Page 81 of All of You

“I know. Trust me, everyone already knows your name.Small town. Really small town.”

“Thanks. Noted.”

I push past her and take my seat before pulling my notebook and a pen out. Glancing over my shoulder I see Kaeli resting her chin on the heel of her hand staring at Langdon.Gross.Then I notice him staring back.

My stomach rolls and anger starts to bubble.

***

I leave the cafeteria at lunch as Kaeli is called over to sit at Langdon’s table. Hailie isn’t here today but her little minions smelled new blood and immediately pounced. She’s wedged between Langdon and Niko. Her shoulders pressed against each of theirs as if she grew up with them. As if she’s been there all along. She says something and the whole table bursts into laughter. Langdon shoots me a look as I pass by.

I walk faster.

I see Lyra in the hall. She calls out to me but ignore her. I go straight to the pool. The humidity and smell of chlorine instantly relieve my sour mood some. I stare at the water and huff. I’m irritated. Bruised. She’s beautiful. New. Shiny. Why wouldn’t Langdon be interested in getting to know her? Maybe even date her. A fresh wave of jealousy hits as the doors behind my clang closed.

“Hi there. Pools closed.” It’s a voice I’m not familiar with. I spin around, slap a smile on my face.

“Sorry. Just needed somewhere quiet. If I had a suit though, you’d be pulling me from the pool.”

“You swim?”

I nod.

The older man holds out his hand. I shake it. “Mr. Miller. I coach the swim team.”

I blink twice. “Oh. Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Delia. I’ll be joining the team next month.”

Coach Miller grins and releases my hand. “Can’t wait to have you. Have you swum before?”

“Yes. Since middle school.”

“What’re your events?” he asks.

I tuck my hair behind my ears. All my Langdon feelings fading into the humidity around us. “Hundred fly and Five hundred free and 200 IM.”

Coach Miller raises his brows. “That’s impressive. Looks like we may have a banner year this season.”

I give him a shy smile. “I didn’t say I was any good.”

“There isn’t a person on the planet who claims the hundred fly or five hundred free as their events willingly but aren’t good at them. Being good at them and admitting they’re your events go hand in hand,” he laughs.

I shrug. He’s got a point. I happen to be good at two events that most people loathe. “Fair. Hey, I have a question for you.”

“Shoot.”

“Any chance I can warm up a little preseason after school? I’d love to get in the water.”

Coach Miller glances around as if he’s about to tell me a secret. “I’m not supposed to but if you want forty-five minutes right after school, you can have Mondaysand Tuesdays. Otherwise you’ll have to wait till the season starts.”

I smile wide. Today is Tuesday. “I’ll take it. See you after school.”

A flurry of joy whips through my veins. There is no better therapy than pounding the water. Just the sound of your breath, the water moving around you, and your thoughts to work out.

***

“What are you still doing here?” Langdon asks sliding up next to me in the parking lot. I jump not realizing he was near.

“I asked the coach if I could use the pool. I needed to swim. To just… I don’t know. Swim it out.”