Page 130 of Running
“Lainie will bring the kids once you feel up to it, she’s been so worried. And Grace said she’ll be back here later tonight. She’s trying to talk to Landon this morning and see her brothers before they leave.”
Shit.I need to get better.
I don’t want her to have to shoulder that burden alone.
But I pass out again five minutes later…
CHAPTER 41
Grace
For the first several hours after Johnson’s injury, I stay at the hospital with Pam. We wait what feels like an eternity for updates, sitting in uncomfortable armchairs in the lobby. When I finally get to see him, he is completely out of it.
At midnight, Pam insists I go home and get some rest. I sleep from about one to six this morning before popping back awake.
I’ve not been able to test the waters with my brother yet. A couple of texts with updates on Johnson go unanswered, which isn’t a good sign.
I missed his entire birthday dinner, and I feel terrible about that. Rawley and Connor texted me last night not to worry about it though—the celebration was cut short under the circumstances.
I hear from Rori this morning, however. She apparently received the whole story from Landon after the game.
RORI: Just wanted to say I’m sorry I can’t be there to help with all of this. I’m boarding my plane for the WTA Finals.
I respond quickly, telling her not to worry aboutit.
An hour later, the waters are about to be tested as I pull into Landon’s driveway, so nervous.
Walking up to the door, I punch in the security code and let myself into the house.Good to know Landon hasn’t changed that on me yet at least.
Grover runs up, demanding a pet, which I readily give. A welcome distraction.
“Hey, Grace,” Rowley says, coming to meet me at the door. He and Connor have a couple of hours before they leave for their flights back to their respective schools. “We’re all in the kitchen.”
He wears a sympathetic expression, but still manages to tease me. “At least I’m not the one in trouble with Landon this time.”
I whack him on the shoulder. “Not helping me feel better.”
He gives a passing guilty expression and then drops his voice low. “Look, I won’t lie, Landon’s pissed. Just give it time.” Then I hear him add under his breath, “This is one birthday we’ll remember.”
Great.
We walk into the kitchen, and Landon’s standing at the island, his face turning irate once he sees me. Connor is sitting at the kitchen table, taking all of us in intently.
“Hi Gracie,” Connor says. “How’s Johnson?”
Landon grunts like it’s the last thing he wants to hear about. I face Connor while answering.
“His mom texted me on the way here. He’s awake now, and they’re going through the concussion protocol.”
“He’ll be okay? He’ll recover?”
“As far as they can tell.”
I don’t miss the beat of relief on Landon’s face before he smooths it away.
“Guys, as someone well experienced in messed up situations, can we get right to this awkwardly large elephant in the room?” Rawley interjects.
I sigh. I guess I’ll need to start, since I’m the onlyone who can fix things.
