Lois’s brow furrows. “What if I attend the senior classes and give up my spot if you end up needing it?”
The receptionist looks taken aback by Lois’s idea, but I’m not. If there’s one thing this girl is, it’s stubborn.
Lois flashes her an eager smile.
“I’m not sure, we’ve never been asked before. But the instructor is right there, let me ask him.” She calls across the room. “Ethan, can you come over here a second?”
I turn my head and watch as a beaming guy walks across the room to join us. I roll my eyes as I take in his khaki tank and tiny swim shorts. He’s openly checking Lois out and reeks of chlorine and testosterone. I get the sudden urge to trip him right out of his dumb slides.
“How can I help?”
“This young lady wants to take your class, but the only slots available are with the senior citizens. She’s suggesting she attend anyway, and says she’ll free up her spot if needed.”
“Is it just you, or will your boyfriend be joining?” He juts his chin at me.
“My what?” Lois swings around to me, her eyes widening as it clicks. “Oh, he’s not my boyfriend. I actually have no clue who this guy is.” She smirks at me before turning back to the pool dude.
I cross my arms.
“I’d really love to take the class. Please?”
He’s a good foot taller than her. In fact, he’s exactly my height, which means I have a front-row ticket to how creepily he’s staring ather. He’s leading a fucking water aerobics class, and he’s giving her the once-over like he’s holding a girlfriend audition.
“I don’t see a problem with that.” He scratches his chin. “Fair warning, though—the grandmas definitely won’t be letting you into the front row, so as long as you’re not worried about going head-to-head with some badass retirees, then welcome!”
“I’ll stay at the back; they won’t even notice I’m there.”
“That’s for sure.” He laughs, his eyes trailing her from head to toe. “They’re pretty into me—no lie,” he adds with a sorry-not-sorry pout.
Real smooth…
He claps his hands. “I’ll let you get on with the paperwork, then. See you soon!”
“Thank you so much, I can’t wait to get started!”
While Lois and the receptionist run through the details, I replay the scene in my head.That guy was such a douche. When she turns away from the desk, she slams into me and takes a step back, scowling.
“?‘I can’t wait to get started!’?” I parrot back to her in a high-pitched voice.
“Oh, give me a break! This is a full-body workout, I’m about to get ripped.”
“Doing baby squats in a pool full of seniors three seconds away from breaking a hip?”
She frowns. “You are so…”
“Wise?”
“Definitely not!”
“Incredible?”
“Try again.”
She starts walking, and I pick up the pace to match her stride.
“Don’t you have somewhere to be, Lane?”
“Sure thing.”
