Jump in the pool

Jenn pressed her back to the cold tile wall, staring out at the shimmering water. A couple of swimmers laughed on the far end of the pool, their voices bouncing off the cavernous ceiling. She had seconds before someone noticed her lurking naked by the door.

Jenn’s eyes darted to the water. The pool. Her stomach flipped. It wasn’t a good idea. It was a terrible idea. But standing here like a deer in headlights was worse.

“Fine,” she whispered. “Fine, fine, fine.”

She pinched her nose and jumped in.

The water engulfed her naked body with a loud splash, cool and chlorinated. When she surfaced, gasping, her hair clung to her face and shoulders. She looked down. The water blurred everything, distorting the sight of her bare chest beneath the surface.

Jenn treaded water, scanning the deck for salvation. A towel. A hoodie. Even a forgotten gym bag. Something she could use once she climbed out. But the racks were empty. The benches were just as bare as Jenn’s naked form.

She swam toward the shallow end, trying to look casual, when a voice called out.

“Hey there!”

Jenn’s head whipped around. Three college-aged guys, all with lean swimmers’ builds, were wading toward her, grinning.

The tallest one raised a hand in greeting. “I’m Tyler.”

Beside him, the broad-shouldered one slicked his hair back. “I’m Chris. Didn’t see you come in. Guess you’re stealthy.”

The third, with a mischievous grin, floated lazily on his back. “And I’m Matt. Place is boring without new faces.”

“Y-yeah. Just, um, sneaking in a quick swim.” Jenn **** a smile, her heart hammering. She stayed chest-deep, her arms folded tightly across herself.

Tyler tilted his head. “That’s dedication. Pool’s practically empty. You here often?”

“Uh, first time,” Jenn stammered. “Just… trying out the facilities.”

Chris grinned. “You swim with the Y team? You’ve got the look.”

Matt swam a slow circle around her, smirking. “Yeah, you definitely do. What’s your name?”

Jenn’s cheeks burned hotter than the pool lights above. She kicked her legs nervously, keeping herself low in the water. Every second felt like a countdown to disaster, because sooner or later, she’d have to climb out, and then her “cover” would literally vanish with a splash.

For now, though, she treaded water, laughing weakly at their questions and praying they didn’t swim too close. Because if Tyler, Chris, or Matt realized she wasn’t wearing a swimsuit…