One Hot Summer

Chapter 2: The Pool

RILEY

I walk to the main office and knock on the door.

“Come on in, Riley!” Ann says sitting at her desk. Ann is a heavy set lady with stacked brown hair that ends past her ears. She constantly wears a visor and I’d guess that she’s in her mid 40’s.

You’d never know by looking at her but she used to be quite the competitive swimmer back in her day. Now she owns and runs the pool. She’s incredible and I’ve loved working with her the past two summers.

“Hi Ann, getting ready for opening day?” I ask sitting on the desk next to her papers.

“Yes, it’s going to be a good summer full of activities and good times” she says leaning back in her chair. I look through the window behind me out at the freshly filled pool. It’s calming and I cannot wait to get my first swim in. I turn back to Ann whose working on a contact list.

“So, what did you need help with?” I ask crossing my legs and leaning back.

“Well, you know every year I hire college students that come home for the summer. We have a good group of guards this year but I need someone to oversee them” she starts. I nod as I listen.

“You’ve always been my best guard. You don’t complain. You follow rules. You’re responsible and you always pick up shifts when needed. I want to promote you to head lifeguard this year, Riley” Ann says giving me a big smile. My eyes widen.

“Wow, I don’t know what to say” I tell her.

“Well I’m hoping it starts with ‘ye’ and ends with ‘s’. You’d be the boss and handle scheduling and minor disciplinary measures if necessary” she says.

I chew on my bottom lip as I debate my decision.

Ann looks at me with a pleading look.

“Of course, Ann. I’d be honored” I tell her. She wraps her arms around my neck.

“I knew I made the right choice. I have 14 guards signed on for the summer but I got a call this morning about a potential 15th. I’ve also already let everyone know that lifeguard training is Monday and schedules will be handled then. Everyone is to be here at 10am” she says. I give her a thumbs up.

“You got my suits already?” I ask standing up.

“Right here” Ann says handing me 3 official red lifeguard one piece swimsuits.

“Yes!” I say taking them, “I’ll be here at 8:30 Monday to swim before hand if that’s okay?”.

“Absolutely. I’ll give you the key then” she says

“Perfect, I’ll see you then” I tell her making my way to my vehicle.

I decide to give my mom a call. The line trills for a minute before she answers.

Mom: There’s my baby!

Riley: Hi, Mama

Mom: How were finals? Are you moved into Brynns house now?

Riley: They were fine. My final grades are all A’s and one B. Yes, I moved in earlier today. Guess what?

Mom: That’s great baby! I’m so happy for you. What?

Riley: Ann made me head lifeguard this summer!

Mom: Riley Ann! I am so proud of you! That’s great. Will you be able to come home for Logan’s wedding in August?

Riley: Of course mom! I’m one of the bridesmaids

Mom: Oh good,

I can’t wait to see you baby. How’s James?

Riley: I don’t know mom. It’s..

Mom: I’m sorry baby. Just remember that you deserve the world

Riley: I know mom. Thanks. Love you

Mom: Love you too babe. Talk to you soon.

I hang up as I pull into the driveway. Music fills my ears as I walk past my new room to Brynns. I knock and open the door. She’s laying on her bed painting her nails.

“How’d the meeting go?” Brynn asks motioning me to come in.

“Great! You’re looking at this summers head lifeguard” I tell her sticking my nose in the air.

Brynn screeches, “Yes! That’s my b***h!”. She hugs me.

“Thanks babes” I say mindlessly looking down at my phone. Brynns shoulders drop and she c***s her head to the side.

“When’s the last time you heard from James?” She asks. I look up at her and shrug.

“A few days..” I say looking down.

“That son of a b***h! Please, Riley! Please dump his ass! You’re so much better than this” Brynn pleads. I roll my eyes at her.

“Don’t! You know I’m right. Do you know how many guys have asked me about you this year?” She says, continuing her rant.

“I get it. You don’t like him” I say quietly.

“Like him? No, no, I don’t think you understand. I hate him!” She says dramatically. Brynn grabs my hand.

“Babe, you are hot as hell. You are smart, and funny, and strong. You could have anyone. Please consider dumping his ass” she says. I nod.

“If he doesn’t start trying, I promise I will” I tell her before going to my room.

…

I spent the next morning working out and laying out by the pool. During the afternoon I unpacked my things and started settling into the guest room. Brynn runs in and hops on the bed.

