Swimming back to you

chapter 10.

I am such an idiot. 

God, if you wanted to take me, you should've chosen a better way than making me listen to this conversation.

Seriously. Instead of diving into the pool with those insanely hot swimmers—sorry, athletes—I'm stuck playing audience to this awkward setup conversation between Lily and Austin. And all because of that stupid secret with Ryan that Austin's holding over my head.

I could be gliding through the water right now, soaking up all that glorious, shirtless, muscle-flexing action. But no, here I am, nodding along as Lily tries to charm Austin while he... well, he's doing his best to keep me right here.

On my left, lily giggled as she continued the conversation, "Well, I think you must have a lot of inspiration, then. You've always got that... spark."

And on my right, austin smirked, "A spark, huh? Maybe it's just the chlorine in the air, or maybe it's something—or someone—else."

"Oh, stop," Lily said, her voice light and flirty as she gave his arm a playful nudge. "I'm sure you've got plenty of admirers to keep that spark going."

"Maybe," Austin replied with a teasing grin. "But some admirers are more interesting than others."

If I roll my eyes any harder, they might actually get stuck. I should've seen this coming. Why did I think I could actually slip away without him pulling something?

Lily was trying her best, practically hanging on Austin's every word. "Austin, you have to show me how you get your freestyle so perfect. I can't seem to get the technique down," she said, her voice sickly sweet.

Austin shot me a sideways glance, his smirk already forming. "You know, Lily, Hailey here has always been a natural at anything she tries. But I guess you could say she's become... more serious over the years. Isn't that right, Hailey?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Focus on Lily, Austin. She's the one who needs your help."

He just smirked, leaning in a little closer. "What happened to you, Hailey? You used to be fun. Now you're all tough and serious. Back then, you didn't give a damn about anything and now, you're so..."

His words hit a nerve, and I felt my temper flare as I cut him off, "Maybe I grew up. Maybe I realized some things are worth taking seriously."

Lily, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, giggled. "You guys must have had so much fun back then. I wish I'd been there!"

Austin kept pushing, his tone teasing but, that was getting under my skin. "Yeah, Hailey was always up for anything. Now it's like she's scared to let loose. It's kind of a shame, really."

My fists clenched at my sides. A shame? Was he seriously doing this right now? "People change, Austin. Maybe you should try it sometime instead of holding onto the past."

Lily, trying to pacify the situation, asked, "So, what kind of stuff did you guys do back then?"

Austin hesitated just long enough to make me feel even more irritated before he answered, "Oh, you know, sneaking out after dark, pulling pranks on the counselors. She used to be fearless. Now... well, now she's just tough. Too tough, maybe."

I could feel my irritation growing by the second. "Alright, enough with the camp stories. Lily, didn't you want to get started on your backstroke?"

Before Lily could answer, he raised an eyebrow, still smirking, clearly oblivious to the effect his words were having on me. "Yeah, but I miss the old Hailey. The one who wasn't afraid to have a little fun."