Moonstone (9 page)

“Water’s perfect today,” she said. “As always. Can’t beat this pool.”

“This is my first time back in years,” Joy admitted. “And I was just thinking everything looks exactly the same.”

“That’s RCP. Dependable.” The woman smiled again. “And in need of a fresh coat of paint. Welcome back.” The woman turned to her locker and reached for her folded clothes.

Welcome back
. Joy changed into her black one-piece and then fished through her gym bag for her swim cap and the new pair of goggles.

The noise of splashing water increased with each step closer to the pool. The place was packed. Every lane had at least three swimmers. Swimming in a crowded pool was carefully ordered chaos and much too noisy. But it was the best place to think. Or not think. She hadn’t decided what she needed to do more.

Joy made her way to one of the middle lanes with three swimmers, picking it only because the swimmers were splashing less. She signaled that she wanted to join, got a quick nod from the first two swimmers that turned at the wall, then slipped on her cap and goggles as the third swimmer approached. The goggles were the same trusty brand she’d worn when racing and the feel of their suction against her skin brought back a rush of memories. She waited for the third swimmer to go into a turn and then dove into the water after her. Yoga was easier, quieter. But nothing skimmed off a week’s worth of stress like the first lap in a cold pool.

Halfway through her workout, she was nearly convinced that Arlen Lipchitz was right about buying the annual pass. Even if she gave up running Moonstone Optometry after six months, Raceda Community Pool could put her money to good use. Her thoughts shifted from pool repairs to the name that was listed four times on the pool record wall: Kelsey West. Kelsey had the fastest recorded times for RCP in the 50-meter, 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle. Eighteen years had passed but no one had broken her records.

Joy wondered if she still swam. If Kelsey had made it to the Olympics, Joy guessed she would have heard about that. But since college, she hadn’t heard anything at all. Until now.

Parking in Raceda was nothing compared to San Francisco, but it took a few minutes to find a spot and Vidaris seemed to be the reason. Vidaris. Even the name sounded out of place in Raceda. It occupied the old spot of Papa Bear’s Grill, which had long made the center of Raceda’s main drag smell like barbeque. Vidaris was shiny and too new—and the barbeque smell was gone.

Joy had decided to wear one of her usual work outfits, gray slacks and a black blouse. The clothes weren’t fancy, but as a matter of principal, she didn’t want to dress up for a sales rep to woo her. Unfortunately, Kelsey West wasn’t simply another sales rep. As soon as she saw Kelsey waiting for her in the crowded lobby, she wished she’d decided on a nicer outfit. Kelsey looked amazing. As usual. She smiled and stretched out her hand.

“I’ve got a table reserved for us. This place is hopping for lunch so I asked them to give us a spot where we can actually hear each other,” Kelsey said, nearly shouting over the din of the crowd. She made her way over to the host’s desk, and after a brief exchange, the host led them up a flight of stairs.

Joy chided herself for the rush of excitement she felt. It was a sales meeting—nothing more. But she could appreciate Kelsey’s figure, this time a bit more discreetly than she’d done at the clinic. Kelsey wore a low-cut white blouse and pinstripe pants that fit her butt perfectly. She was better dressed than Joy, but sales reps were often better dressed and she’d never worried about that before.

“Have you been here before?” Kelsey asked, taking her seat.

Joy shook her head. The hostess left them with two menus and Joy studied the menu to keep from meeting Kelsey’s gaze. Prices were what she’d expect from an uppity San Francisco restaurant, not anything in Raceda. She thought of Denise’s comment about the small portions and suddenly missed her favorite lunch spot. La Taqueria Azul was across the street from her old clinic and sold burritos for the same price that this restaurant was charging for a soda. And the burrito was so large it could easily be split into two meals. After a morning swim, she guessed she could eat a whole Azul burrito. Joy’s mouth watered at the thought of their fresh guacamole and spicy beans.

“I hear the braised lamb and the chicken Kiev are both good.”

“I’m in the mood for a burrito,” Joy said. “But I haven’t found a place in Raceda that can compare to what I’ve been spoiled with in the city.” She hoped the comment didn’t sound rude.

Kelsey looked up from the menu. “Have you ever tried Little Cancun?”

Joy shook her head.

