Page 53 of Running
Iover-reacted. I know I did.
Objectively, I know Johnson didn’t mean his words as a slight.
But they still felt that way. Dismissive of our connection, of our conversation at his house less than a month ago.
Calling his behavior “all over the place”—like his suggestion that after the season he might want to explore something was part of a frenetic whim. That his words at his house didn’t carry meaning.
Stop overthinking, Grace.But the instructions to myself come too late, because he hurt my feelings, and I already ran away.
I try to move past the moment, walking off towards a table of Waves front office staff. A couple of the ladies give me hugs of congratulations for the successful event, including Molly, who I’d replaced as coordinator of the auction.
“You did so well, Grace. I know we can get Lara to give you a letter of recommendation if that would help with anything.”
“Thank you, that would be amazing.” The praise helps brighten my mood.
I bump into Professor Carry as well, who shakes my hand assoon as she sees it’s me. “Great job tonight, Grace. I look forward to the report.”
Phew.Mission accomplished. I’m so relieved to have gotten through this class after all.
Shortly afterwards, Susie comes over and introduces me to her husband, who leaves to grab us drinks.
“It’s the least he can do, he knows you made my life a million times easier these last few weeks,” she says.
While we’re chatting, I notice a younger guy weaving his way toward us. He has light brown hair and looks to be in his mid-twenties. As he approaches, I see he’s also good-looking, if a little finance-bro-ish.
“Oh, Patrick, let me introduce you to Grace. Grace, this is my nephew. He lives in Atlanta but is down here through next month for a work project.”
He gives me a big smile. “Hi Grace, you did a fantastic job today during the auction. The beauty to Roderick’s joker.”
His comment throws me off a smidge—like hello, I’m not sure that’s a compliment to either of us? But I stay in polite mode, and nod back.
“Didn’t she, though?” Susie says. “Patrick doesn’t know many people in the area, Grace. Maybe you could meet up one day and show him around.”
Patrick answers before I can. “That would be great. Give me a tour of the hotspots where all the single ladies go.”
Ugh. So far, Patrick isn’t exactly winning me over. I don’t know how to decline in a nice way, so I stay quiet instead. Susie’s husband luckily shows up with drinks then, breaking the line of conversation. After a minute, I make my apologies and step into a different group.
A couple of hours later, the night seems to be winding down. As the attendees thin out, I notice Johnson amid the crowd a little more often. He’s keeping company with some of the VIP guests, who we’re still collecting checks from, as well as taking breaks for fun with his teammates.
I turn away when I catch myself staring.
In the meantime, Landon seems to have jetted off with Rori. I haven’t seen him since I left them for their Meet & Greet. Hopefully that is a good sign.
After another thirty minutes, the band has stopped for the night and the hotel event planner comes up to me.
“Grace, we’re going to start breaking down the tables and chairs as soon as everyone leaves.”
There’s maybe three dozen people left, but it’s mainly Waves staff, players, and their guests, so Molly volunteers to get everyone to head out the door. I appreciate it since I don’t know everyone well enough to play the stern card.
Finally, it’s time to call it a night, and I stuff a bunch of papers detailing the bid winners into my oversized purse. Several of us spill out into the parking lot at the same time, walking to our cars.
“Grace, Grace,” says a male voice from behind me, sounding slightly out of breath.
I turn and—oh no—it’s Patrick.
“Is that your car? Let me drive you home.”
Um, this is not good. He may be Susie’s nephew, he may even be really nice for all I know, but I don’t want this strange guy to drive me home.
