Pawsitively Improvised

Tantrums for Two

Chapter 2

           She sat on a plastic deck chair dripping onto the tiles. She was disgruntled, soaked, and had obviously been talked into staying at the pool. Kevin sat in another chair next to hers looking about as happy as a drowned cat. His punishment for disregarding the rules. He wasn’t allowed back into the pool for the remainder of their time there. Instead, he watched the other children laugh and play while he sulked in his seat. He would learn or find himself sitting out a lot more than he got to participate in the activities.

           Her fellow coworkers who had come with her kept openly sending hostile glares her way as they were now in the pool finally doing their job. She wanted to growl and bare her teeth at them every time they looked her way. They had no one to blame for the current state of things except for themselves. She was definitely holding them liable for her current sogginess.

           Another plastic chair slid into place beside hers as the swim instructor plopped down into it. He was the only adult in the room who appeared pleased with the turn of events. She gritted her teeth to the point of cracking wishing he would leave her alone.

           “You really should learn how to swim.”

           “Your opinion has been noted.” She kept her eyes firmly fixed in front of her not wanting to engage him in conversation.

           “Are you afraid of the water?” Hopefully he would get bored and move away. The death glares she was now getting didn’t bode well for how the rest of her workday would go.

           “No.”

           “Your family was against you learning?”

           “No.”

           “There wasn’t anyone to teach you?” Sighing heavily, she finally bit. Clearly, he wasn’t taking the hint.

           “Why is it so important to you anyway?” Leaning back in his seat he gave her an impish smile. He had been toying with her and she feel for it.

           “If you’re going to do pool duty with the kids you should really learn.” Why wouldn’t he drop the subject? Was the pool hurting for students, so he was trying to drum up business? It was too bad the other two women could already swim, or they could take his offer. A small giggle came from the other side of her.

           “He said duty.” Rolling her eyes, she addressed the kid beside her.

           “He wasn’t talking about poop Kevin.” She swore all little boys were the same gross little creatures as the ones she had grown up with. Turning back to the other side she addressed the other male annoyance. “I was volunteered to be here. I didn’t really have much of a choice. After today’s fiasco however I won’t be coming back.” 

           “That’s a shame. We wouldn’t want that now would we Kevin?” 

           “Nope.” Kevin dutifully answered probably hoping that if he did, he would be allowed to go play with the others. She wasn’t sure if the guy hoped getting the child on his side would help his argument, but it had the opposite effect on her.

           “Don’t indulge him, Kevin. He’s clearly out of his mind.” The little boy looked between the two of them obviously torn on whose side he should take. Turning her body to face him she hoped it would block him from using the little guy against her again. “You have no say over where I’m placed for work.” She smirked thinking she had finally won the argument. Her victory was short lived.

           “I have my ways. Most women adore me. Your boss is no exception. If not her, I am friends with the owners. Your Crystal’s cousin, aren’t you?” If this was how sneaky boys were, she was seriously thankful she never had brothers.

           “Aren’t you supposed to be working?” She asked motioning over to the pool and the occupants in it.

           “I’m fine where I’m at.”

           “Afraid of the water?” She tried to coat the sarcasm in as much syrup as she could. He narrowed his eyes at her using his words against him. Kevin was giggling beside her thoroughly entertained by the two of them.

           “More like your two coworkers.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes as she glanced over to the two in question. If looks could kill she would be six feet under.

           “I’ll teach you.”

           “What?!”

           “I’ll give you swim lessons.” Her mouth fell open against her will in reaction. Before she could respond Kevin was jumping in again.

           “Teach me, teach me!” He was so excited that he was practically vibrating in his seat.

           “Sure kiddo. There’s a children’s class. I can go get the schedule for you to take home.” Kevin nodded so hard she feared he would give himself whiplash. Excitement shone in his deep brown eyes. Damn the man but he had just made the little boy’s day. “First thing you need to know is listening is very important. Can you listen to instructions?”

           “I can, I can.”

           “I’m going to test you. I want you to stay in your chair while I take….?” She could tell he was fishing for her name, but she refused to give it. Helpfully little Kevin supplied him with the only name the kid knew her by.

           “Miss Williams.” He smiled from ear to ear making her want to laugh.

           “Okay. I’m going to take Miss Williams back and give her the schedule for you. You need to sit right here so I can do that.”

           “I won’t move. Promise!”

           “I’m soaking wet. Any paper you give to me will only get ruined.” She pointed out while batting her eyes at him innocently. She might have been able to pull it off too if it wasn’t for the smirk she was sporting.

           “I can help with that.” He offered returning her smirk with one of his own.

           “Please Miss Williams?” Kevin pleaded for beside her looking crest fallen by the prospect of not being able to go to the class.

           “Fine.” She bit out causing Kevin to cheer. Taking her hand while she was distracted, he helped her from her seat.  She thought he would let go once she was standing but to her dismay, he tugged her along behind him. It wasn’t like she would refuse to follow now. Not after he had enlisted Kevin to his cause.

           He led her back to the employee area. She figured he would have taken her to the locker rooms. Instead, he took her to an office. She shifted uncomfortably as he went around the desk to mess with the computer.

           “My name is Jude by the way.”

           “That’s nice.” She offered nonchalantly making him chuckle.

           “You’re going to fight tooth and nail, aren’t you?”

           “I have no idea what you’re referring to. I don’t know you well enough to be on a first name basis.” This time he full on laughed. If she didn’t know any better, she’d accuse him of enjoying their banter. Coming back around the desk he handed her a set of dry clothing. He held a sheet of paper from the printer in his hand as he guided her back out the door and over to the women’s locker room.

           “I’ll wait for you.” She gave him a wide berth as mischief sparkled in his eyes. What was he up to now