Page 46 of Running
I watch her show a flash of surprise, which she quickly wipes away. “Ah. Okay. Well, it’s great to meet you. I’ll never forget all the showdowns between you and Shantal at the NCAAs.”
Shantal Merit was my main competition in college. I smile a little at the mention of her name. We’d built up a friendly rapport at meets after years of battling each other. Trading off being first and second at most smaller meets, though at the major ones there were other serious competitors challenging me too.
She did end up going pro, but I haven’t let myself check any competition standings.
“Well, great to meet you. I’ll try to stay and watch your practice.” I say the last bit to be polite, since I don’t see myself watching a practice anytime soon.
She nods and walks away, and I have a sad realization.
Shoot, I may not be able to run at this track anymore.
Because I’m not interested in having eyes on me during my runs.
The waning days before the auction have my mind going a mile a minute, but deep down I know we’re ready.
All the donations are collected and waiting to be taken to the gala.
All RSVPs are final, with almost everyone we wanted to come having confirmed.
The hotel event planner has the chef, servers, and facility staff fully prepped.
I also have my dress and shoes pulled aside, so no worries there. Knock on wood, we’re in great shape.
During the last couple of hours, Susie and I have been meeting with Roderick Hayes, a local news anchor who is experienced in running bid auctions for charity events. He and I are going to co-host that part of the night.
Theoretically, I should be nervous about being on stage—it’s definitely not my preference to be the center of attention. But Susie and Roderick keep pumping me up, helping my confidence a ton.
“Just be yourself,” Susie guides me. “You have such a natural charm, don’t worry about putting on any façade.”
“Yes, and leave the jokes to me.” Roderick chuckles. “Although I can’t promise some won’t be cheesy.”
Happily, we’ll have a floor monitor on the stage with all the bid details and transitions for the night. It will be my cheat sheet, worst case.
“My last words of wisdom,” Roderick adds. “No matter what,just smile.”
As I drive home to my condo from the Waves facility, my prevailing feeling is one of calm.
Everything’s organized, everything’s perfect, everything’s ready.
And then as I walk in my door, I see that an unexpected text came in while I was driving.
From Rori Reilly, Landon’s ex-situationship. Wanting to talk.
Okay.This summer they’d agreed on “no labels,” but in reality there were lots of feelings involved. It’s been three weeks since their breakup, and Landon isjuststarting to get over it. At the same time, I know he wishes the breakup had never happened. So I decide I better see what Rori wants instead of ignoring the message.
I pour myself a small glass of wine and text her back.
GRACE: Yes, I’m free now.
Her call comes right away.
“Hi, Rori.”
“Hi Grace, thanks for talking to me.” Rori and I haven’t spent a lot of quality time together yet, but we’ve had several casual conversations. She’s only twenty, so in theory I should feel a bit ofan age gap, but she’s so confident, it always feels like she’s the older one.
Her voice is wavering now, though. “I don’t know what you’re going to think about this, but…I really messed up with Landon.”
“Okay?”
