Page 12 of Poolside

The conversation turned to updates on Tommy’s older siblings, who all lived within a fifteen minute drive of his parents and were settled down with spouses and a whole flock of children. A year ago, Tommy thought he was on the path to being one of them.

“I’ve got to let you guys go,” Tommy said as he pulled into Chuck’s driveway. “Love you.”

“We love you too,” his mom said. “And Thomas? Take the time to be happy, darling. I know it’s been a tough go, but it’s not over for you, okay?”

Tommy swallowed against the lump in his throat. “Thanks, Ma.”

As he walked up the path to Chuck’s front door, he realized that was exactly what he was doing every time he slowed down, put away his work, and drove to Chuck’s house.

He was taking the time to be happy.

* * *

“Yo,” Tommy called out as he walked into Chuck’s bright kitchen. “Can I ask you for a favor?”

Work had been hell recently. It was like Deb could smell his stress, and she’d been pushing sales in her area relentlessly, creeping closer and closer to Tommy’s numbers every day. Tommy was grinding like he always did—putting in extra hours in the local offices, supporting and driving his staff, pushingsales and customer service, sales and customer serviceuntil his head drummed with it.

He knew he had to keep going. Rick was watching them, measuring not only the quantifiable numbers but their effort and willingness to go the extra mile. Tommy needed to show him that he was not only willing, but enthusiastic.

That job was going to behis.

And then there was the retreat looming in the distance. He’d been looking forward to the invite for years, but now that he had gotten it, he was freaking the fuck out over a little bit of swimming.

Swimming in alake. A deep lake with fish and who knew what else waiting down there.

Chuck was in the kitchen, as usual, dressed in sweats and an old Southeastern t-shirt. He turned as Tommy walked in, a lazy grin on his face. “What’s up?”

“Will you teach me how to swim?”

Chuck looked confused. “You know how to swim.”

“I know, but I have to swim a long-ass way across a lake.”

“Why?”

“For work.”

“What?” Chuck scratched at his freckled nose. “Aren’t you a manager for a rental car company?”

Tommy sighed, feeling his posture deflate. “Yes, but I’m up for a promotion, and I’ve got to impress my boss.”

“By swimming?”

“Yes, asshole. Will you help me or not?”

Chuck looked at him for a moment, and then shrugged. “Sure. How far is it?”

“Half a mile.”

Chuck looked impressed. “Damn, T. You must really want that job.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I swim every morning at the Southeastern outdoor pool. Can you come early?”

Tommy thought for a moment. “That’s when I do Crossfit.”

Chuck let out an amused laugh. “Dude, that’s not helping you become a better swimmer.”

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