Page 19 of Swinging for the Deep End

I sigh and release my grip on the bear spray.

“Nicely done, Piper,” I whisper out loud.

I park on the other side of the building and walk with speed, just in case the serial killer parked their car and is now chasing me down.

I end up driving myself into a mild panic by the time I reach the exit door for the pool.

I have a key to get in. There’s no alarm that will sound on this door.

I quickly jam the key into the lock and twist.

The door opens with ease and a little squeak.

I step in and pull the door shut behind me. It automatically locks when closed.

Now I’m safe.

For a little while.

I shut my eyes and take a deep breath.

Not even a second later I hear the sound of water splashing.

I can’t gasp because my mouth goes bone dry.

My brain somehow tries to tell me that the serial killer has been following me for weeks, stole my work key and made a copy and somehow got into the pool before me.

Because there is definitely someone in the pool…

The water splashes again and I watch as a human figure lifts up out of the water.

Before my crazy mind makes up another wild story, I see the hair, the face, and the bare upper body.

My jaw slowly drops.

Looks like Cutter Buckley is here for a little night swim too.

5

Cutter

Iknow I’m supposed to be doing this stuff with a trainer. A physical therapist. Someone is supposed to be watching me so I don’t push myself too hard. Someone is supposed to be watching my movements and making decisions on what to do next.

What can I say? I’m stubborn. I’m a grumpy gruff of a baseball player, near the tail end of his career, and this is my chance at something that looks like a comeback, which in reality is just my way of not wanting to deal with everyday life.

So what do I do?

I show up to the pool after-hours so I’m not in anyone’s way (Piper, thinking of you) and I dive into the water and start swimming.

I haven’t been pushing myself all that hard either.

I’m not looking to break a world record here.

I just need the movement. I’m at a point with these injuries that movement feels good and rest makes things tighten up too much. I haven’t really worked out in a few days either after all the nonsense happened with that elderly woman and the car.

So right now, this feels good.

I’m in the water. It’s mostly dark. A little eerie.

---