Page 62 of Running
“I made us dinner, if you’re hungry?” I nod and we start walking. When we reach his kitchen area, there are a couple of pots on the stove.
He walks over to stir the larger one. “Spaghetti and meatballs, my mom’s recipe. Does that work? I should have asked you what you like to eat.”
“That sounds great! I’m not picky. Did you make it yourself?”
He nods. “I did. I’m not a good cook, but I can follow a recipe.”
“Well, that’s better than me. I usually do grocery store sushi or make a big salad if I’m not at Landon’s.”
Looking satisfied at the state of the pots, he begins to grab plates for us. “So did you have school today?”
Placing my keys and the flowers on the far side of the kitchen island, I sit down on a stool, feeling awkward just standing and watching him.
“No, I have this week off, which I needed so badly. We start the fall semester next week.”
He puts down two full plates on the island, pushing one in my direction. “Do you want to eat here or sit down at the table?”
Sitting down at his dining table seems like it would inject an air of formality into the evening, which doesn’t feel right.
“I am good eating here.” I smile at him. “This looks really tasty.” And it does. The sauce appears to include fresh vegetables and the meatballs are hearty, with some seasoning giving them dimension.
“So what are you going to do with your week off?” he asks before taking a bite.
“Read. Run. Rest.” I laugh. “That may not sound like the most fun to you, but it’s my dream.”
“Oh, it sounds pretty nice.” He grins at me. “What kind of books?”
Oh shoot, I don’t know how he’s going to react to my fun romance stack. But I decide to be honest.
“Romance books. There were several new releases last month, and I fell behind because I was so busy.”
If he’s surprised, he doesn’t act it. Instead, he finishes his bite, giving me space to continue.
“My brothers tease me about them, but they give my brain a break, you know?”
“I want to hear about your favorite tropes.”
Wait, what?I’m the one surprised now.
He notices my reaction and explains, smiling. “When I was in Alabama, I got an earful from Lainie and her friends about their books.”
Ah, got it. “Well, the fact that you ask that question seriously means you’re probably a more supportive brother than mine when it comes to your sister’s reading habits.”
I mean it as a joke, but his reply is earnest.
“I’m serious. I do want to know.” He studies me intently. “I want to know all things Grace Battle.”
It takes me a moment to process his words, but when I do…I’m overwhelmed. No one has ever said anything like this to me before.Aboutme before.
“Johnson—”
“Too early in the night to go there?” He looks half amused, half sheepish.
If I’m being honest, sitting in my uncertain hope about tonight doesn’t sound appealing. I don’t mind ripping off the bandaid now.
“No.” I shake my head. “But has anything changed from the last time I was here?” I take a bite to distract myself from the nerves of how he may answer.
He pushes his own plate to the side, resting his fork on a napkin. He then puts his palms down on the kitchen island, meeting my eyes while he answers.
