A Girl Divided by Ellen Lindseth

Author:Ellen Lindseth [Lindseth, Ellen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781503903876
Publisher: Lake Union
Published: 2018-08-20T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

“Today is the day!” Lavinia exclaimed as she entered the cabin. “You’ve managed to put me off for three weeks, but not this time! The weather is perfect, and Nathan’s busy until noon.”

A scrap of floral fabric plopped on top of the glossy photo spread of New York City. Genie pushed it to the side and kept studying the pictures, trying to glean as much information about American culture as she could. They would be docking in less than a week, and she didn’t feel at all prepared.

The fabric reappeared, this time separating itself into two separate scraps. “Come on. Time’s a-wastin’.”

With a slow dawning of horror, Genie looked up from the magazine. “Tell me that’s not a swimsuit.”

“It is, and Miss Van Nuys apologizes, but that’s the only one she thinks will fit you, because you’re so long-waisted.”

“I won’t even pretend to know what that means, especially since it doesn’t matter. I’m not learning to swim.”

“Then just come in the pool with me.”

“No.”

Her friend’s blue eyes took on a determined glint. “Either put that swimsuit on, or I tell Nathan you’ve been spending several hours a day in Mr. Pelton’s cabin, alone with the man. Unchaperoned.”

“You wouldn’t. For heaven’s sake, most of the time he isn’t even there. And even when he is, we aren’t doing anything. We’re just friends.”

“Do you really think Nathan will believe that?”

Genie growled in frustration because, no, Nathan wouldn’t. He would believe the absolute worst of her, and he’d make sure everyone else did, too. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Two minutes later, she almost reversed her position on the matter. The swimsuit Kitty had chosen for her bared not only her arms and legs but also her midriff. Granted only two inches of it, but she might as well be walking about in her underwear. “Kitty hates me.”

“She does not.” Lavinia finished tying the belt on her terry-cloth robe. “If she did, she wouldn’t have loaned you a suit at all.”

“But look at me. I can’t go out like this. I think I’d rather drown.”

“Genie . . .” Lavinia touched her arm, her fingers cool, her blue eyes beseeching. “I know you’re afraid. But we can’t let our fears stop us. I know, because every day I make myself get out of bed and face the world, no matter how bleak or frightened I feel. And while I do it partly for Nathan, mostly it’s for you. Because you stood beside me when even my own brother would have turned away. Your friendship gave me hope.”

“And yours has cheered me greatly, but that doesn’t mean I’ll swim for you.” And if that made her a coward, so be it. Then she added, out of fairness, “And your brother does love you.”

Lavinia waved the correction away. “Nevertheless, if anything happens to the ship, and you were to drown, I would never forgive myself. So, for me, will you please be brave and at least try?”

Genie hesitated, terror warring with friendship. “Fine. I’ll try.”

Her friend beamed. “Thank you.

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