Playing the Player(66)

We’re also doing private swim lessons at the rec center. I suggested doing them at my house, but she didn’t like that idea. For some reason, she gets nervous around my mom, so I didn’t push it.

It’s like I hardly recognize myself. I feel like life turned up the sound and color to frequencies scientists haven’t even discovered yet. Some days I don’t even want to eat, because I don’t want anything to weigh down that feeling like I’m flying.

Trina instituted a no-kissing-while-nannying rule after Gilly busted us behind a tree one day while the kids played hide-and-seek. We make up for it after we drop the kids off at the end of the day. I’m addicted to her cherry lips, and everything else about her.

Alex paid up on the bet, not even waiting until Carson’s party. He said I’d worked a miracle already, since Trina is definitely way more chill than she used to be. I didn’t keep the money. Instead I snuck into Sharon’s office at the shelter and left it on her desk.

Hell, if I had to pay someone in order to spend time with BB, I would.





Chapter Thirty-Eight


Trina


Friday, July 12

“Come on, Mom.” I grabbed two cans of diet soda from the fridge. “Let me treat you. Summer’s halfway over and we haven’t done anything fun.”

Mom sighed from the couch, where she’d propped her bare feet on the coffee table. Her toenails were in serious need of a pedicure, which was what I’d planned for us that night.

“I already made appointments for seven o’clock. This place is cool. They serve wine and snacks while you get your nails done.” I plopped down next to her on the couch and handed her a soda. She took a long swig, giving me a sidelong glance.

“Trina, I don’t want you wasting your money on me.”

I rolled my eyes. “God, don’t be a martyr, Mom. When do I ever buy you stuff? One pedicure is not going to bankrupt me.”

She gave me a small smile. “Of course not. But it just…I don’t know…seems decadent or something.”

“Mom, you bust your butt all day. You’re on your feet constantly. Think of this as a way to improve your job performance.” I grinned at her. “If your feet are happy, you’ll be happier at work.”

“I’m surprised you’re not going out with Slade tonight.”

“He’s trapped at home with relatives visiting from New York. He invited me over, but I’d rather hang out with you.”

She laughed. “I’m honored. You passed up time with your boyfriend for me?”

I shuddered. “His relatives sounded scary. Super-genius professor types. Slade said they always make him feel like an idiot.”

Mom frowned. “That’s too bad. Maybe you should be there to give him moral support.” Mom had totally fallen under the Slade spell. It was disgusting how much she adored him.

“That’s the same argument he used.” I snorted. “I told him no way. Besides, we’re going to the concert at Red Rocks tomorrow night. And we’re off all next week since the families are on vacation. He can handle one night with his scary rels.”

Mom shrugged. “I guess I have no choice, if you’ve already turned down Prince Charming.”

“Exactly,” I said, smiling.



Mom and I sat in overstuffed massage chairs while our feet were scrubbed and pumiced so hard our eyes watered. It was awesome.

“This is fantastic, T. Thank you.” Mom looked blissful.

“I’m glad I could do it.” Now was the perfect time to tell her a couple of secrets. She was relaxed and maybe a bit tipsy from the glass of wine. Plus, she was trapped by the tiny but strong woman trimming her toenails.

“Mom.” I took a breath. “I started swim lessons this summer, at the rec center. And now Slade’s teaching me, too. Private lessons. Since he teaches kids how to swim and he lifeguards, he’s a great teacher and…” I broke off, aware that I was babbling.

She stared at me, shock chasing away the relaxed, mellow Mom who’d been there just moments earlier.

“Trina, why didn’t you tell me? Or ask me if you could take lessons?”

The pedicurist glanced up at Mom’s sharp tone.

This was the hard part. “Because you would’ve said no. Mom, I’m seventeen. No one else my age has to sit out pool parties and Water World.”

Mom frowned into her wine glass.

“I don’t mean to sound like I’m blaming you,” I said, my voice soft. “I understand why you were so freaked out. Why you didn’t want me around the water.”

Mom’s chest rose and fell as she inhaled deeply. She focused on the framed photos lining the wall, photos of freak show hands with unbelievably long nails, curling like spirals and painted in swirling colors.

“I’m finally learning,” I said. “Not ready for the Olympics, but I’m making progress.” And I was. Though, lessons with Slade weren’t always as focused as they should be, since kissing tended to get in the way of actual practice.

She finally looked at me. I could tell she was doing her best to fight tears. Her lips curved into a tiny smile.

“I’m so proud of you, sweetie.”

“You are?”

She nodded then reached across the space between us to squeeze my hand.