Swimming lessons

by Lynne Hugo

When Marna, an Olympic hopeful who abandoned her swimming career for love, first sees savvy, professional Laurel, friendship is the furthest thing from her mind. But then Laurel reveals that she's not quite as perfect as her intimidating appearance indicates - she's absolutely terrified of the water. She asks Marna for swimming lessons, and slowly these two women become friends. As they learn to trust their friendship, the secrets of their lives spill out: Laurel cannot bring herself to tell her boyfriend, Jake, about her phobia, or about the event that triggered it. For years Marna has kept her reservations about having children from her husband, J.W., continuing to take birth control pills even as she watches her thirteen-year marriage slowly dissolve. Just as Laurel and Marna edge into best-friend intimacy, however, a shocking discovery threatens to undo their personal lives. And their connection, one that so many women will recognize and celebrate, is sorely tested.