Page 25 of In Too Deep

“100m back, please line up.”

Caro quickly releases me and races over to East, whispering something into his ear. I furrow my brows as he chuckles and winks at her. He licks his lips as he starts walking out into the centre, and Caro struts back over to me.

“So?”

“So what?”

“So, what did you say to East?”

She grins. “I said if you like wet pools, be a good boy, and you might find something else wet.”

I almost choke. “You did not!”

She giggles. “No, I didn’t, but that would have been good, right?”

I slump. “Jesus, Caro, you nearly killed me.”

“I said good luck. If he wins, he might get something special after.”

“That’s almost as slutty, Caro.”

“I meant like a chocolate, you horny bitch.”

I scoff. “Yeah, no, you didn’t.”

“Yeah, no, I didn’t.”

I chuckle and roll my eyes at my best friend. She’s always so confident with guys. I’m more reserved around them. But with Coby, I find that I’m more comfortable being myself.

Tuck walks in. “Hey, girls. Congratulations, Caro, good race. And Lacy, you’re going to Melbourne. I knew you’d do it. But what is this about your shoulder?”

Caro glances at me sideways. “Lacy, he needs to know—”

“Caro!”

“Coach, just before their swim, Katie Reynolds shoved Lace into the metal chairs, hurting her shoulder.”

I glare at Caro. She purses her lips and tilts her head. She isn’t sorry for talkingat all.

Tuck raises his eyebrows. “Lacy, is that what happened?”

I slump. “Yes.”

“Okay, let me sort this. Lacy, get changed and get yourself to the physio… pronto. I don’t care if it doesn’t hurt at all. Any twinge needs taking care of. Caro, thanks for telling me. You two are like the daughters I never had, and to hear bullying is going on…” He shakes his head. “That behaviour is totally unacceptable. I won’t tolerate it, Lacy.”

“Thanks, Tuck.” I embrace him.

He pulls me back, staring into my eyes. “Sorry, I’ve not been around as much. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. But once I know more, I will fill you in. I’m always with you one hundred per cent.”

“Thanks, Tuck.” Caro leans in for a group hug.

“Right… go get changed, both of you. I don’t want you catching the sniffles.”

“Yes, Dad,” we tease.

“Girls, if you’re trying to insult me, it’s not working. Hearing that word only fills my heart with joy.”

My chest aches, and my eyes water as I cuddle him. “You’re more of a father to me than my real dad anyway, Tuck.”

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