Clear as Day by Babette James Page A

Nate toward Kay, who was walking toward them with open beers.
    Okay, new plan: use your brain this time, okay? Keep it cool and casual, slow and easy.
    Right. Nate fixed his smile in place as if all was well with the world.
    She was smiling.
    Thank you, God.
    ****
    Kay kept her “aren’t we happy” smile plastered on while she remained on guard for Nate to announce his news, but he said nothing. Maybe he was waiting for Lloyd and the guys to return. But for the ring on her finger and the knot in her stomach, she could pretend this was like any other July as everyone took turns skiing and lounging around the camp with beers and sodas, exchanging skiing and fishing tales.
    The shadows grew longer and cast welcome shade across the camp.
    “Last call for skiing, folks,” Dave called out from the boat. “Any takers? I’m ready for my beer.”
    Olivia raised a brow, studying the lake. “I’ll go, if I can borrow a vest and ski.”
    “Use mine, sweetie.” Patti saluted with her beer. “Have fun.”
    Olivia set aside her drink and gracefully rose, slipping off her cover-up and sandals.
    “I’ll spot,” Kay heard herself saying. Nate and Mark both volunteered to come along for the ride.
    So far, the newbie seemed more nervous than aloof, although she’d hardly joined in with more than a few words when she wasn’t off grabbing a solitary smoke at the far downwind edge of the beach. She’d already apologized several times earlier in the afternoon for smoking despite JoAnn’s repeated reassurance and instructions to relax and make herself at home.
    “I’ll take it easy on you. Need any refreshers?” Dave handed her Patti’s ski vest.
    Olivia shyly avoided his eyes. “I’ve skied before. Thank you. I’ll be fine.”
    Minutes later, they were ready. The boat rumbled at idle, Kay had the flag, and Olivia was settled comfortably balanced in the water, grimly serene as she waited for the tow into deeper water. Slowly the rope tightened and Olivia sat back on the ski as she cut along the drag of the wake.
    Clear water, taut line, and at Olivia’s signal, Dave hit the throttle. She surged up like a pro and immediately thumbed up for speed. Dave frowned, but obliged.
    Olivia did much as Kay had, taking her time, playing along the wake, getting her feel, then began cutting the wake in lazy and sharp S’s, leisurely enjoying herself along the first half of the run.
    “She’s got great form,” Nate hollered to Dave. “Doing real good back there.”
    Olivia thumbed up for more speed.
    Again the lazy and sharp wake cutting, confident form.
    The next S, she cut sharply, crouched low and jumped the wake, appearing to pause high in the air as if to give a pointed “See” to them all. She landed light and steady and added a sassy fishtail spray.
    “Holy shit!” Mark shouted. “Go, Olivia!”
    “What? What?” Dave craned around.
    Nate grinned. “She jumped the wake. Very nice. Our newbie has hidden skills.”
    “Man, you should have seen it. Beautiful. Flew like an angel. Wow. I am so in love.” Mark clapped his hands to his chest.
    Dave scowled blackly. “She’s married, nut job.”
    Mark laughed. “Yeah, I know, but I can worship from afar, can’t I? Honest, it was a thing of beauty. You should have seen it. Maybe she’ll do it again. Can you guys teach me how to do that?”
    Dave’s scowl cleared. “We’ll see, grasshopper.”
    But Olivia contented herself with ordinary wake cutting and fishtails, and before long they were on the drop-off swing by camp. She let go and, like Kay had, glided to an easy sinking in the water and short swim to shore.
    Although the fishermen hadn’t returned, they started setting up for supper. Dave’s beans were simmering on one stove, filling the camp with the savory scent. Kay had never cared much for baked beans until she’d tasted his recipe. He swore his secret was the chorizo sausage, sautéing the onions first, and always using a well-seasoned cast-iron pot.
    JoAnn