Overcoming Fear (Growing Pains #2)(90)

A little farther down, Krista saw what looked like a station for grilling, that area was bustling and alluring with a heavenly aroma drifting from the rising smoke. Unlike at Ray’s house, though, she had a feeling the host wasn’t the one doing the grilling. Beyond that, and separated by what looked like Redwood trees, was the pool area she had hinted earlier. Off that, all she could see was a few half-naked bodies, that glimmer of blue, and an occasional splash.

Though the pool was calling, Krista knew that proper protocol meant she had to check in with someone she worked with. Or Tory in the event she couldn’t find anyone else she knew.

With a look around, Krista spotted John talking to some middle-aged African American guy with his pockets lined with gold. He looked important and serious and he fit in with those around him, but not with a pool party theme. Krista was pretty sure sweater vests weren’t usually worn right before a person got wet.

John wasn’t much better. He didn’t radiate as much money and he didn’t seem as important, but then she knew him personally; it was probably experience talking. He was wearing business casual and lightly sipping what looked like an iced tea. Krista hoped it was from Long Island.

“Hey John,” she said when there was a gap in the conversation.

“Krista! Our star. Krista, let me introduce Mark Johnson. Mark is the Senior Vice President at GAP.”

“Oh, I love GAP!” she said honestly.

Mark laughed and shook her hand. “Most women your age do. You are what, twenty-four or twenty-five?”

“Almost twenty-six, actually.”

He nodded. “But you aren’t wearing GAP today, I see.”

“Caught me. I’m wearing Banana. That’s the same company, though, right?”

“In essence, yes. So I thank you for your business.”

Krista really needed to get back to some parties with people her own age and poverty level. She had already noticed that Mark did not plan to swim. Stare, however, he planned on doing in plenty.

Thankfully, John excused them from Mark’s roving eye and brought her over to Tory, who was wearing brown swim trunks. He was also wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a weird tweed hat that kept the sun off his face.

“Tory, look who’s here! Our very own researcher!” John was a bit overboard in his excitement. It made Krista suspicious.

Tory looked delighted to see her. “I am so glad you could make it, Krista. I have been thinking about some things that I want to go over with you.”

“Only under direct supervision,” John said it with a mock glare and a strict father’s tone. “Rumor is you’re playing for a few of our staff!”

“You have some great people over there, John. I would love to redistribute the wealth,” Tory laughed.

“Gentlemen, leave the poor girl alone! Can’t you see young people need to flock to the water?”

Emily to the rescue! She was wearing a sun dress, not unlike Krista’s, and some flip flops. The woman did gracious hostess in her sleep!

“Of course,” Tory said with a twinkle in his eye. “But Krista, remember, I promised to show you my sword collection.”

Oh yeah! She really did want to see that. She didn’t want to look like a bobbing, excited little kid, so she played down her joy. “Just as long as you skip the comic book collection.”

Tory smiled. Before Krista was allowed to be whisked away by Emily, John sobered and gave her a pointed look in warning. He was probably trying to discourage her from playing Let’s Make a Deal with Tory later.

“Just in time,” Krista said to Emily when they were out of earshot. “I don’t have much in common with businessmen.”

“Yet! But from what I hear, you will. It’s only a matter of time.”

“Oh God, I hope I don’t turn that boring!”

Emily laughed as she led Krista to the second of the four backyard levels. They were headed for the pool, thankfully, but first they veered toward a station for food and drinks nestled among the majestic Redwoods and a wonderfully maintained garden. In this area there were more sodas than beer and wine, and the alcohol was closely monitored, but it was there, and Krista was legal, so the rest was just details.

“Okay, fill yourself to your heart’s content over here.” Emily swept her hand around the beautiful garden. “The stodgy businessmen don’t veer this far—their egos might dwindle. There are more people your age, too, so you should be able to find someone to talk to. Most are in the pool, though—“ They turned and walked a few feet out of the ring of trees and foliage until they were looking at the expanse of blue oasis.

The pool looked Olympic-sized, but wasn’t a perfect rectangle. On one side there was a wall of rocks with plant life and flowers peeking through. Within the rocks there was a waterslide and various platforms that gave the adventurer something to jump off of into the water. At the end of the pool closest to where they were standing were two diving boards, one nearly at water’s edge, and the other a few feet up. There was even a waterfall! Fantastic!

Krista also saw the young people Emily was talking about. On the non-rock side was a rustic paved ledge and sidewalk. Beyond were lounges and sun chairs and artfully laid patches of grass for sun bathing. There were also hordes of animated kids, all in bathing suits, all taking advantage of the glorious pool and weather.