Chapter 24
“Nice lap, Keondre.” Maggie squatted at the end of the pool where the fourteen-year-old boy waited, panting. “Good elbow position
that time. Remember on your breaths to keep one goggle in the water. Do one more lap, focusing on that, then we’re done for
the day.”
“Aww...”
“I have some killer drills planned for next week—you’ll be begging me to leave. Now let’s see what you’ve got.”
He nodded, eagerness flaring in his eyes behind the goggles, and pushed off to a freestyle swim.
Better. He was still pulling to the right, though. She’d have him do some closed-eye laps next week. But she’d given enough
instruction for one lesson.
The Johnsons’ pool was regulation length—longer than the ranch house in front of it—but only three lanes wide due to the shallow
yard.
Keondre’s mom, Kyra, met Maggie at the side of the pool. Her son had inherited her lean height, almond-shaped eyes, and wide
grin. “Only two lessons and he’s already improved.”
“He puts in the practice. That’s half the battle.”
Kyra laughed. “The battle is getting him out of the pool. The boy would live in there till he grew fins if I let him.”
“He’s got a lot of potential. That tall frame and those big hands and feet are real advantages. But his discipline and teachability will be what takes him a long way.”
“Really? You think so? I know he’s only just about to enter high school, but he’s really hoping for a swimming scholarship
to Duke.”
“If he keeps up the hard work, I think that’s a reasonable goal.”
Keondre stopped at the pool wall and glanced Maggie’s way.
“Much better on the sneaky breaths,” Maggie called. “Work on that this week—and the elbows.”
“Yes, ma’am!” He adjusted his goggles and pushed off for another lap. He’d have both mastered when she returned on Tuesday.
It was exhilarating to teach an adept athlete who was also highly motivated.
“I’m so glad you agreed to coach him the rest of the summer,” Kyra said. “He’d learned all he could from the instructor at
the Y. I hope the high school coach is as good as you.”
“I don’t know him, but they seem to have a good program over there. They won state a couple years ago and made it to the finals
last year.”
“He’s so excited to try out. He’ll make the team?”
“I can’t imagine why not.”
Keondre dragged himself from the pool and headed toward the house. “See ya next week, Miss Maggie. Don’t worry, I’ll be practicing.”
“I have no doubt.”
Keondre turned at the sliding door. “Hey, Mom, when’s supper? I’m starving.”
“Supper’s in the oven. Grab a towel—don’t you drip all over my clean floor.”
Maggie got in her car and checked her phone for any texts that might’ve come in during the lesson. Nothing. Then, just because she couldn’t help herself, she opened Josh’s text from this morning.
Still like me?
She’d waited a full ten minutes before texting back. I think I can tolerate you.
After lunch he’d texted that one of his favorite local bands was playing at Beats on the Boardwalk. She hadn’t answered yet.
Last night as he’d accompanied her to her car, they walked closely, their arms brushing. And even though they’d done that
a million times, it felt awkward. Everything had changed. She was giving them a chance. Giving Josh a chance. The future was
uncertain. And despite her agreement to see what happened, she couldn’t help but fret about the damage a bitter breakup might
cause. About Josh’s short attention span in the romance department. About what his family might think. He was her brother-in-law.
She winced as the silence lengthened between them. Was this too weird?
No weirder than you enjoying his kiss two and a half years ago.
The recollection provoked another thought that made the fried flounder in her stomach churn. What if he tried to kiss her
now? Did she want him to? Her heart rate couldn’t seem to keep pace with her lungs. Her palms grew sweaty, her mouth dry.
They reached her car and she unlocked the door with her fob. The sun had set, ushering in darkness, and the scent of honeysuckle
carried on a breeze.
“I’ll text you.” Josh opened her door, putting it between them.
No kiss then. She dredged up a smile. “Okay. Good night.”
“Night, Maggie.”
As she drove away she wasn’t sure if she was disappointed or relieved that he hadn’t tried to kiss her.
Now she gave her head a hard shake and the Johnsons’ house came into focus. Josh had promised to take it slow. Grabbing her
for a kiss two minutes after agreeing to this shift was hardly slow. They needed to find their footing. Surely going out with him wouldn’t be much different than what they’d
been doing for years. And dancing might be the perfect activity, the perfect tension breaker. They’d always excelled at having
fun together.
They’d just go out and have fun. What harm could come from that?
She lifted her phone and replied to his text about dancing tonight.
Bring it on.