“It would have to be related to science somehow.”
I roll my eyes.
“It’s cute. I love how passionate you are about science. You’re going to change the world one day, Emory. I know it.”
I stare at the table as my face burns. I’d like to. Or at least, I’d like to change a few lives for the better. I’m not crazy enough to think I could change the world.
“What did that have to do with what I said?”
“I think meeting each other transformed us. And Casey too.”
Auggie tilts his head. “For the better?”
“I hope so.”
The train slows down.
“We’re nearly at York.”
“Time to cheer Casey on?” Auggie asks.
“Not quite. But soon. Thanks for coming with me.”
Auggie grins. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
“Except in bed, sleeping?”
“Nah. Even the need to sleep couldn’t have kept me away today. I have coffee and great company. I don’t need my bed.”
That makes me grin wider than ever before.
* * *
We arrive at the swimming pool early enough to get decent seats along one long side near the pool.
“How long until Casey swims?” Auggie asks.
I check the programme we were given when we arrived. “Men’s one-hundred-metre freestyle is fourth. Each team can have up to five swimmers.”
“So Casey is one of the five best swimmers on the team?”
“In his specialities, yes. Although the team captain did threaten to pull him.”
“What? Why?”
I drop my shoulders. “He didn’t have good practices this week, but Josh has to let him swim today.”
“He will, and Casey will do great. Do you know how I know that?”
“How?”
“Because you’ll be cheering him on. I bet you’re his lucky charm.”
I’d like to be.
We watch the first three races, cheering for our team. Most of the audience is made up of university students, although there are a few parents. Everyone cheering and clapping creates a good atmosphere, which helps to calm my nerves. Auggie is helping too. Between races, he chats to me and makes me laugh. I’m so glad he came with me. I’ve sat through a lot of Casey’s competitions on my own, but I’ve never been so anxious before.
My lungs lose the ability to work as the swimmers for the men’s one-hundred-metre freestyle competition come out and stand on the starting blocks. Casey looks amazing. All the strength and conditioning training he’s been doing with the team has paid off. He’s tall and slim, with muscle definition that makes my heart quiver. He shaves all his body hair before competitions so he’s more streamlined in the water. Even from a distance, I can appreciate the smoothness of his arms, legs, and chest. And those Speedos. I hum.