“Best burritos in town. Next time,” Kelsey said. She closed her menu. “My favorite thing here is the soup. Last time I had the creamy butternut, but their chowder is good too. And sometimes they’ll make a tortilla soup. I know it’s not a burrito, but it might be the closest thing you’ll find. They’ll bring out a bowl of sourdough rolls any minute. I really only come for the bread and the soup.”

“Soup sounds perfect.” Joy closed her menu. “So, I’m going to tell you straight up, I don’t have the money for any software system. Not yet anyway. I’m planning on applying for a loan and all of the upgrades I’d like to make are dependent on that.” Joy hesitated. “I thought you should know that before you make your pitch.”

“You like to get right to business. That’s refreshing.”

A waiter appeared with a basket of rolls. Kelsey sipped her water and as soon as the waiter was gone, she said, “Sometimes I go on lunch meetings and never manage to get my
pitch
in at all.”

Another waiter appeared to take their order. When he’d left, Kelsey continued, “Any bank would be crazy not to give you a loan. Moonstone Optometry is a known quantity and the town wants another Dr. Henderson. A software system is probably only one of the upgrades you’d like to make, but I think I’ll be able to set you up with something in your budget.”

“In my budget?”

“Denise gave me the rundown. She mentioned some numbers… I’ve got a contact for a loan officer if you’re interested.” Kelsey paused. She reached for a roll, then split it open and buttered one side. “The only thing is, the bank may wonder how long you are going to stay.”

“At Moonstone?” Joy hadn’t expected Kelsey’s directness. She stared out the window, avoiding her gaze. “I guess I’ll have to be ready for that question when the loan officer asks.”

Kelsey was quiet for a moment. Finally she said, “I have to admit I was surprised when Denise said you were taking over Moonstone. I always figured someone like you gets the hell out of Raceda and doesn’t look back.”

“So you don’t think I’m going to stay.”

“Are you?” Kelsey shot back.

Her old self, her high school self, would have been intimidated by the direct stare Kelsey had focused on her. She would have had to answer. But not anymore. Joy leaned back in her chair and didn’t let her gaze drop from Kelsey’s face. She had no intention of answering the question. It was ballsy for a rep to ask.

After a moment, Kelsey said, “I’m sorry. Can we strike that last question? It’s none of my business.”

Damn right
. “Why don’t you give me a rundown on exactly what Alpine offers? I want numbers. What am I looking at for the package you recommend?”

Kelsey reached into her purse for an iPad. Of course she had a presentation ready. Joy shifted in her chair, feeling that she was on more familiar footing as soon as Kelsey switched into her sales persona. She began detailing the different features of Alpine’s software system, shifting her chair closer so Joy could see the tablet’s screen. By the time their soup had arrived, Kelsey had finished with her spiel and set her iPad back in her purse. As she did, Joy realized that Kelsey didn’t wear any rings. She had a silver chain bracelet and a matching necklace.

“I never figured Kelsey West would end up in Raceda either,” Joy said finally. She couldn’t hold back the comment.

Kelsey dipped her spoon in the soup. Her smile was tight-lipped. “It’s a long story.”

If it was none of Kelsey’s business if Joy planned on staying in Raceda, then it was none of her business why Kelsey was working as a software sales rep instead of coaching Olympic swimmers with a few of her own medals around her neck. She tried the soup and decided Kelsey was right about the food, at least. Their tortilla soup was delicious. “I’d like to say yes to the new system, but…”

“But?”

It was hard to make eye contact with Kelsey now. Something passed between them and Joy felt a flush burn up her neck and cheeks. Kelsey had a way of looking directly at her that made everything in the periphery blur. They could have been sitting at the only table in an empty room. Joy cleared her throat. “I want some time to think about everything. And I need to get approved for a loan first, of course.”

“Of course. And there’s one other thing I should probably mention.”

“There’s a catch.”

“Not exactly a catch.” Kelsey took a sip of her water. “You’re stuck with me for the on-site training—not that you’ll need much help figuring out the program, it’s pretty self explanatory—and I double as tech support as well. In our bigger sales areas, we have the luxury of reps focusing on sales and techies for the on-site work. But here in Raceda, I have someone who comes in to help with the initial setup, but after that, you’ll be dealing with me. At the moment, I’m the sum total of our North Coast department.”

