Page 32 of Soaring and Steadfast

Aren't tighty-whitey’s the adult version? They look like a diaper.

Then I’m guilty as charged.

Are you picturing me in my underwear? You are only allowed to say YES at this point because I’m not sure I could handle a NO.

I plead the fifth.

Ouch.

Wanna picture me in swimming trunks, then?

Almost the same thing – and how about I don’t picture my friend in anything.

You’re picturing me naked?

UPGRADE!

Nooooooo! I was saying I don’t have to picture you because I’ve met you.

I met you too – and I like you – so do you wanna have breakfast, kiss some sweet cheeks, and go swimming at the beach today? It’s supposed to be a beautiful one.

I didn’t pack a swimsuit.

YOU. ARE. KIDDING.

You came to Florida without a swimsuit? Sacrilege!

Well, lucky for you, not only do I know where the best bakery is for insane carrot cake gluttony – I also happen to know of a place where you could get a swimsuit, goggles, whatever you need.

Deal.

How fast can you be ready?

Um, an hour?

What?! I’m HUNGRY.

(this is me – whining via text)

Ten minutes lady – and I’m in the parking lot already.

“WHAT?” Lila exclaimed, throwing back the covers and getting to her feet. She peered out the miniblinds of the empty baby’s room down the hallway. Looking at the parking lot below, she saw Louis standing there in a pair of board shorts, a T-shirtthat said ‘NAVY’ across the chest, and a baseball cap. He lifted his hand, wiggled his fingers at her, and then waved to point at his cell phone.

Her phone dinged.

Nine minutes… my tummy is rumbling.

She let the blinds go, laughing. Rushing to throw on some jeans and a T-shirt, and pulling her hair back into a ponytail, she hurriedly brushed her teeth and picked up her sandals on the way out the door. The concrete of the entryway was cool under her feet from the shade, but the heat was already starting to build in the Florida sun. Oh yes, it would be perfect for swimming today.

As she descended the stairs, her breath caught as Louis was standing there, waiting and holding what looked like a small branch that had two white flowers on it.

“What’s that?” she asked, smiling.

“I should say ‘An olive branch,’” he chuckled shyly, meeting her smile. “But it’s not. It’s actually an orange blossom – the state flower of Florida – and I thought that if you didn’t know to bring a swimsuit, you might not know this either…”

And she realized he was teasing her.

“You think you are sooo smart, don’t you?”

---