If Only

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Captioned

I approached the back door with a tightness in my chest, still clutching my rash guard and swimsuit.

At the edge of the pool, I spotted Drew and Agatha, their feet dipping into the water. Agatha laughed at something Drew was saying. Tyrone sat on one of the lounges, leaning his elbows on his knees, fully engaged in their conversation.

As I drew nearer, three heads turned to look at me. Tyrone's gaze met mine, and he seemed to pick up on the tension I was likely exuding.

He started to rise from his seat, but I shook my head, suppressing any trace of unease in my expression, replacing it with a grin, and called out to Agatha.

"Here you go. I haven't worn this... You can go ahead and use it..."

Agatha pulled her feet out of the water and stood up to catch the swimsuit I was passing to her.

"Thanks! Is there a changing room out here, or should I find a bathroom inside?"

I pointed her towards the nearest changing room within the pool area, motioning for Drew to go with her. He shot me a surprised look.

"Oh, come on, it's not like we haven't grown up together. I just need a little help!" she teased, and Drew quickly followed Agatha. It left Tyrone and me alone.

If it wasn't for the awkwardness hanging in the air, I don't know what it could be.

Tyrone patted the space beside him, motioning for me to sit on the lounge. I gave him a warning look, but he just shrugged.

"I'm not trying to start anything, Jade. Believe me, I don't... I understand and I respect your boundaries. It's just that I saw you coming out looking upset... I just want to know."

I let out an exasperated sigh. Like a puppy seeking comfort, I shifted towards him and plopped down on the lounge seat beside him, absentmindedly playing with the fabric of the rash guard in my hand.

His gaze remained fixed on me, still leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

"I don't want to intrude, but is this about your dad?" he began, his voice gentle and concerned.

I eased back into the lounge chair, and Tyrone shifted to create more space for me.

For some inexplicable reason, in the short time I'd spent with him, I'd begun to feel at ease. It was as if he'd been a dear friend for ages.

I simply nodded.

Both of us fell into a comfortable silence, gazing off into the distance.

There was no need for words. He understood.

Suddenly, he broke the silence.

"I'm sorry..." he said, accompanied by a deep exhale.

Confusion crossed my face.

"I mean it. I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to go through this."

"Through what? My father's constant pressure or the fact that I just found out about our arrangement?" I quipped, prompting a chuckle from him.

"Through all of it..."

Once again, a tranquil hush settled between us. There was no soothing wave from the sea to calm my nerves, but Tyrone's presence was consolation enough.

A question sprang to my mind, one that had lingered far too long, entangled with the other intrusive thoughts.

"How long have you known?" I inquired, causing him to snap his head toward me.

"Known about what?"

"About this, about us. The arrangement?"

He fell silent for a moment, glancing down at his fidgeting hands before responding.