Page 19 of The Big Dip in Crumbleton
The others grinned at him and gathered closer. Pete heaved a sigh of relief that he was off the hook for the time being, and quickly started to outline the plan. They were all familiar with the routine, having done this many times before, but as it was his first time running the event in years, he wasn’t taking any chances.
‘Jade and Finn, you’re on the eastern perimeter,’ he said. ‘Keep a close eye and stop anyone getting too close to the rocks.’
They both nodded, already checking their gear.
‘Mick and Zoe, you’re with me in the central area. That’s where most of the swimmers will be. And Dylan—’ Pete turned to the youngest member of the team, who definitely had more enthusiasm than experience in the water, ‘—you’re on first aid station duty. Set up under the blue gazebo and make sure you’ve got plenty of water, blankets, and the defibrillator within reach.’
Dylan’s face fell slightly—he’d clearly been hoping for a more exciting assignment—but he nodded obediently. ‘Got it, boss.’
Pete suppressed a smile. He wasn’t anyone’s “boss.” ‘You’re in charge up here. You’ve got the most recent training, and you know your stuff better than any of us.’
‘Cheers, Pete,’ said Dylan, looking chuffed.
‘Right, let’s get these flags in position,’ he said, handing out the equipment. ‘Remember, we’re looking for a safe swimming zone with enough space for everyone but not so large that we can’t keep an eye on the whole area.’
The team dispersed, each heading to their assigned positions with the quiet efficiency that came from years of practice. Pete had been dreading this event for weeks… hell, maybe even months. But as he waded into the shallows, feeling the cold water swirl around his ankles as he positioned the first flag, he couldn’t help smiling. It felt good to be back with the team again.
Maybe it was time to stop letting the past ruin his present…
Pete’s thoughts drifted back to the café and Scarlett as he worked. Something about her had caught him off-guard from the moment she’d knocked on his van door. Yes, she was beautiful enough to take his breath away… but it wasn’t just that. He felt drawn to her like a magnet. She was both calm and a force of nature all at once.
‘Idiot!’ he chuckled.
Still, he couldn’t help being moved by the way she’d seamlessly stepped in, taking charge of the coffee machine like she belonged there, laughing with the locals as she worked. Pete had known Scarlett for little more than twelve hours, and she already felt like part of his world… which was just daft!
Tomorrow, she’d be gone. The thought left a hollow feeling in Pete’s chest that he wasn’t quite ready to examine too closely.
With the flags securely positioned and the lifeguard team briefed, Pete jogged back up to the café. It was nearly time for the swimmers to make their way down the beach, and he needed to make sure no one was left behind.
The Limpet was still buzzing, though most people were now finishing up their drinks and preparing to head outside. Pete spotted Libby clearing tables, her arms full of empty cups and plates.
‘Everything set?’ she asked as he approached.
‘All good to go,’ Pete confirmed. ‘Listen, can you keep an eye on people’s stuff while they’re in the water?’
Libby nodded. ‘I can do one better. Mum said I can lock the door while the swim’s going on so I can come out to watch. Then I’ll leg it back up the beach and open up again as soon as people start coming out of the water.’
‘Good plan,’ said Pete.
‘Don’t sound so shocked,’ Libby retorted. ‘Some of us in this family can plan ahead, you know!’
Pete grinned and glanced around the café. ‘Where’s Scarlett?’
‘Why? Miss her already?’ Libby teased.
‘I just want to make sure she knows what’s happening,’ said Pete, trying to sound casual and failing miserably, judging by Libby’s knowing smirk.
‘She’s in the kitchen,’ she said, nodding towards the swing doors at the back of the café.
‘Right,’ said Pete, already heading in that direction. ‘I’ll just let her know we’re about to start.’
‘Wait… Pete, don’t?—’
Pete pushed through the swing doors.
‘Scarlett, we’re about to?—’
The words died in his throat.
