I walked through campus until I landed inside the recreation building, where tall ceilings and tiled floors made the whole place feel like a hospital. I spied through a window a vast room with a pool, its walls pure white, Greek-like. So I went inside just to see it and take in some beauty.
When I opened the door, I was blasted with the faint scent of chlorine. A window on the ceiling above the water shone light onto the pool’s glassy blue surface. One person was swimming, making ripples as they cut through the water with powerful yet peaceful strokes.
He slowed as he reached the shallow end, where he pushed himself up out of the water. He climbed the little brass ladder, big arms and back flexing with his motions. He wiped himself haphazardly with a towel and then turned, pausing when he noticed me.
Jay. Again.
He waved and gave a reserved smile.
I waved back, barely breathing and hoping he couldn’t tell. The universe must have been doing this to us on purpose.
“Didn’t think I’d see you here,” he called, his voice echoing as he walked over.
Water trickled down his chest, and through the gridlocks of his stomach.
“Yeah... I was... just needed a break,” I stammered.
Jay ran the towel through his hair. “You know, I was thinking that we don’t have to keep passing notes. It was fun, but not anymore now that people know about it.”
“I agree.” I shifted my weight some, tightening my grip on my bag, feeling self-conscious.
“We can just talk to each other,” he added.
“Sure,” I said. “Hi.”
“Hi,” he echoed, with a jovial smile. I remembered the trial piece I’d been carrying around—it would form the perfect conversation pivot. Jay was a good writer and familiar with Charlie, so he might help me with my confidence.
I reached in my bag, pulled it out, and handed it to him. “Could I get your opinion on this? You don’t have to read the whole thing, but since you’re friends with Charlie—well, former friends—do you think he’d ever publish this in the paper?”
Jay took the paper, scanning it in silence, which gave me some time to watch him.What had he told Charlie about me, besides that I’m a good writer?I wondered. And why did my brain abandon that thought to focus instead on the drops of water dappling his skin?
He looked up, meeting my eyes. “Are you going to the dance?” he asked, abruptly.
“What?” I blinked, taking a moment to process that this question was not related to my essay. “I... don’t know,” I answered boringly.
He nodded and went back to reading. Finally, when he was finished, he said, “It’s honest.” And handed it back to me with an encouraging smile. “This place could use a little more of that, whether Charlie wants to publish it or not.”
It gave me a sense of relief. “Thank you,” I said, trying to keep my tone even.
Jay smiled. “Anytime, Nick. We’re all in this together. I agree.”
“Yeah. You’re a good swimmer.” My eyes widened instinctively at my clumsy turn of topic, but Jay just laughed.
“I do like it,” he said. “Cools me off after exercise.” He stretched his shoulders back and tapped on his chest with moxie, making a few drops of water splash into the space between us. “Maybe we could do it together sometime?”
“Do... it?” I echoed.
“Yes,” Jay said, matter-of-factly. “Swim.”
“Swim! Of course.” I laughed it off. “Together. I never learned how—not really—but I could. I could do that. Sure. I have to go now.”
I awkwardly turned to leave, but he didn’t let me get far.
“Hey,” he called, and I was forced to turn around, as if commanded by a sire. “If you do show up at the dance, I’ll see you there.”
This statement was delivered like an invitation. His persistence made me sure that he cared about my presence at this dance. But why? He’d be absorbing the attention of a dozen beautiful girls there. What did it matter if he saw me?
“Okay,” I said, like some sort of wet automaton. Water from his chest had splashed me in the face, and now my parts were malfunctioning. “I’ll let you know what I decide. See you.”
