"We'll be waiting," he said. "You can ride the bus or you can come out here and get in the car. I promise you that we'll have a good time."

Marilyn stood looking at him for a moment and then she hurried away. Danny breathed a sigh of relief.

"Goddamn, Billy," Danny said. "Are you trying to get us arrested? What if she had screamed rape or something?"

"She wouldn't," Billy said.

"Why not?"

"Because I think Timmy told the truth," Billy said. "I think she really is a hot fuck. And I think her mouth is watering for it right now."

"You mean you actually expect her to meet us after practice?"

"Yes," Billy answered.

"Then you're a God damn idiot," Danny said.

"She'll never come out here."

"She'll come," Billy said.

Marilyn would have called him a liar. She had no intention of going anywhere with them. She was already thinking that she could control herself and her reputation wouldn't get hurt. After a while, Timmy's bragging would be forgotten.

She concentrated on her swimming. She wanted to get really tired, but Coach Bayles wouldn't let her stay in the water. He wanted the rest of the girls in the water but he wanted Marilyn to do a few practice strokes and then rest for the big swim trial coming up.

"You're doing fine," Coach Bayles said. "I think you're ready to win."

"I hope so," Marilyn said.

"Just think confident," Coach Bayles said. "Confidence. That's the key."

She nodded. The practice went well. Everyone looked good. Of course, Leslie had to tease her when they were back in the shower rooms.

"I'll be glad when the swimming is over and cheerleading starts again," Leslie said. "This water hurts my hair."

"You do have pretty hair," Marilyn admitted.

Leslie couldn't let a compliment pass without sinking her barbs in.

"Brian Edwards likes it," Leslie said.