Gulf of Lies

Chapter 3 | Like Real People Do

"So how's life out in glamorous California? Is Paul enjoying the new firm?"

Frances was stretched out on a chaise next to the pool, margarita in hand. She and Beth had been catching up for half an hour, talking about other college friends and what they were up to now.

Beth shrugged, swirling her own drink. "San Diego is nice—nothing glamorous. Obviously I can't complain about the sun and the beach. And Paul is doing really well. He has plenty of work to do before he can move up the office ladder, but everyone likes him."

"You better not be complaining about living in paradise, missy," Frances chided. "You don't have to deal with snow, and you can see the ocean anytime you want."

"It could be worse," Beth agreed.

Leah glanced down at the glass in her hand, seeing that the frozen drink had partially melted in the evening heat. She had only taken a few sips and her stomach was already roiling. She never much liked alcohol, but she hadn't wanted to offend Beth by turning down the offered drink.

Beth stood up from her chair and paused, long arms stretching toward the sky. The last of the orange light from the sun disappearing below the horizon glinted off her hair, making each strand look like a flickering flame.

She kicked off her shoes and pulled her coverup over her head. Beth took a few steps toward the edge of the pool and dove in without hesitation. Her form was sleek, and her legs looked endless as they vanished under the water. Leah felt the same odd mix of jealousy and wonder as she watched the beautiful woman move gracefully.

"Do you wanna get in the pool?" Frances asked.

Leah's eyes snapped over to Frances, who had been watching her while she stared at Beth. She felt suddenly embarrassed and dropped her gaze. Her eyes settled on the shape of her thighs poking out from underneath the shorts she had put on over her bathing suit.

"Oh, um, sure. Is it cold?"

Frances raised an eyebrow, and Leah realized that only Beth would know the answer to that. She silently wished for Frances to ask. She didn't yet feel comfortable enough to talk to the intimidating woman who had begun a lazy backstroke in the center of the pool.

"Hey, Beth!" Frances called out. When Beth's head raised from the water, she continued, "How's the water?"

A wide smile stretched across Beth's face. "The water is fan-fucking-tastic. Much better than roasting in the heat. Come join." She crooked a finger at them in encouragement.

Frances immediately stood up, shucking off her shorts and t-shirt. She jogged toward the pool and jumped in, water splashing everywhere. Leah watched her again in amazement, thinking again how wonderful it must be to just do something without thought.

She took several deep breaths, accepting the thoughts racing through her mind instead of ignoring them. Her hands slipped under the hem of her shirt and hesitated as they brushed the soft skin of her belly. Letting her breath out, she gently pulled the shirt over her head. Another breath in, and she pushed down her shorts.

Frances emerged from the water behind Beth, then wrapped her arms around the blonde woman's neck and dragged her down below the surface. Frances's laughs cut off as Beth rose up again to push her friend's head under the water.

Leah felt the smooth fabric of her bathing suit glide across her skin as she walked toward the edge. She lowered herself to sit on the warm concrete, dipping her feet into the water. It was cool, a relief from the sticky heat.

As she watched Frances and Beth horsing around in the deep end, she tried to let her mind empty. The slight chill from the water radiated up her legs, spreading throughout her body. As it did, she released the tension from most of her muscles, relying only on her arms to support her weight. Her eyes drifted shut.