Prologue

 

Pale moonlight shined on the black water as I swam the breaststroke. I heard gentle splashing to my right.

 

I think the water killed my buzz. I’m never making it to work tomorrow.

 

I couldn’t see my clothes on the black beach. I left them on the right—no, on the left. I learned absolutely nothing from the last time I was here. I’ll just head straight to the left when we get out!

 

“Colin, why are you so far away?”

 

“I don’t know.”

 

I swam ten feet closer with my head down. I promised her I wouldn’t look—and I had to get out of the water eventually.

 

How was this happening? I never thought she would go for it. I was just kidding, sort of. Just think about Darren Bragg groundouts to short. 

 

She lifted herself onto the raft.

 

“The water is so nice. It does feel much cooler now.”

 

“Yeah, it’s really nice.”

 

“You can climb up here if you like.”

 

Oh my God. 

 

Is she lying on the raft?

 

I think Pedro is pitching tomorrow in Texas. 

 

“I’m not sure if I can.”

 

“Why not? Chicken?” 

 

“Okay...I will.”

 

How did I get here?