back and forth. “As long as the water’s not past my chest, I’m fine.”
“You’re half-way there.” Lily pointed to his feet. “That’s exactly how you move your feet in the water and keep your lower body afloat. The paddling of your arms keeps your head and chest portion buoyant. Whichever section begins to sink is where you need to either kick harder or paddle faster.”
“Sounds simple enough.”
“The technique is one of the easiest to learn but can be quite exhausting for long distances.” She skimmed her hands across the water. “Aren’t you getting warm sitting there?”
“You’re right, the sun’s baked me enough. It’s time to cool off for a while.” He lunged forward into the water, creating a small splash. “I have to admit I hesitated a little when you suggested coming to the pool.” He patted the ripples on the water drifting below his waist.
“As soon as I mentioned my plans, I did too.” Everyone in town had waited a few extra weeks for the pool to be filled due to the pea plant needing the water. The opening had been the talk of the town. Why had she chosen such a crowded public place for meeting? “However, I’d suspect not for the same reasons.”
He rubbed his chin. “For me, I would have rather done something I’m good at.”
“So...” Lily tilted her head. “Do you think you need to impress me?”
Benjamin chuckled. “Of course, shouldn’t I always try?” He cupped his hands together just below the water’s surface and squeezed rapidly, forcing water to cascade into a fountain. “Why were you reluctant? And don’t say it has anything to do with what you are wearing. Emerald green is flattering on you.”
A sudden rush of warmth spread to her cheeks. Lily cupped her hands, trying to create a fountain with the water but every time she squeezed her hands together, nothing happened. “Both of us were engaged not that long ago to other people and there are many folks here from our small town.” She smacked her hands together swiftly and water spurted out. “Being a part of anyone’s gossip is something I’d rather avoid.”
“I will defend you to anybody.” Benjamin took her hands in his. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. Unlike me. I should have known better than to break off the engagement in public. Vivian didn’t take the news as well as I’d hoped. The whole restaurant witnessed the aftermath. I’m certain Vivian was utterly devasted by her exit. I tried to stop her as she went outside, but she ran down the sidewalk before I could catch her.” He rubbed her skin lightly with his thumbs. “When we went for a ride the other day, I mailed her an apology for everything that happened.”
Lily swayed their arms back and forth. “That was kind of you. I’m sure your words will provide Vivian some comfort.” He had said all the right things for her, including how he’d stand up for her. She never had someone in her corner before. And his concern for Vivian revealed his genuinely caring character. Her brow wrinkled. Could the woman in the fancy blue ostrich hat be the same person? The likelihood of what she’d witnessed Saturday seemed to coincide with his story. “Which restaurant were you at?”
“The one in Hotel Charles.”
“Oh, no! I was on the rooftop across the street and saw the commotion.”
Benjamin’s left brow arched. “What happened inside was even worse.”
“That’s too bad.” She compressed his hands gently. “I’m sorry the two of you had to go through such a traumatic event.”
“You and I have gone through a lot too, yet if we hadn’t, we wouldn’t be here together now.” He inched closer, bringing their hands up toward his chest. “I think there are a lot of reasons you’ve come into my life. Right now, I can think of one good example, but I’d need your assistance.”
Lily craned her neck upward. His gentle gaze tranquilized her. “Yes. How?”
“About five years ago I fell in the water while fishing on a boat and almost drowned. The vest I was wearing had several holes in the vinyl and the fiber inside got saturated, weighing me down. If Louie hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have made it out of the lake. I think you’d be the perfect person to teach me how to swim.”
“Of course I will. Let’s go over here to the edge of the pool.” Lily bounced in the water following Benjamin. “We’ll make sure you know how to kick before we try to swim. Hold onto the ledge keeping your body horizontal in the water. Your legs need to be straight, with your toes pointed.” She stood on the side of him.
He grabbed hold and started kicking, but his legs were working as if he were riding a bicycle.
“Try to relax.”
Benjamin quit the motion and his body hovered just below the surface of the water.
Lily took hold of his feet, glancing across his long and lean frame. A pleasant shiver ran through her spine. “I’ll help you.” She moved his legs up and down. “It’s like you’re chopping with each limb alternately.” She let go. “Good. Try to stay close to the water’s surface.”
“I think I have it now.” Benjamin peered over his shoulder.
“Yes, you do.” He couldn’t have had a sweeter expression. “Let’s try to do the stroke with your arms. We’ll practice in the air.”
Benjamin rose and faced her.
“Follow what I do. You’ll want to stretch your arms above your head, cup one of your hands like you’re holding a baseball and keep your arm straight, bringing it in front of you, then down toward your thigh. All right, good. Now flatten your hand and sweep in reverse above your head. Continue with the opposite arm using the same motion and keep alternating. Yes, like that.”
“Should I try in the water?”
“Very well, but it’s not easy coordinating your arms and legs at the same time. Don’t get too discouraged. It’s similar to patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time.”
He chuckled.
“Concentrate on the arm movement like you’re picking an apple and putting it in your pocket. See if you can swim from this edge to the one over there.” She swept her arm from one point to the other. “I’ll watch from here.”
Benjamin pushed off the pool bottom with his feet, taking a few strokes, and kicking fast. The first few times, he’d only swam a short way before standing. Each time though he’d go a little farther before stopping.
Benjamin trusted me. Another one of his many admirable qualities. All their times together were effortless. She could be herself and he liked her just the way she was. And according to him, she was beautiful.