Tech support and training. She wondered if she could get used to working with Kelsey again. Joy did have an advantage this time. She was the one in charge. They’d also be wearing more than bathing suits. Unfortunately, Kelsey’s smile still threw her off balance. Joy pushed away the memories that sprang up and glanced at her watch. She still had an hour before she needed to get back to work, but Kelsey didn’t know this. She was torn between wanting to ask Kelsey about the last time they’d been together as well as everything that had happened since and wanting to make a beeline for the exit. Maybe Kelsey sensed this. She folded her napkin and set it on the table, took another sip of water and then motioned to the waiter for the check.

As they stood to leave, Kelsey said, “I’m not a pushy sales rep. There’s no special deal if you sign up today. You can think about things as long as you like. I’ll print out everything we talked about and drop it off at your office. Look it over on your own timeframe.”

“Sounds good.”

“Mind if I drop it by next week?”

Joy hesitated. Kelsey’s tone made Joy wonder if she was hoping for an excuse to see her again. She decided to make it clear that on her end this was strictly business. There was nothing personal between them anyway, Joy reminded herself, not anymore. It was hard to say if there ever had been or if she’d only imagined it all. Joy cleared her throat. Kelsey was only being a competent sales rep.

“Drop it off whenever. Leave it with Helen and she’ll make sure I get it.” She wasn’t going to come across as an eager buyer anymore than Kelsey wanted to be a pushy salesperson.

They stepped outside the restaurant and Kelsey motioned to her car. She was parked in a choice spot directly across the street. Her car was a silver Audi that gleamed like new and Joy wondered how she could afford it on a sales rep’s salary. Maybe Alpine paid well. Or maybe a rich boyfriend footed the bill.

“Thank you for lunch,” Joy said. “I’ll let you know what I decide.”

“I’ll look forward to hearing from you.” Kelsey stuck out her hand to shake again.

Joy felt her pulse quicken. For a brief moment, she doubted whether she should be making big money decisions when the person she was trying to do business with sent a warm surge through her with only casual contact. Too much time had passed since they’d last held hands. Too much time to admit to what had happened—or what hadn’t. Eighteen years ago was a different life.

Joy didn’t watch Kelsey climb into her Audi. She waited until Kelsey was safely to the other side of the street and then headed to her own parking spot two blocks away. The old feelings that had come without warning would lessen with time. Joy was certain it was only memories from the past and old emotions throwing curve balls now. Maybe she shouldn’t shake hands with her again, however. She wasn’t a delirious teenager anymore, but she didn’t need thoughts of what-ifs clouding her mind. Kelsey might have been the first girl to hold her hand but there had been many since. Women, not girls. And so much had changed since that summer night at Mad River. She could admit aloud that she was a lesbian and crack a confident smile while saying the word “queer.” Whether Kelsey was straight or gay didn’t matter now. Joy could stick to business. That was, after all, what she’d gotten good at. No friendships through work, no excuses for why she wouldn’t succeed… Feelings for Kelsey—one sales rep who happened to catch her attention—were hardly worth worrying about. Once a new software system was set up, she’d be one step closer to getting Moonstone ready to sell and one step closer to getting out of Raceda. Getting out was the important part.

* * *

“Ignore them,” Joy said. “They’re only trying to scare him. They’re not going to do anything.”

Terrence kept his eyes glued to the tall one in the cowboy hat. Joy knew the kid was a junior, but she didn’t know his name. He always wore the cowboy hat and a fat silver belt buckle to hold up the Wranglers that he poured his scrawny legs into every day.

Cowboy had circled around Najeeb Gadesh twice now, rolling a rock in his hand, and each time he pretended to throw it, Najeeb flinched. But Najeeb hadn’t budged from his spot on the tree stump and he stared past Cowboy as if not seeing the threat. His Star Wars backpack was pulled up to his chest.

There was another kid with Cowboy. Mike Craven. He leaned against a tree and watched Cowboy as if he had a bet placed. Mike was a senior with a police record for stealing something from a gas station. Joy didn’t know what he’d stolen but someone said it was chew. This was his second chance at finishing senior year. Joy doubted he’d blow it by getting in a fight a week shy of graduation. Cowboy was a different story. He had something to prove.