Page 92 of Running
But she takes the bull by the horn, and with one minute left before it’s officially the start of class, she looks straight at me and smiles.
“You aren’t Grace Battle, by any chance?” I nod. “Oh great, I thought it might be you. I’ve met your brother a few times, through my client Johnson. You have the same eyes.”
Getting over the surprise that she’s my teacher, I stand up and approach her. I offer my hand, which she takes readily. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m really looking forward to this course.”
Of course, I don’t mention my own connection to Johnson.
The class itself is incredible. Lily walks us through some of the strategic work that she does as part of her job, and assigns a couple of books about the topic that I know I’m going to devour.
The other students are engaged too, with many of them expressing interest in pursuing careers in the sports industry. I realize it will be a great chance to network with them as well.
As I leave, after waving goodbye to Lily, I find a bench to sit down and text Johnson.
GRACE: You’re never going to believe this…
Later that night, he calls me to get the full story on both developments. I’m back at my condo, since Landon returned from New York on Sunday evening.
“That’s unexpected,” he says about Lily.
“I didn’t mention anything that would suggest you and I know each other well.”
He chuckles. “That’s one way of putting it.”
“If she doesn’t know, then no one can say that it’s impacting how she grades me.”
“True, true. She and I don’t exactly talk about my love life anyway.”
He’s quiet for a second and then clears his throat. “So I know this weekend was a lot, our dates, Carter and Jessica finding out…I don’t want you to feel rushed about anything else.”
“I’m good, Johnson.” And I am. More than good.
“You know how Tuesdays are my normal day off? When we have weekend games, anyway. I was wondering, could we make a standing date for Tuesdays? After you get done with your classes for the day, that is.”
“You know I love a plan,” I joke, and he laughs in return, a little nervousness trickling into his voice. “Yes, that sounds great, Johnson.”
From living with Landon’s schedule, I know that football dominates the rest of Johnson’s week right now. The fact that he wants to carve out his one technical day off for me means a lot.
He sighs like he’s been holding his breath. “Awesome. I mean, that’s a whole week from now, and I would love to see you more often, but it’ll be nice to know that Tuesdays are Grace days.”
I’m not sure he understands how much he’s revealing with his words. But the relief that floods his voice with the “Tuesdays are Grace days” line squeezes my heart.
“Tuesdays areJohnsondays,” I mirror back.
I can hear the smile in his voice when he responds. “So tell me more about the run today…”
And as I explain everything that happened with the Tolliver team this morning, I feel something click into place. Something important.
Johnson, what’s happening here, how he treats me—Ideservethis. I deserve whatever this is, for myself.
CHAPTER 29
Grace
The following Tuesday morning, I start the day by meeting Jasmine for our first duo run. We texted last night to set a plan to do a ten miler on one of her personal favorite routes. Instead of heading down to the track, we meet by the large gym and begin by stretching on the lawn, since that’s her preferred starting place.
“Hi, Grace,” I hear Jasmine’s voice say as soon as I pop out of my car.
“Hey!” I walk over to her. “I’m so ready for this! It’s been a while since I’ve had someone to do ten miles with.”
