Page 72 of June 7

Chapter Twenty Eight

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CHAD FINISHED THE RACE a stroke ahead of his teammates. Daisy clapped at the side of the pool, proud of the kid. He'd practiced all summer before and after his work schedule to shave more seconds off his time. His hard work had paid off.

The team had challenges today for their positions in the next swim meet. By nearly a second, Chad seated first in the breaststroke.

Mr. Owens, the head coach of the Seaglass Cove Seals, blew his whistle. "Five laps and then shower. When you're done, Mr. Lorenz will hand out next week's swim schedule. Make sure you grab it and take it home to your parents. I don't want any excuses for being late. We need all the practice we can get. Nice hustle today, team."

Daisy moved the chairs and lined them against the building. Once the kids left the pool, she'd lock the door and bleach everything down.

"How do you think the team looks this year?" asked Mr. Owens.

She smiled. "It looks like you will have a solid lineup with only two seniors. Some of the younger ones will surprise you in a year or two."

"That's the plan." Mr. Owens crossed his arms and looked out at the pool. "This year's team reminds me of when you entered high school. The kids were young and able to swim together for all four years."

"We made state each year." She remembered the three-hour trip to compete with all the winners from each district with fond memories. It was right before she'd lost her parents.

Her mom had traveled behind the bus to attend the swim meet and stayed in the hotel so Daisy could room with the other girls. Her dad had stayed home because he had to work.

"Yeah, I have high hopes." Mr. Owens inhaled swiftly. "With hard work and dedication, this group of kids will get us there, too."

Her former coach walked toward the locker room. Sometimes, she wished to go back to the time when life was easier and less complicated. To when the burden of what her father had done was no longer her punishment to carry.

To the time when the only worry she had was if she'd place in her next swim meet and get an A on her history exam.

Those were a lot easier to handle than worrying if someone was ransacking her duplex, ruining her tires, and attacking people who were at her place.

But, if she wished herself back to those carefree years, there would be no Bane.

Each day with him became clearer. There were things in life she wanted. He had her pushing herself out of her comfort zone and taking a chance on love again.

He meant everything to her. She'd even swim the ocean for him.

She returned to the office as the phone rang. Plopping down on the chair, she picked up the receiver.

"Seaglass Cove City Pool." She spun toward the computer. "How can I help you?"

"It's Bane."

She smiled to herself. "My Bane?"

He grunted. "Babe."

God, she loved when his voice went gravely, and he called her that name. It was the best feeling in the world to have someone special in her life.

Her smile grew bigger, filling her with butterflies. "How's your day?"

"Long." A clatter happened in the background. "Just checking on you. Do you still plan to stay after and cleaning?"

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