The Fling

42

The rest of August flew by. Abigail and I spent another child-free weekend together, and I went over to her place a few days a week for dinner. I also hung out either Saturday or Sunday at their house when the kids weren't with their dad, though I never stayed over when they were there. Hannah and Bertie were fun to be around, and I enjoyed doing things with them like watching movies, swimming, or going on excursions.

Bertie's sixth birthday was at the end of the month, and for his party, Bert took him and three friends to Universal Studios. Abigail hosted a family dinner celebration the next day, which I'd been invited to.

Abigail's mother, Tammy (who looked more like her sister than her mom), was visiting for the weekend. She was warm and kind from the second we met, which made me feel she was fine with our relationship.

"I've been listening to your music," Tammy remarked as we stood in the kitchen before anyone arrived for Bertie's cookout. "Lizzie gave me suggestions, and so far my favorite song is In My Blood."

"I wrote that at a pivotal point in my life, so I'm glad you like it."

"I don't usually listen to pop music, but you've got a lovely voice."

"Thank you." I looked out the window at Abigail who was on the patio placing some additional chairs for the guests. She looked up and caught my eye, and we exchanged the kind of smile that you feel deep in your heart.

"You're good for her. I'm glad you two met," Tammy said after witnessing the interaction.

"Not nearly as glad as I am."

My girlfriend's former in-laws arrived a few minutes later. Bertram and Gina had been very polite to me the few times we'd seen each other, though I wouldn't say they were happy I was in the picture. After setting the gifts they brought down, they joined Tammy and started catching up on each other's lives. I slipped out the French doors to see if Abigail needed any help.

"Was my mom telling you embarrassing stories about me?" she asked.

"Nope, but I'll make sure to ask for some."

"She's got plenty of them. I wonder if Reagan will come or if she'll have another headache."

"Will Bertie be hurt if she's not here?" I queried.

"Probably not."

"Then let's hope she's got a migraine."

Bert, Lizzie, and unfortunately Reagan, turned up soon after I said that. It was a particularly hot day, so the grandparents stayed inside where it was cool. Abigail floated between the patio and the kitchen making sure everyone had drinks and snacks, while I played in the pool with the kids.

Bert avoided me at first by staying indoors, but his wife chose to be outside. The way she eyed my body after I changed into my swimsuit made me uncomfortable, and when I got out of the water to grab a beer, Reagan practically pounced on me.

"Were you a swimmer in high school, Shawn?" she asked. "Your stroke technique is excellent."

"No." I could have elaborated on how I didn't have a normal educational experience because of my career, but I didn't want to extend the conversation.

"I was on the varsity team all four years. My speciality was sprint freestyle."

"That's great," I said.

"You definitely have a swimmer's body. Tall, lean, and muscular without being bulky. It's perfect. Ooh! I see that scar you mentioned the last time I saw you." She then reached out and touched it, which made me stumble backwards. "Sorry! I'm a very tactile person," she giggled before going inside.