Page 26 of Running
Without letting myself think too hard about why, I delay leaving for another fifteen minutes to change back into a cuter outfit and put on makeup.
I’m not thinking about thewhyat all. Really.
As I drive to the team hotel, Sarah finally texts me back: “I’m free, can you talk?”
I honestly could use some friend time, so as soon as I’m parked in the Waves parking lot, I call her. Landon—and Johnson—can wait.
“Grace, I’m so sorry for being the worst friend,” Sarah says as soon as we greet each other. “It’s ridiculously hectic until the season is over. I want to hear though. What’s your big news?”
“No worries at all, you have good excuses right now.”
I explain how I’m going to coordinate the Waves auction this year, and that it gets me one step closer to my MBA degree too.
“Awesome, congrats!” She sounds legitimately happy for me, which feels good after talking to my mom. “I know our team donates something every year, but I’ll dig in and make sure it’s extra special this time.”
“You’re the best.”
“This is exactly the kind of project that could be a launchpad for your career,” Sarah observes. “The people you’ll meet, the recommendations you can get. I’m really proud of you.”
Sarah’s been one of the friends I’ve talked to the most about my plans for the future. She understands the sports world betterthan my Princeton friends, and has no personal agenda for my future, unlike certain others in my life.
We spend another ten minutes chatting about Malcolm’s move to Tampa, her season, and my classes, before she needs to jump off to prep for her game tonight.
“Seriously, Grace, I know you’re going to do amazing with the auction. Congrats again.”
When we hang up, I realize one thing from my call with her. This auction is a big deal, and I need to stay focused.
Yes, I’m about to go meet with Johnson alone in his hotel room, but it’s about a major professional event for the team, and he clearly has something he needs to run by me.
It’s a business meeting, so stay on track.
After I drop off Landon’s toiletry bag, I head to Johnson’s room.
Emptying my mind of anything but auction planning.
CHAPTER 9
Johnson
Ican’t believe I let those words escape my mouth.
“Oh, I just got Grace’s email about the auction. Tell her to stop by my room if she wants to chat about it.”
Shit.
Of course, Landon doesn't bat an eye. Still clueless about Grace’s and my special history, and especially about how attracted I am to her. I’m his “backup” to protect her, after all.
And while family members aren’t supposed to visit the hotel during training camp, Grace’s role in the auction makes her exempt. She’s staff now.
Landon looks up from his phone. “I gave her your room number, and she said okay.”
Okay.
“Well, I’m going to head back there and wait then. I need to unpack my clothes anyway.”
Landon nods. “Catch you later.”
I walk to my room and open the door. They set up all the returning starters with suites this year, so the room includes a sitting area with a brown floral couch and matching armchair, as well as a desk. I’d plopped my playbook on the desk when I first arrived, but otherwise I haven’t organizedanything.
