Page 152 of Running
Landon reaches for the cooler he brought and then hesitates.
“I only stocked this with waters for two since I didn’t know you were coming, but there’s enough so we each can have one.”
“We won’t last long out here then,” I observe, as it’s promising to be a hot day, even if technically fall.
“But mission accomplished,” Rori replies.
As confirmation of a return to normalcy between them, Landon asks Johnson about his recovery.
“They did another round of tests yesterday to see if I’m ready for full activities yet,” Johnson replies.
“Well, Tony’s doing an alright job, but there’s nothing like having you in there.”
“Yeah, just between you and me, I’m sorry the offense is the weak link still this year. It’s not even Tony’s fault. We really need another weapon,” Johnson observes.
Landon nods. “Yeah, Paul seems okay but not quite enough?” Johnson nods in agreement.
As the guys chat, Rori and I stay quiet, but keep sneaking smiles at each other.
By the time the noon sun hits the center of the sky, it’s like they never stopped talking.
And as we make our way back to the dock early given our lack of provisions, Landon invites us to come over to watch a NBA game tomorrow night.
“And Thanksgiving?” I ask, ready to push back if the answer is anything but the affirmative.
“Bring the gang,” Landon says to Johnson.
Once back in our car, Johnson gives me a firm kiss. “Thank you for making this happen, Goldie. What a good day.”
It was awonderfulday, for other reasons too.
Johnson loves me. And I love him.
CHAPTER 48
Johnson
As we’re driving out of the marina, I can feel my body release weeks—no,months—of stress.
Landon’s forgiven me, and I get to be with Grace. Reallywithher. In front of our families, our friends.
No more hiding, no more secrets, no more lies.
Now this incredible woman and I can see exactly where our path will go.
I’m fucking excited by that. Because I see a whole lot of future on the horizon.
“I’m so glad I mentioned Thanksgiving,” Grace says, breaking my thoughts. “I really didn’t want to do it without you. Without all of you.”
“Me too. You’re okay, otherwise?” I glide my hand over the length of her hair. “I’m sorry—I’m sorry that the first time I said I loved you was in front of your brother. But I do, Goldie, I love you.”
She beams at me. “I love you too. And it’s okay, it doesn’t matter to me when you said it. Maybe it helped with Landon too.”
“Probably.” I blow out a breath, leaning deeper into the seat. “What a relief. Now we can be out in the open and not worry about it.”
“You should tell Carter. Wasn’t he super stressed about it when you saw him last?”
“Yeah.” I chuckle. “I think I have a few other people to tell even sooner than Carter. Mom, Coach….”
