Marshall and Lee enjoy a little competitive swimming in this week's episode of Moving Forward. Are things looking up with Dustin? Maybe he has turned over a new leaf. Don't forget to see what the other Briefers are up to! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!
The pool on the Lido Deck was buzzing with activity by the
time Marshall and Lee arrived, but there was as much action outside of the
water as in. Marshall got the impression that at least some of the men who came
here were looking to hook up, and did just that. A lot of flirting going on, as
well as kissing and other activities. He noticed that if things looked like
they might progress any farther than they should in public, a cruise employee
was quick to step in and steer the amorous couple toward more private areas.
Which left plenty of room for them to actually swim in.
By the time Denver and Dustin arrived, Marshall and Lee were
in the water, having challenged each other to race the length of the pool.
Marshall hadn’t been able to beat Lee, but he’d gotten damn close, which was
saying something, ‘cause Lee had some damn powerful strokes, so he didn’t mind
losing to him.
“Hey guys, how’s the water?” Denver greeted them.
“Water’s great,” Marshall said. “Come on in!”
“You got a table?”
“Yeah, right over there.” Lee nodded in the direction of an white
table underneath an umbrella emblazoned with the cruise logo. They’d left their
drinks there, as well as their towels. “You can set your stuff there too, if
you like.”
“Much obliged,” Denver said. He handed Dustin what little
they’d brought and he didn’t fuss, just put it on the table next to theirs and
quickly returned.
“Got room for me in there?” Dustin joked.
“I think there might be a little,” Marshall replied. “Come
on in. Just don’t splash.”
Dustin laughed and eased himself into the water, followed by
his cousin. “This feels nice,” he said. “I expected it to be colder, but it’s
not.”
“Not cold at all,” Marshall agreed. “You any good at
swimming?”
“Fair to middling. Want to see?”
“I’ll race you,” Marshall countered. “Length of the pool.”
“What’s the winner get?” Dustin asked.
“Winner takes on Lee,” Marshall smirked. He had every
confidence that Lee could beat Dustin handily.
“Is that good with you, Lee?” Dustin looked toward him.
“Fine with me,” Lee said.
“Loser buys drinks?”
“You’re on,” Lee replied without hesitation.
“Not so fast. You have to beat me first,” Marshall reminded
him.
“I didn’t forget. I just assumed I’d beat you,” Dustin
smirked.
Marshall rolled his eyes. “You remember what happens when
you assume, don’t you?”
“Yeah, but don’t worry, I don’t intend to make an ass out of
either of us.” Dustin laughed.
“In that case, come on,” Marshall challenged him.
They got Denver to act as starter. He counted down to one
and they took off. Marshall reached the end of the pool and was dismayed to see
Dustin. The question was which one had gotten there first?
“It was Dustin,” Denver affirmed, “but just by a fraction of
a second or so. Damn close call. Good race, guys.”
Marshall wasn’t overly disappointed. Now he could watch Lee
take him down. And that would be worth having lost to Dustin to begin with.
“Good race,” Dustin echoed, slapping a wet hand on
Marshall’s shoulder. He glanced up at Lee, who swam close to them. “You ready
to take me on?”
“Maybe you should rest up after your victory,” Lee teased.
“I wouldn’t want anyone to say I took advantage of you.”
“I’m ready to beat you right now,” Dustin bragged. “Denver,
want to get us started?”
“If you’re sure,” Denver said.
“I’m sure.”
The two men got into position, and Marshall found a better
vantage point to watch from as Denver counted them down and they took off.
Marshall couldn’t help but admire Lee’s physique as his
strong body sluiced through the water. Beside him, he thought Dustin looked
puny. Of course, he might be a little prejudiced in Lee’s favor. The race was
close at first, and Marshall wondered if maybe Dustin had a chance when
suddenly Lee surged forward with a greater strength and pulled ahead. He
reached the end of the pool, the clear winner. Marshall watched Dustin arrive,
too late, and wondered how he’d handle the defeat. For just a moment, his
concerns over Dustin resurfaced, knowing he had a temper. But the two men shook
hands in what seemed to be an amiable fashion, then swam back to where Marshall
and Denver waited.
“Good race,” Marshall said, “but I knew Lee’d win. I didn’t
have any doubt about that.”
Lee shook his head, as he caught his breath. “That’s why I
bring my own rooting section,” he grinned.
“I hope I didn’t ruin your evening,” Dustin said, somewhat
tongue-in-cheek, Marshall thought.
“How so?” Lee asked.
“Well, didn’t y’all say you were going dancing after this? I
hate to think I tuckered you out too much for that. I mean, at your age and
all.” His grin belied any sting in his words, and everyone laughed.
“The only thing you need to worry about is paying for that
next round. It’s all yours.” Lee’s grin was even bigger than Dustin’s.
“Ouch.” Dustin pretended to be wounded, putting his hand
over his heart.
“A drink sounds real good,” Denver said, “especially when
he’s paying. Let’s go.”
to be continued
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