Swimming at Night: A Novel Read Online Free

head had throbbed and the sour taste of spirits furred the back of her throat. She had pushed herself upright and a bolt of pain clenched at her temples. Snapshots of her evening flashed in her mind: the low-lit red booth, the empty whisky glasses, the grungy beat of an R&B track, the musky tang of sweat in the air, another round, a cheer of male voices, a familiar face, the irrepressible desire for risk. She remembered slinging her bag over her shoulder, tipping the final whisky down her throat, and then weaving along a darkened corridor. The memory of what happened next was so fresh and laced with so much shame, that she knew she had to leave. Leave London. Leave her sister.
    A passenger announcement boomed over the loudspeaker, bringing her back to the present.
    Katie said, “I worry about you.”
    Mia withdrew her hand, pretending to adjust her backpack straps. “I’ll be fine.”
    They both turned as a middle-aged couple hurtled past, the man muttering, “Christ!” as he pushed a luggage trolley behind his wife, who was struggling to run in heels, her painted fingernails gripping a bundle of documents. The man glanced across at Katie. Even when rushing for planes, even when their wives were at their sides, men couldn’t help but look. They were drawn to her like bees to a honey pot, or like flies to shit as Mia had once said in anger. It wasn’t just Katie’s petite figure or honey-blonde hair, it was a warm confidence that breathed through her pores, saying I know who I am.
    Katie didn’t notice the admiring glance as her attention had been caught by someone else. Finn came loping towards them wearing his daily uniform of T-shirt, jeans, and Converse sneakers. A tattered army-green backpack hung easily off one shoulder.
    Katie took a slight step backwards, aligning herself with Mia, and fed her hands deep into her pockets.
    Finn’s gaze moved slowly over them both. Then the corners of his mouth turned up in an easy, wide smile. “The Greene sisters!” If there was any awkwardness on his part, he didn’t show it. “Coming with us, Katie?”
    “I’ll be living the trip vicariously from all the e-mails Mia will be sending.”
    Mia smiled. “Hint duly noted.”
    An airport vehicle towing a row of luggage trolleys beeped as it rolled towards them, causing the three of them to bunch together.
    “So how are things?” Finn asked Katie. “It’s been a while.”
    “Yes, it has. Everything is fine, thank you. Work’s busy. But good. And you? How are you?”
    “Feeling pretty pleased about having a year off.”
    “You both must be. It’s California first?”
    “Yes, for a few weeks of coast-side cruising, and then on to Australia.”
    “Sounds wonderful. I’m incredibly jealous.”
    Is she? Mia wondered. Would she want this: wearing her life on her back and moving from place to place with no plans?
    “Right,” Katie said, taking the car keys from her handbag. “I best get going.” She glanced at Finn, her face turning serious. “You will look after her, won’t you?”
    “You know that’s like asking a goldfish to babysit a piranha.”
    Her features softened a little. “Just bring her back safely.”
    “I promise.” He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “Take care.”
    She nodded quickly, pressing her lips together. “You’ll call?” she said to Mia. “You’ve got your cell?”
    “I’m not taking it.” Then, seeing Katie’s expression, she added, “It’s too expensive abroad.” But cost wasn’t the real reason: Mia didn’t want to be contactable.
    “I’ve got mine if you need us,” Finn said. “You’ve got my number still?”
    “Yes. Yes, I think so.”
    There was a brief silence between them all. Mia wondered what Katie would do with the rest of her day. Catch up with a friend over coffee? Go to the gym? Meet Ed for lunch? She realized she had no idea how her sister spent her time.
    “Can you let me know when you’ve arrived?”
    “Sure,” Mia replied, with a