Streamline by Jennifer Lane

Author:Jennifer Lane [Lane, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Juvenile Fiction, Love & Romance, cookie429
ISBN: 9781936305025
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Published: 2012-03-24T00:00:00+00:00

45. Lobsters Swim Backward

Matt sounded angry. “Audrey, hop out.” Shading her eyes with a cupped hand, Audrey looked up at her coach — a dark, muscular silhouette framed by the sun. Sighing, she pulled herself out and chewed on her goggle strap.

“You’re swimming like a lobster today,” Matt said.

“Okay?”

“Lobsters swim backward.”

She shook her head. “I didn’t think I’d be this slow. I’ve only been out a week.”

Audrey had decided to keep the miscarriage secret. She told Matt she was having “girl problems” when she’d missed a week of practice.

“I don’t know if nationals are in the cards for you this season,” he said. “Missing your boyfriend at practice?” Audrey’s head snapped up. “No way!”

“Yikes. Trouble in paradise? He’s not abusing pain pills again, is he?”

“I don’t think so. This time he’s being a jerk all on his own.”

“Well, cut him a break. He’s been through a lot.” What about me? Audrey wanted to yell. She’d been pregnant and lost a baby! Didn’t that count? Sure, Matt didn’t know the whole story, but everyone seemed a lot more concerned about Leo.

Audrey’s anger lingered as she and Elaine dressed in the locker room after practice. “Wanna go out?” Audrey asked her friend. “I need a drink.”

“It’s a school night, Aud.”

“So what? We’re seniors.”

Elaine considered the invitation. “Alex’s parents are out of town.” She hooked Audrey’s elbow. “C’mon, let’s catch Alexa before he goes home.”

Jason wheeled Leo from the car to the Roses’ house just as his mother opened the front door. “Welcome, boys. I’ve got you all set up on the sofa, Leo.”

Jason rolled him down the hallway past the kitchen. Finally Leo sank into the leather sofa. This piece of furniture held good memories.

Too bad he’d just promised Mr. Rose he wouldn’t create any more.

His mother sat next to him, and Jason brought in two ice waters.

“Thanks, Jase,” Leo said.

“So,” his mother began, taking a sip. “How was your visit with Audrey’s father?”

Leo sat up and looked straight at her. “Mom? What’s a chastity belt?”

Mid-sip, his mother spewed water everywhere, and Jason burst out laughing.

“I’ll go get some paper towels,” he said.

Her blue eyes twinkled. “Is Denny going to make Audrey wear one?”

“He threatened to…what is it?”

“It’s a device to prevent young girls from having sex, Leo. It’s a metal belt that’s locked to prevent, uh, access.”

“Oh.” He started snickering too.

Jason returned and mopped around the sofa, then stood nearby with his hands on his hips.

“Thank you, honey.” His mother’s smile faded as she turned back to Leo. “Al jokes aside, did you come to an understanding about you and Audrey living together?”

“I think that’s my cue to leave,” Jason said. “I have a date with Cam.”

“Jason, I want to get to know Cameron better,” his mother said.

“Why don’t you bring her around more?”

“I wasn’t going to subject her to Dad. But we might hang out here sometimes, as long as Dad keeps his distance.” Jason turned to Leo. “I’ll pick you up for school at seven tomorrow, okay?” Dread tightened Leo’s chest.

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