I’m sitting on one of the lounge chairs by the pool, a drink in hand, trying to relax. I should be mingling, making rounds, chatting about anything and everything with the others. Duke and Whiskey are laughing by the bar, his arm slung around her waist as he tells some over-the-top story. Birdie is in the water, splashing around, too caught up in her own world to notice anyone else. Lionel is off to the side, scrolling through his phone like he’s expecting some life-changing email. Peg is busy picking up after Birdie, looking as frazzled as ever.

For once, I’m glad no one’s paying attention to me. They’re all caught up in themselves and each other, and I get a rare moment to myself.

I let my gaze drift toward the pool, and that’s when I see you. You are gliding through the water, graceful, almost like you belong there more than you do on land. Your strokes are smooth, unhurried, and there’s something about the way you move that holds my attention. The sunlight catches on your skin as you reach the end of the pool and turn to float on your back, eyes closed, as if you are in a world of your own.