Page 59 of Fault Lines
“Sure thing,” Jake said. “Set up another playdate soon.”
“We’ll do that,” Charlie answered, and with a wave, they wandered off down the beach.
As they left, Cam turned to Jake. “How many kids do you guys have?”
Jake looked momentarily blank, then laughed. “Playdate, right? Not for kids. We’re in the lifestyle.”
“The lifestyle?” I repeated.
April clarified. “Swingers.”
I felt my eyebrows climb. Cam didn’t look fazed at all.
“So you guys,” Cam gestured, “swap with other couples?”
Jake shrugged. “That’s the basics.”
April leaned in, voice low and practical. “There are rules. We’re always honest with each other, always together, and we both have veto power.”
Jake nodded. “If anything feels off, we stop. Simple as that.”
Cam grinned, a hungry look sliding over April. “No judgment. Fascinating, honestly.”
Of course. I’d put money on Cam already picturing April as his next Thursday night conquest.
I could feel my mood drop, sour as old lemons.
April hopped up, breaking the spell. “Let’s go swimming!” She dashed for the water.
Cam went after her. I stayed put, finishing my beer in two long swallows.
Beside me, Jake lingered. “You okay?” he asked quietly.
I faked a smile. “Fine.”
He hesitated. “Not weirded out by us, right?”
I shook my head. “No. It’s just not for me.”
Jake’s smile was gentle. “Most people say that, until they try it.”
I had nothing to say to that, so I watched them, by myself, as the splashing and laughter started. Cam and Jake took turns tossing April into the water. At first, it seemed harmless. Butafter a few rounds, Cam’s hands started grabbing her in ways that made my own skin prickle. She didn’t mind; neither did Jake.
I kept my eyes on my beer, feeling every icy sip. My husband, in front of me, openly flirting, like boundaries meant nothing.
I wanted to claw April’s eyes out. I really did. But the truth was—it wasn’t her fault. That was how her marriage worked. The one breaking our rules was Cam.
I finished my beer and stalked down to the edge of the water.
“How about chicken?” I called out, loud enough to cut through the din.
April beamed. “Yes!”
“Really, Livi?” Cam said, but April was already moving in.
Jake crouched, she climbed on his shoulders, and Cam sank so I could clamber on his. “On three!” Jake said as the four of us waded closer.
April was strong, shoving at my hands before I was even ready. I didn’t last long, but the laughter was real—I hit the water with a splash, gasping beneath the surface and breaking through coughing.
