Page 29 of The Leaves In Autumn
“Goodnight, wild things,” Mom says, as she opens their door.
Messaged received. It was delivered with a hint of a mother’s all-knowingness. I know mine; she knows hers. It makes me smile, as I continue past them all to my room.
“Night.”
First things first. As soon as the door shuts, I am getting rid of the clothes. I can do it one-handed, while reaching for the phone. Front desk. Hope he is still there.
“Front desk. How may I be of assistance?”
“Oh good. Listen. It’s Paul, right?”
“Yes, this is Paul.”
“We just checked in. This is Aargon Lyon, and I have a special request.”
“Yes, Mr. Lyon. What can I do for you?”
“The rooftop pool. I was reading about it online, and I’d like to be able to use it in about a half hour. Is that possible? It is a very special night for my girlfriend and I and this would top it.”
There is a few moments hesitation which gives me time to plead my case.
“It would just be the two of us and we are both Olympic swimmers.”
“Well in that case, of course. But I would be taking on a liability issue, should anything go wrong, so you and I never talked. I gave no permission. This is strictly your choice to be in the pool without a lifeguard.”
“I take responsibility one hundred percent.”
“I have to go up there in a few minutes to check on something. If I forget to lock the stairway door, an Olympian could just walk in.”
“Great. Thank you so much. I will have my son TikTok the recommendation to his followers.”
“That would be appreciated. Just not of the pool after hours.”
“Understood. Can you connect me to room three twenty-two?”
“Certainly, Mr. Lyon. Hold please.”
She could reject the invitation outright. But I don’t think I have read this wrong. I’m too old to make that mistake. She picks up on the first ring.
“Is this the man who accosted me in the elevator?”
“It is.”
“I’m considering an assault charge.”
“You don’t scare me.”
That giggle lands in my heart this time. Then on my balls.
“Want to go for a moonlight swim before you press charges?”
“What? Where?”
“There’s a rooftop pool. Very private.”
Pausing for a few beats, I stop burying the lead. “I’d love toswimwith you.”
Now a soft chuckle. I like that sound too. She volleys.
