The crowd got loud, cheering and clapping as the two of them reached the wall and made the turn.
“They’re so fast,” I murmured.I’d still be at the start.
“They are,” Seth said, his eyes fixed on the pool.“Justin’s got the edge though.His kick—it’s stronger.”
Sure enough, as they approached the finish, Justin pulled ahead by an extra stroke, touching the wall just before Noah did.The crowd erupted into applause, and Justin expertly pulled himself out of the pool, grinning triumphantly.Noah was at least laughing, meeting Justin and clapping him on the back.
It was a good-natured rivalry.Even as they moved to let the other swimmers line up for their race, they were playfully shoving each other as they went back to their seats.
I turned my attention back to the crowd, scanning faces.That’s when I spotted a familiar figure—Arden Laurens.Seated a few rows down.He looked slightly out of place in the sea of parents and siblings, but he seemed at ease, watching the races with interest.
“Is that Laurens?”I whispered to Seth, nudging him.
Seth followed my gaze, stiffening as he spotted the man.He worked his jaw before saying, “Looks like it.Why is he here?”
I didn’t have to wonder for long.The drama teacher, Mrs.Hayden, joined him, holding a bag of treats.They exchanged a few words before Mrs.Hayden reached into her bag and handed him one of the small boxes they used for the tarts.
Laurens flashed her that signature smile of his that was all charming and effortless, the kind meant to disarm anyone who saw it.It wasn’t fake exactly, but there was always something about it that felt off.Calculated, as if he was always measuring the people around him.
Mrs.Hayden motioned to go further up the bleachers and Laurens stood with ease.As he turned, his gaze locked with mine.His lip twitched, clearly amused at catching me watching him.Then he gave me a brief nod, acknowledging me.Nothing to it as he turned his focus back to the drama teacher.Still, his nod was enough to send a ripple of unease through me.His expression didn’t betray anything beyond being polite, but there was weight to it that made me regret eating so much sugar.
I exhaled slowly as Laurens disappeared out of sight with Mrs.Hayden.I didn’t even realize I had been holding my breath.Forcing myself to relax, I looked back at the pool, trying to figure out what was going on.The second race was just wrapping up.Why did I have to see him here?He always set me on edge, no matter how normal he acted.There was always something to it that felt off to me.
Seth leaned in slightly, his voice low so only I could hear him.“You okay?”
I nodded, though my hands turned into fists in my lap.“I’m fine,” I said, but the tightness in my voice betrayed me.
Seth’s frown deepened.He shifted closer, his arm brushing against mine.That simple gesture grounded me a little, reminding me that I wasn’t by myself.Whatever unease Laurens brought with him, I had people by my side to face it.
“Don’t let him ruin your night,” Seth murmured, his tone firm yet gentle.“He’s doing his own thing.You do your own thing.”
“I won’t,” I said, hoping I sounded convincing considering I didn’t really believe myself.I straightened in my seat, forcing my focus back to the race.Justin was gearing for another event and I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss it.
Chapter Thirty
The meet ended well, with the swimmers looking happy with the results.