So far on the swim back, he hadn’t stopped. He was either a quick learner or she’d been a good instructor. Either way, they suited each other and if their relationship continued so easily, she doubted she’d be headed out of town.
“Did you see that? I swam the whole way back.”
“You were great. I think I mastered your fountain too.” She squeezed her cupped hands together, spraying a stream of water directly into his chest.
“Whoa!” Benjamin lowered his hands in the water and aimed. He gave her a mischievous grin as he shot the water right into her face.
“Aah! You do like me.”
He laughed. “Don’t ever doubt it. So, do you think I’m ready for the Olympics?”
“Well...no. They haven’t included the dog paddle as an event yet.” Lily giggled. “There is one more thing you could learn in case you tire out while swimming.”
“Oh. What’s that?”
“Everyone should learn how to float. When you’re too tired to swim, you can relax in the water until you catch your breath.”
“Aren’t you just offering yourself to the sharks?”
“There aren’t any sharks around here.” She shook her head. “You’re being silly. Let’s go near the edge. That way you can grab onto the side in case you think you’re going to sink.”
Benjamin knelt next to the ledge. The water level fell just below his broad shoulders.
“I think this depth will be good. I’ll stand behind you and ease you back until you’re level with the water. It will be hard to hear once your ears are underwater so I want to mention a few things. Relaxing by deep breathing is the best way to stay afloat. You can also kick lightly to keep your legs horizontal. When you’re comfortable, let go of the ledge and I’ll hold onto your head so it doesn’t go under. I won’t let go until you tell me.”
“All right. Are you ready?”
Lily braced her hands on his back. She nestled closer to his earthy musky scent. “Go ahead.” Her hands slid from his back, up his neck, and onto his head. His dark coffee-colored eyes were open as his head sank into her palms. She smiled.
Benjamin relaxed so easily, he seemed to be a natural at floating. Maybe his trust in her helped him feel comfortable. He slipped his hand off the ledge. The center of his body descended slightly as his legs dipped down. His eyelids locked shut. Panic spread across his face.
“Breathe.” She wasn’t sure if he’d heard, but he finally took a deep breath and then another. His core rose back to the surface. He kicked his legs, making them parallel. His eyes opened.
She nodded. “Good.” Being this close to him brought that shiver to the nape of her neck.
A shadow cast over them.
Benjamin’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.
Lily peered at the person hovering above. She followed the smooth legs upward to the torso covered by a yellow suit. An oversized green straw hat protected the perfectly made-up woman’s face. Tight red-pigmented lips and daggered green eyes shot a coldness to the pit of Lily’s stomach.
“Vivian!” His body thrashed in the water.
Lily shuffled backward and her hands slipped off his head.
Benjamin’s core plummeted. His limbs formed a V shape. He writhed under the water.
Lily reached for his flailing arms, catching his wrist. She tugged.
His feet struck the bottom and he torpedoed to the surface. Coughing, he held his hand to his chest as he hunched over. Water spewed down his chin.
Lily patted his back. “Are you all right?”
“I...think...so.” His words gasped between the breaths and coughs. He straightened his back and rotated toward Vivian.
“Nice to know you still get choked up seeing me.” Vivian’s eyes shifted to the side of Benjamin and fixated on Lily. “Let me guess, this must be the damsel you saved in the downpour. Lily, isn’t it?”
Lily couldn’t shake the sense of déjà vu. The last confrontation she had with a woman had been the start of her whole relationship with Ira unraveling. Another public display was exactly where she didn’t want to be. Maybe she could be exceptionally sweet. She bobbed to the edge. “Pleasure to meet you.” Lily held out her hand.
Vivian’s nose rose in the air. She crossed her arms over her chest and locked eyes on Benjamin. “My instincts were right all along.” Her laced sandal tapped against the concrete. “You ended our relationship for someone like her? A poor Catholic church mouse.”
Why had Vivian stooped to name-calling? Lily had endured the same malarkey at school. How childish was this woman? Lily may be poor and Catholic, yet she wanted to prove she wasn’t as mousy as Vivian thought. But she needed to let Benjamin handle this quarrel with his ex-fiancée.
“That’s enough.” Benjamin put his arm across Lily’s shoulders.
“And to think I thought the letter you’d sent meant you had finally come to your senses.” Vivian waved her hand up and down Lily’s figure. “Apparently not. That will never happen if she’s around distracting you.”
Benjamin pulled Lily closer. “What happened between us, was between us. Keep Lily out of it.”
Lily didn’t want to be seen as the ‘other woman.’ But in Vivian’s eyes, it was reality. And since Vivian had no issues with public displays, the whole town would know about her in no time. One of her worst fears seemed to be coming true.
Vivian posed with one hand on her hip. “Well, I know I would have never allowed you to wear that swimsuit. You look like a wasp with those black and gold wide stripes. What were you thinking?”
“I was thinking I had a day planned with an amazing caring lady.” Benjamin took Lily’s hand and led her away. “The air in this direction will have a bit less tension.”
“Don’t think this is over.” Vivian bellowed.
Lily leaned into his side. “Sorry for letting you sink.”
He pulled her closer. “You pulled me to safety. I’m grateful. Sorry you had to endure Vivian’s foul attitude.”
Never had Lily encountered a woman with such intense nastiness. “I might have spoken too soon about there not being any sharks around here.”