Moonstone by Jaime Clevenger

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.

Chapter Nine
    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