I held my phone up, and impulsively, I pulled down one of the cups, letting my nipple spring free. I looked away, feigning embarrassment, and snapped a selfie. I flipped open my chat with Steve, and before I lost my nerve, I pressed send. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d sent him a dirty photo, but it had been years, at least.
With a shiver of excitement, I slid my phone into my bag and walked back outside to find Danny. He wasn’t outside the changing hut, so I began scanning the beach, looking for him.
“Hi, Mrs. Kim,” I heard a voice say. “Do you need some help?”
I turned around, and there was Johan, looking not at all like I remembered him.
“Are you looking for Danny?” he asked, his English lightly accented with an appealing melange of German and South African inflections.
“Johan, is that you?” I said with surprise. “You look so different.”
“It’s been awhile,” he nodded.
I couldn’t remember how long it had been since I’d seen Johan, but it had to have been at least 3 years. He’d been a tall, awkward 16-year-old back then. Now, he’d started growing into his height, filling out a lean frame that towered several inches above me.
He’d cut the tousled, boyish mop top I remembered into a tight, clean crewcut that felt almost military. His youthful features had sharpened into angular corners that cut against his cheekbones and jawline.
“What year are you in school now?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder to keep an eye out for Danny.
“Sophomore,” he said. “In college.”
“Wow, college,” I nodded. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” he said, his eyes flashing downwards momentarily before returning to meet my own. “Congratulations to you, too.”
“For what?” I asked.
“All of Danny’s championships,” Johan said. “His records. You must be proud.”
“I am,” I said, beaming. “But he’s only come this far because of you, Johan.”
“You had something to do with it,” he smiled.
“Aww,” I said, surprised at him. “That’s very sweet of you.”
“Here’s Danny now,” Johan said, pointing as my son emerged from the changing hut.
He walked over to greet Danny, giving him a hug. He was one of the only people who Danny would let hug him.
Then, the three of us walked over and got in line for some ice cream.
“Where’s Riley?” Johan asked as we waited.
“Home,” Danny said quietly.
“Why’s that?” he replied, looking at me for an answer.
“Riley had a baseball tournament, so he couldn’t make it,” I said, reminding Danny as much as answering Johan. “You’re both so busy these days.”
“Does that mean Mr. Kim isn’t here?” Johan asked, a strange look crossing his face. “He didn’t come?”
“Not this time,” I said.
“It’s just the two of you, then?” Johan said, his voice dropping an octave.
“Just the two of us,” I nodded, wrapping my arm around Danny.
“Well, my family isn’t here either,” he said, glancing at my son and then back at me. “Danny should feel lucky that at least you came to look after him.”
“Wait, you’re here by yourself?” I said, furrowing my brow. “Really?”
“Yes,” he nodded.
“Then you should join us for dinner tonight,” I said. “You’re practically Danny’s older brother. I won’t take no for an answer.”