Page 119 of Running
We follow Pam’s lead as she walks us up a staircase that goes to the second floor.
“There are three bedrooms up here,” she explains in my direction. “You and Johnny will be in the spare bedroom. I sleep downstairs in a converted den, and here is Emma’s room.”
“Let me show you my stuffie collection,” Emma says to me.
“I’d love that.” Her outgoing personality is contagious, and her hand replaces Johnson’s as she guides me into her room. Her bed is full of stuffed animals of all kinds, shapes, and colors.
As she rattles off their names and has them each say hi to me, I spy Johnson whispering quietly with his mom. If I can be a distraction for a moment to keep Emma occupied while they talk, I’m happy to play that role.
After a few minutes, Pam steps back toward Emma and me. “Let’s get you changed for bed, Ems. Johnny is going to show Grace their room.”
I smile towards Emma’s stuffs. “It was nice to meet all of you.”
We step into the hallway, and Johnson shows me where we’ll be sleeping. It’s a comfortable room, with enough space for a couple of chairs and a queen-sized bed.
Still, it’s surreal to be in his family’s house with him. A little overwhelming now that I’m here.
Johnson seems to catch onto my state of mind. “This is a big leap for us, I know. You okay?”
“I think so. I—I’m so glad to be here for you. Get to know your family.”
He takes my hand and puts it up to his lips.
“Just another step that leaves no doubt you’re my girl.Girlfriend.”
“Yes, it feels more real now than when it was only the two of us in my condo.” My shoulders relax as I realize there’s no reason to be nervous. Not with Johnson.
He pulls me into a hug, and it’s like we’re back in the pillow fort, snug and sheltered from anything outside.
After a few beats, he whispers in my ear.
“Alright, let’s go introduce you to Lainie before I decide we’re going to stay like this all night.”
I giggle, which helps release my remaining nerves, and we break apart, walking downstairs slowly so our sounds are muted with Emma trying to sleep.
Lainie, again recognizable from Johnson’s photos, is in a cozy living room, nursing baby Leo.
“Hi, sis,” Johnson says softly.
“Hi.” She smiles at us weakly. “I can’t believe you got here this fast.”
“You know, I’ll pull any strings needed for you guys.” He steps to the side and makes sure I’m in her full view. “This is Grace.”
“Sorry that we have to meet under these circumstances.” She wears a sheepish expression. “I really look forward to getting to know you better. Mom gave me a little of the backstory of you two earlier tonight.” She then looks at Johnson. “First woman this guy has ever brought home, so you must be special.”
I can’t help but blush. “No need to apologize. I’m sorry it’s been a tough time.”
Johnson gestures to the couch and we both sit down. “I’ve heard Mom’s account of what happened with the job and Mark.”
“She probably told you everything important.” She sighs. “I’m too tired to revisit it all right now, but it does mean a lot that you came here.”
“That’s okay, Lainie, really. I want to help. Whatever that looks like.”
She seems to be fighting off tears. “I’m so exhausted. Losing my job could’ve been a blessing in disguise if Mark hadn’t reacted the way he did.”
Johnson starts to say something but then stops himself.
“So yeah, Johnson….” She pauses, looking down at Leo before moving her head back up to us. “I think I might be ready to accept help. I don’t even know how we’re going to afford the house if Mark’s moving out.” Silent tears begin to fall, and she turns away so they don’t drop on the baby.
