Chapter 32
I was kayaking between water activities, watching the Cubs who were kayaking with me, sailing, or waterskiing.
When the period was over, Mindy offered me a ride in her golf cart.
I preferred to walk, but I was in a wet bathing suit and wanted to change before the next activity.
She’d just dropped me off when my radio crackled, “We have a lost swimmer. Lexi Silver’s division has left the waterfront, and her card’s still here.
We have a lost swimmer.” I recognized Mike’s voice.
“Mike, this is Lori. Lexi’s my camper. I just saw her walking up from swim with her group. She’s fine.”
“I cannot call off a lost swimmer search until I see Lexi Silver standing in front of me.”
Crap. I ran toward Mindy’s cabin and jumped in her golf cart. Thankfully, the keys were in the ignition. I threw it in reverse, almost falling out when I bumped a tree stump the size of a small dog. Maneuvering backwards I called out, “I’m borrowing your golf cart.”
I reached Lexi’s cabin as she stepped onto the porch.
“Hey, Lexi, jump in here with me.”
“Why?”
“You didn’t return your swim card, and all the lifeguards are searching for you.”
“Can’t you tell them I’m with you?”
“I did but they need to see you in person. Hold on tight.” I floored it.
I sped down the hill. When we hit the straightaway, I radioed Mike, “Lexi is almost there.”
“Good, my lifeguards are exhausted.”
Lexi asked, “Why are they exhausted?”
“They’ve been searching for you underwater.”
“They think I drowned?”
“Yes.”
Lexi burst into tears.
I reached the beach, shouting, “I have Lexi. Lexi is here.”
I hit the brake, but the cart didn’t slow down. I turned toward the beachfront to avoid hitting Mike. I stomped the brake again, turning the wheel, which sent us skidding into the lake. I threw my arm around Lexi to make sure she didn’t fall out. Why weren’t there seat belts in these damned things?
Three lifeguards swam over and stopped the cart from sinking any further. Di pulled out a sobbing Lexi.
“Lori, shove it over,” Mike said.
I’d have preferred to get out, but Mike blocked me, so I slid to the passenger side as he got behind the wheel.
“Okay, men, I’m in reverse. Tell me when to hit the gas.”
How embarrassing. I couldn’t believe that Mike had to come to my rescue, and this time in front of the entire waterfront staff. They all watched as Mike easily maneuvered the cart out of the water and safely onto the sand.
Mike pulled the key out of the ignition, saying, “Really, Lori, again?”
I put the whistle in my mouth and blew.