Once he's a little distance away, Steph strips down to her underwear and bra, folding her clothes in a neat pile to leave with her boots. She could strip completely, but she's swimming in familiar water in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar boy.

By the time he's back, Steph has already dived into the water and swum out a few good feet. The shell inclines slowly, there's no sudden drop (at least not yet) but she's deep enough that her feet just touch the shell. It feels more like a swimming pool than the ocean, except for the smell of salt.

"We're good!" She lets herself float back a little, giving him a wave when he's visible again.