Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

Weatherman passed cleanly over the turning T and, at the precise moment, flipped to kick off in the other direction. He stretched his arms in a simple freestyle stroke as he glided easily through the water. Other swimmers filled the lanes this early morning, some in training for competition and some simply to work out.

He loved the rhythm of this stroke. Three flutter kicks to each arm recovery.

One-two-three.

One-two-three.

One-two-three.

Steady, smooth movements and easy, controlled breathing, his whole body working to cut through the water with as little drag as possible.

Even though the pool was filled with other people, he still considered himself sealed off from the world for a bit. The water muffled sounds, and his sight was limited by the goggles he wore. He could think here as he moved in this comfortable pattern.

This was his main stroke while he was in competitive swimming. He did the 100m, 200m, and 400m races as well as relays. A few times, he swam the 100 IM (individual medley) where he used all four racing strokes, but his butterfly wasn’t as fast, as he didn’t have the long arms and torso needed for that particular one.

He hit the T and flipped again. His mom came to every race day at the Y when he was a child, and later at the university. She did the chaperone thing, brought snacks and water for the team, and helped with all the fundraising necessary to support the league. He remembered getting out of the pool to see her big smile no matter if he placed or not. She never minded the wet hugs.

There were the occasional dates, but no one special. There was one man who she dated for a few months, but it didn’t work out. He didn’t like the guy very much, and when he asked his mom why they broke up, she gave him her serene smile and told him she didn’t think he was a good fit for them.

“It takes a strong man to be a stepfather, Bryce,” she’d said. “Not every man has the mettle for it. I’d rather be single than settle for someone who isn’t up for the job.”

How much of her life had she given up to be his mom?

Opal came to his mind as he flipped and started another lap. He could see a lot of his mom in her. Hardworking and totally dedicated to her child. To his knowledge, she wasn’t dating anyone, and if he was correct, she wouldn’t consider anyone who took her time away from Pearl.

“It takes a strong man to be a stepfather.”

His thoughts had thrown his timing off, and he almost missed the T. Whatever madness had him thinking about Opal had to stop. He needed to concentrate on the mess that was his job and the mess that was his mom’s health. Dating? Something more? Not in the cards.

He hit the wall and pulled himself out in one movement. Water sluiced from his Speedo-clad body as he lifted his goggles to rest on the latex swim cap over his hair.

He caught the young female lifeguard watching him instead of the swimmers. Portia was her name, if he remembered correctly, and she was a college student. He bet if he asked her out, she would jump at the chance. Perhaps a date with an attractive woman was just what he needed to get Opal off his mind.

He slopped over to her, feeling the weight of his body as the pool’s buoyancy faded. “Portia, right?”

She beamed at him. “Yeah, that’s right. And you’re Bryce Turner. You have a nice stroke.”

No doubt this would easy. No cajoling or talking her into bed if he wanted to go that route.

“I’d rather be single than settle for someone who isn’t up for the job.”

He sighed and smiled at the girl. “Thanks. Have a nice day.”