Page 367 of Rock Me All Night
"Dripping wet preferably," I say.
He shifts back into his good mood. Mostly. He leans closer, raising an eyebrow suggestively.
I tease back. "I was on the swim team all through high school and college."
"If you talk about how wet you were, I'll get ideas."
I clear my throat. "You promised me a secret."
"I was in the marching band."
"You were not."
He nods. "On drumline."
I stare at Tom with disbelief. He nods, still the picture of confidence.
"But you're so cool now," I say.
"Drumline is the coolest part of band. Who do you think nailed all the girls in Color Guard?"
"You?"
He nods. "And half the cheerleaders."
"Charming."
He's quiet for a moment. His eyes find mine. He stares at me, picking me apart. Or maybe he's picking himself apart. I can't place his expression.
A cloud passes over us, turning the bright light to a soft glow.
Tom moves in closer, and brings his mouth to my ear. "Thanks," he whispers.
And then he gets up, moves away, and all the pain in his eyes is gone. He's the same bouncy guy, no cracks, no signs anything has ever hurt him.
