I could already hear the splashing and laughing as I scaled the carpeted stairs but all attention was on me as I opened the patio’s glass door and stepped out onto the tiled ground. Taylor shouted, “Nice suit, Rosie!” and Harry nodded in agreement, his eyes practically glued to my chest. It’s nice to know spending $70 on a swimsuit was worth this reaction, I suppose.
I gingerly sat on the edge of the shallow end and swirled my feet in the warming water. Even though it was only April the sun beat down hard this afternoon and it felt wonderful. “So, now that we all know how I met you both, how did you two come to meet? If you don’t mind me asking that is. Bear in mind, I don’t hit the red carpets.” I remarked wryly. Harry stifled a laugh and explained, “Well, Taylor and I did try to go out a few times but we were just such goofs. We were meant to be good friends. Keep each other grounded, you know?” Taylor added, “Plus, it’s nice to get out of the country every now and again for weekends like these. I’ve gotten close to all of the boys, really.” I thought about it before responding. “That’s really cool, actually. You’re both so normal. You know, for two goofs, anyways.” I added tossing a beach ball their way with a wink.
We had races and contests for most original dives and strokes for the remainder of the afternoon until I was ready for a ride on the inner tube to relax. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. This is what it’s all about, I thought absently, basking in the sun. Gosh, Harry was cute. I wish he didn’t know it though. “Hey.” A husky voice interrupted my thoughts. My eyes fluttered open in alarm. I hadn’t even noticed I was falling asleep until two green eyes were inches from my own. I could smell his cologne- something fresh but spicy. I loved it, but I knew I shouldn’t. “Uh, hi? What’s going on? Where’s Taylor?” I barely got the words out. “She’s up showering. Have a nice sleep?” The right corner of his mouth hooked slightly higher when he smiled. Holy crap, he had nice teeth for a Brit. “Ha, I must’ve. Didn’t even know I did it. So, what now?” I shook my head to clear it and pulled the tube over my head. It was only then that I realized I was the only one in the water. Harry was lying down on the tile, head rested between his arms staring at me. He rolled over onto his back and readjusted his arms behind his neck. “Truly, I hadn’t thought this far ahead when my friend and a stranger walked in my door.” Now I knew he was messing with me. I wonder how he could feel so familiar so quickly. I pulled myself up out of the pool and situated myself in the same position. It was nearly dark. I’d really fallen asleep for quite a while then… sheesh. “Well, this has really been great fun but I should probably get back to my flat soon. After all, my day started out with me trying to do some homework. Wow, that sounds lame after the day I’ve had.” He turned his head towards me and asked quietly, “Did you enjoy it though?” I answered as seriously as I could, “No, this was quite possibly the worst day of my life.” His face fell. “Come on! You know I’m joking. This was amazing. I’m glad it happened.” That immediately brought back his smile. “Good, I was thinking it could happen again, maybe. We are kind of neighbors.” Yeah right, I thought, like I’d be lucky enough for that to occur. I just smiled back and got up in search of a towel and my new friend Taylor.
Once upstairs I found the gigantic shower in “my” guest room. Holy cow, this had to have cost more than my flat alone. I walked downstairs with wet hair and swimsuit in hand. Taylor and Harry were deep in conversation so I sort of cleared my throat to announce my presence. “Oh hey, sleepyhead!” Taylor laughed. Great.. I’d never live that one down. “Hey back, goofs.” “So, I was thinking…” Harry began. “Maybe we could order in or go out dancing later on?” Wow. “That sounds so fun! But.. I do need to get back to my schoolwork.” I finished lamely. Taylor nodded in agreement. “It’s true. If it wasn’t for me she’d have been done by now. Why don’t we rain-check though? I’ll be out tomorrow night for a concert. Management wouldn’t let me stay for a weekend without a cost, unfortunately. You’d be cool with that, right Rosie? Unless you don’t want to keep hanging out with us.” She practically gave me the puppy dog pout. How could I say no? “…Okay.” I gave in meekly.
We all exchanged numbers and I tried to ignore the electricity I felt when Harry’s fingers brushed mine, if for only a few seconds. Harry hugged us both goodbye and I thanked him for a good time before we walked out to the car. Once in I burst out, “Taylor, you are a wonderful ‘friends for only a day’ friend. This was an adventure, for sure.” She squeezed my hand and said, “It’s been great to talk to someone else. These visits get so boring with no other Americans. Sorry, Travis!” He grunted in the driver’s seat.
We’d arrived at my flat and I didn’t want to go back up. It would mean change, and not the good kind like earlier. It would mean going back to being me. I hugged Taylor goodbye, thanked Travis and put on my big girl pants before walking up to the door.
