Page 73 of Running
He nods, looking thrilled at my offer, and thensteps aside to let us pass. I grab Grace’s hand, and we walk on the chipped wood path into the green oasis ahead.
After about thirty feet, we’re fully immersed in the elements of the preserve. The landscape is blanketed with a mix of large trees and shrubs of all sizes. Birds chirp, with the sounds of other unknown animals coming through. A stream runs nearby, which I can just make out through the shrubs.
The sun is still strong, with sundown over two hours away, so we can enjoy all the different dynamics of this spot.
“This is incredible,” Grace says. “Peaceful and lively at the same time. You can feel the energy of all the life here.” She turns towards me and squeezes my hand. “And we get to enjoy it alone.”
I stop, unable to resist the moment. My lips descend on hers, and I give her a firm peck.
She beams in response and then leans up to grab a quick kiss of her own. “I love that we can just do that now,” she confesses.
My chest heats at her words. She’s been less expressive about her feelings than I have, which I know reflects her nature. Still, when I hear the inner workings of her mind, it’s a confidence boost that we’re on the same page of where this could go between us.
We walk about half a mile, hand in hand, largely in comfortable silence. When we do speak, we keep our voices low. The wildlife rewards us by surrounding us with their own natural sounds.
Finally, we reach a gazebo, which has wooden circular benches surrounding the frame, and a view of a stream running on the far side, where there is less greenery so you can enjoy a more expansive view of the reserve. I had seen in pictures that a lot of visitors stopped and had lunch there.
“I thought we could eat here?”
Her voice is breathless. “Johnson, this is so romantic.”
It really fucking is. I’m kind of in awe of this moment. Being able to be real with Grace about how I feel, the natural beauty ofthe landscape, having someone I care about to share the experience with.
But it makes me more determined to earn the moment.
To be the man that is worthy of Grace.
CHAPTER 23
Johnson
Which starts with feeding her.
“Okay Goldie, let me show off all the goods?—”
She looks amused and whips out a reply. “Moving us along fast there?”
I chuckle, loving the fact that she’s not holding back her wit with me. “Not those goods. Put a pin in that discussion though.” She turns a little pink, but doesn’t lose the amused expression.
I open up the picnic basket, and after setting aside the two plates and utensils I brought, begin pulling out the food. “We’ve got herb-seasoned salmon—it’s cold, but it’s nice that way. And then three kinds of cheeses, crackers, and a salad.”
“Oh, this looks so yummy.” She starts setting things up on her plate, and then I do the same.
“It’s all healthy, since I’m in season, but hopefully it’s still tasty.” I don’t mention that I’ll probably need a second dinner later to have enough calories for the day. “I brought a little white wine, in case you want some? And seltzer too.”
“I’ll take the seltzer,” she says, a look of curiosity coming over her face. “You aren’t bothered when people drink in front of you? I mean, because of…” Her voice trails off.
“No, I mean I’ll drink beers with the guys when we’re outof season, as you’ve seen before.” I’ve always been able to keep my dad’s choices separate in my mind. “I’ll stick with seltzer myself though, since we’re in season.”
She smiles at me. “Okay. This salmon smells so good. Where did you get it?”
I answer her, and as we begin eating, we chat more than we did on the walk. She asks me about my family, and I explain how Lainie is struggling now that she’s back at work, with only my mom as true support.
“That’s got to be hard,” she sympathizes. “For both of them.”
“I’m definitely hoping they let me help more soon.”
“Do they make it to any of your games?” Most of the players have family come in and out during the season, so her question makes sense despite their current chaotic lives.
