Page 116 of Running
“Great, I fully approve. Let’s talk through some resources I would suggest checking out.”
She whips through some recommendations that I jot down. I’m thrilled she’s so behind the idea. I’ll be finishing my MBA on a high note.
As I’m about to say goodbye at the end of the session, she jumps in. “One more thing, Grace. Do you know what you’re going to do after graduation?”
“I’m actively looking, but I don’t have anything firm yet, no,” I admit.
She nods. “I don’t know what your career goals are, but listening to you speak so passionately about your project popped a connection in my mind. A professional colleague—he’s also a business manager for athletes—is moving to Orlando from L.A., and reached out to me the other day asking how he might be able to find a junior colleague to help him here. His clients are primarily soccer players, so I don’t know if that matters to you.”
“Oh wow. My youngest brother is a soccer player at Princeton and has been in the USMNT youth program for years. I love the sport.”
“That’s great. I’ll give Milo your contact information, if that is okay? Milo Cantera is his name. His boyfriend is a coach for the Major League Soccer team here, which is why he’s moving.”
“I would love to talk to him. Thank you so much for thinking of me, Lily.”
She smiles as we sign off, and when I close my computer and start packing up, I can’t help the intuitive shiver that runs up my spine, like something important just happened.
I’m ready to go tell Johnson all about it when I get to his house.
“Grace!” I hear as soon as I step out of the building where I met Lily. Looking up, I see Jessica.
“Hey, you here for a class?” She nods and we chat as I walk with her toward her destination. Not in any rush, because I told Johnson I’d be at his place closer to five, and she’s twenty minutes early herself.
“So,” she says in a not-so-quiet whisper. “How’s it going with Johnson?”
I look around and see no one close enough to hear her, thankfully.
“It’s so good, Jess. He asked me to be his girlfriend.”
“Oh my god! But still secretly?”
“Still a secret, yes. I don’t mind, though. We’ve gotten a chance to know each other quietly, and I think that’s been a good thing for me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I’ve not had the best dating luck. Nothing bad, just no guy’s really interested me enough before to get emotionally invested. This time, with him, it’s the complete opposite. And having no one aware we’re dating has given me space to get comfortable with how serious it’s becoming.”
Her face shifts from a teasing expression to a thoughtful one. “So youreallylike him? As in, you see a possibility of it lasting for the long term?”
“I do.” It’s the first time I’ve thought so directly about that question, but I don’t have to search hard for my response.
“Well, I’m happy for you. Both of you.” We’ve reached the location of her class, and she gives me a hug. “I should get in and grab a seat, but call me anytime you want to talk more.”
As she retreats into the building, I consider grabbing a tea at the cafeteria before heading to my car. Only when I check my phone, I see an unexpected message from Johnson.
JOHNSON: Change in plans, Goldie. Get here as soon as you can.
CHAPTER 36
Johnson
With Grace focused on school today, I make a point to have my personal trainer come over to run me through a tough workout, followed by a massage.
I also have a check-in call with Lily and Aiden about a range of endorsement and appearance requests. While we organize the bulk of my commitments during the off-season, we’ve gotten in the habit of doing a mega touch-base over the bye week each year.
The program I funded for children whose parents struggle with alcohol addiction—which is now officially named Safety Net—also gets my attention today. The new executive director, Maria, and I zoom for about an hour, largely going over her strategic plan for the first year. She also walks me through all the details of the planned launch event in December.
Fifteen million well spent, if it changes these kids’ lives and gives them the support system they need.
