Page 16 of Saul

“Calvin, look what I’ve got you.”

I looked up from where I was reading a school library book in my room. Mom was excited over what she was clutching inher hand, and she tossed the piece of fabric at me. They were swimming shorts. I looked up at her in astonishment. “Come on. We got an invitation to a swanky party at Lee’s boss’s house. Kids are expected to go.” She rolled her eyes, but I didn’t dare suggest I stay here. I knew she was only taking me because she had a new guy, and I didn’t have many bruises, and she obviously wanted to impress someone. I got up from the bed quickly, and she strode over and yanked my arm to hurry up and get changed.

All my worries crowded me as we got in Lee’s car. He was new, and I didn’t know how to voice my biggest fear.

We got to the house, and it was huge. There was a large pool in the back and what seemed like ten other children screaming and playing in it. And I froze. Mom made me take off my shorts and tee-shirt and I just stood in my swim shorts and didn’t know what to do.

“Calvin, get moving,” she hissed as she accepted a glass of wine from Lee.

I looked up at her. I didn’t have so much as arm bands. Had she forgotten I couldn’t swim?

And with a huff, she just casually hip-checked me and I was in the water.

I thought I was gonna die, and when one of the other men jumped in and dragged me out, Mom was furious because she was embarrassed. I lost count of how many bruises I got after that.

I looked over at the patio doors and saw Steven and Emile exit, dragging two suitcases. They were saying goodbye to Chris, and Steven looked annoyed. Steven assured everyone he would be back as soon as he had gotten Emile settled, and I gaped. Steven was going to make Matt or Ryder wait simply because Emile didn’t want to get in a taxi on his own? And Steven had calledme needy. Plus, I thought waspishly, that obviously meant both suitcases were Emile’s for one weekend. I turned back to Ricky because I had no wish to watch either of them, and I laughed at his ridiculous backflip. I could hear the suitcases trundling past me but kept my gaze very firmly on Ricky.

And then it happened. I couldn’t say what because my first mouthful of water as I sank made every thought fly out of my head. I struggled. My arms and legs moved in panic, but it was like they were encased in glue, and for a very long moment I honestly wondered if it was worth the fight.

But then strong arms surrounded me and propelled me up until I could take a breath— barely, without choking, but sweet air filled my lungs. “I got you, baby,” a deep rumble sounded in my ear, and I wanted to cry.

Of course he did.

Someone called Noah, who seemed to be aptly named, came and checked me out. By that point, I couldn’t stop shaking, but I was wrapped in a blanket and in Daddy’s arms back in our suite.

“His lungs sound clear,” Noah said. “But I think he needs to go to an ER for observation. I’m not a paramedic.” Which is when I found my voice.

“No.”

Daddy didn’t ignore my protest, but just tightened his arms. “What would they do?”

“Just observe,” Noah said. “But I’m not a healthcare professional, as I said. I just work with kids.” He leaned forward. “If something goes wrong, it’s a long way, even if they send a helicopter.”

“No,” I said and struggled to free myself, but Daddy simply tightened his arms.

“Hush, baby,” he said. “I’m not making you go anywhere.”

I relaxed back in his arms. Good.

Then everyone cleared out. Ricky had been distraught, somehow thinking it was his fault, and we’d cuddled for a long time before Chris made him leave.

“You can’t swim,” Daddy pronounced when we were alone. I felt my face flame and shook my head.

“Then that’s a priority when we get home.”

I stilled. Had I heard him correctly?

“You never have to be in the water without me, but I’m going to make sure you learn to swim,” Daddy said, conviction in every word.

“You are?” I whispered, dread making my tummy feel heavy.

“I can’t ever go through that again,” he murmured. “I didn’t react fast enough. I saw you go in, but I was too far away, and for a second, I thought you would kick to the surface. When you didn’t I…” He shuddered and despite him holding me tightly, I freed my arms and clamped them around him.

“Daddy, you saved me,” I whispered. “There were people near me, but you got to me first.” Now that my head was clearer, I pieced together what had happened. I was convinced Emile had pushed me in. Pure spite, though. He couldn’t have known I couldn’t swim. But Steven hadn’t jumped in to save me.

“So that’s a priority,” Daddy said. He nuzzled my neck. “I’ll move in a minute.” But that was the last thing I wanted. Then he rolled me gently on my back. “You need to sleep.”

“I’m too wired.”Too worried.

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