Page 18 of Running
“Nice. Landon’s always saying how tight you four are. It’s really cool.”
Realizing this conversation has been one-sided after his string of questions, I kick in my social graces.
“What about you? You have a sister, right? Was she into sports?”
“No, Lainie was more into math, tech, and school in general.”
“Well, those are good things to be interested in.”
“She’s so much older, I was alone a lot of the time growing up.”
“Like ade factoonly child?”
He smiles. “Bringing out your Latin, I see?”
“You know Latin?”
“It was what I picked for my required language class. No pronunciations to learn and mess up.”
“Ha.”
“I’m joking. I didn’t mind school. I just happened to be better at throwing a leather ball around.”
“Too much fame and fortune.” My quip comes out without any thought.You’re relaxing around him.
“Thankfully.” He’s grinning. “I grew up like you guys. We never had more than the basics. My mom was in survival mode a lot of the time. Of course, I didn’t understand that as a kid, but I see it now.”
Much like the peek at his abs earlier, his transparency is a bit of a shock to my system. Only this time, it’s empathy that flares up in a way I would never have expected when I agreed to this run.
Pieces of the puzzle that make him,him, are starting to form into shape in my mind.
And now it’s even more evident why Landon and he are close beyond football—they both have strong emotional awareness, at least about the people they care about.
He clears his throat. “Anyway, enough serious talk. Although, if you want to chat about your issue with school, I’m here for it still.”
I consider the offer and decide to take it this time.
“I have a non-profit corporation class that’s focused on practical applications. I’m supposed to develop and execute a business concept to make an impact for an organization, and I don’t have any ideas on what to do.”
He doesn’t react initially, but then his face turns sharply to mine. “Tell me more?”
Okay, not what I thought would interest him.“It’s pretty flexible. Our professor said we can propose anything that helps the bottom line and makes a true impact. My friends’ projects range from a new business plan to a more operational role in increasing income.”
His eyes are lit up when I look at him again. “That seems kinda neat. What are you struggling with specifically?”
“Where to start, really. I’ve been so busy since I moved here that I haven’t gotten involved with any community organizations. And I want the project to be really good if I’m going through with it, not half-baked.”
“Grace.” Johnson’s voice carries a disbelieving tone. “Why wouldn’t you ask Landon or me for help with connections? We’re each involved with several local charities.”
My face twists in response. “I hate asking Landon for help on this kind of thing. He’s constantly bothered by people asking for connects in business.”
“You know he wouldn’t mind.”
I look at him again. “And, I mean, you and I haven’t actually talked much since I moved here.”
Whoa, I can’t believe I just acknowledged that. The progression of our conversation so far, combined with the endorphins from the run, have obviously shredded my normal “polite Grace”filters.
He looks almost as surprised as me that I spoke those words out loud. Then he shifts his expression.
