I had to wear a bathing suit. At least it was a one-piece — but it didn’t make me any warmer. No one was at the pool except us crazy people. I guess that’s what models for catalogs have to do — freeze in the winter for summer ads, and roast in the summer for winter ads.
“Umm, I’m turning blue. Do you think we could get some hot chocolate or something?” I plopped down on a lounge chair and shivered to make my point.
Fawn pulled out a thermos and poured me a cup.
“No marshmallows?”
She pulled some out of her bag and dropped in a handful.
“Flip, I’m starting to like Fawn better than you.” I grabbed a towel to put over my lap.
“She does have her good days.”
Fawn poured Flip a cup of hot chocolate too.
“This is all real cozy, but can we go inside or something? People wear flip-flops inside too.”
“And some people only wear flip-flops.” Fawn pointed down at Flip’s feet.
“You do have regular shoes, right?” I remembered the pile of flip-flops at Flip’s office.
“Hey, I work for a shoe company. I have all kinds of shoes. I just like when my toes can breathe.”
“That’s how he got his nickname, you know.” Fawn put her hands over her mouth after she said that — like she was letting out some kind of big secret.
“Your name’s not Flip?” Now that made sense. Who’d name their kid Flip?
Flip chugged the last of his hot chocolate, handed the cup to Fawn, and gave her a weird look.
“Thanks a lot, Fawn.”
Then I started to think. Who would name their kid Fawn? It’s a pretty name, but unusual, for sure. Was that a nickname too?
“So, what’s your real name, then?” I was talking to Flip, but I looked back and forth at both of them.
“Tarzan.” He beat his hands on his chest and let out a big yell. “I’m surprised you never figured that out before this.” He grabbed his camera and leaped off the chair. “Let’s finish up inside where it’s warmer. Whaddya say, Jane?” He grabbed Fawn’s hand and pulled her out of her chair.
Tarzan and Jane. Whatever.