“I’m so excited to see Bennett! It’s been 4 years, Riles” she says laying back.

“I didn’t think you guys were that close” I tell her.

“We used to be when we were younger but after he graduated he went to college and just stopped coming home. I eventually stopped trying to reach out to him. ” Brynn says sitting up, “You sure you can’t come to Barcelona with us?” She asks. I giggle at her.

“I’d love to go to Barcelona but I cant. Especially now that I’m head lifeguard” I say. Brynn scoffs.

“It’s only for a week. I fly out on the first of July and I’ll be back the tenth” she says.

“We have our jaws drive in night on the 4th. I can’t miss that” I tell her.

“You’re the worst!” She pouts.

“You love me and you know it” I declare.

Knock knock

“Come in” I say.

“Riley, James is here” Sam says before stepping aside. James saunters in. His brown hair pulled into a man bun.

“I feel sick all of a sudden” Brynn says getting off my bed.

“That sucks, Brynn. Maybe you’re pregnant” James says with a snarky tone.

“f**k you, Hamilton” Brynn says shoving his face before leaving the room. She looks back at me.

“I’ll be in my room if you need me”. I nod.

“She won’t!” James calls after her. I shake my head.

James walks up behind me wrapping his arms around me. I used to get chills when he’d touch me. Now I feel suffocated. I shrug him off of me.

“Baby, what’s that for?” He asks. I turn and look into his slate colored eyes.

“Seriously, James?” I shake my head.

“Baby, is this because I didn’t respond? I was helping my dad” he says trying to grab my arm.

“And you couldn’t find one free moment to call me or respond to my texts?” I ask.

“You think I meant to ignore you? I love you baby. Come here” James says pulling me into his arms. He’s 5’10 with broad shoulders and a slim torso. My body stiffens at first until he wriggles his nose into my neck making me giggle.

“There’s my baby. I’m sorry, honey. I missed you so much” he says kissing my neck. He starts sucking hard. I wince in pain. I hate hickeys.

“Stop, baby” I say pulling away. He laughs and does the same to the other side. He captures my mouth on his, kissing me sweetly. Pulling back James presses his forehead to mine.

“Love you baby” he says. I sigh.

“Love you too. But I’m still mad” I say. He puts his hands up in surrender.

“I’ll make it up to you. Why don’t you lay back and let me take care of you?” He says pushing me back on to the bed gently.

It takes everything inside of me not to roll my eyes. I’m going to say something that many will not agree with. s*x is horrible. I don’t understand the big deal about it.

Granted, my first time was a horrifying experience and probably why each time after has been as equally unappealing. I’ve gone down on James a handful of times but the idea of him finishing in my mouth makes me want to gag.

James rarely goes down on me unless he’s trying to “make up” for some thing and even then it’s just sloppy and I’m not sure I’ve ever had an orgasm.

However, James is really good at making me feel guilty for turning down s*x.

I lay back and let him work on me for awhile before pretending to get off.

“Mmm thanks baby” I say with a smile.

“Anything for my babe” he says kissing me again.

His phone dings and he looks down.

“I’ve gotta go babe. Talk to you later” he says getting up. I furrow my eyebrows at him.

“You’ve only been here for an hour!” I whine.

“I know baby but I told Mac and John that I’d be over” he says kissing my cheek and turning to leave.

I walked down stairs a little while later and see Brynn eating pizza on the couch.

“Where’s the dumbass?” She asks with a mouthful of pizza. I roll my eyes before grabbing a slice.

“He left like 3 hours ago to go hang out with Mac and John” I say displeased.

“Of course. All the douche bags flock together” she says. I try to ignore her. I don’t want to hear Brynn go on another rant.

“So when does the elusive big bro return?” I ask taking a bite of pizza.

“Mom and Sam just left to go pick him up. I’m guessing they’ll be back in an hour or so” Brynn says. I nod. We eat in silence and watch a show.

After finishing my pizza I look at Brynn.

“I’m going to go bed. I’ve gotta get up early tomorrow and go to the pool” I tell her.

She yawns, “okay, I’m going to wait up for Bennett. Love you babes. See you after you get home tomorrow.” Brynn says standing up to hug me.

I slip into my shorts and tank top before sending James a text. After waiting for almost 45 minutes while scrolling through social media and not hearing a damn thing I decide to plug my phone in and go to sleep.