MasukThe meeting starts wrapping up. People start standing, stretching, and talking. Then I remember something that needs to be addressed. I look around at everyone. Right, I need to address this. I clear my throat, and everyone looks over. I fold my arms, “One more thing.” They look confused as I look a
The next morning starts the way most practice race mornings do. Too early, too cold, and too much coffee. I park up outside the training grounds and sit in my car for a minute before getting out. My hand automatically checks my pocket. The ring box is still there. Good. I shake my head at myself. Th
My mom gasps dramatically, covering her mouth, “Oh, my god.” I frown, thinking about what my mother is about to say. She points at Jen through the camera, “You’re pregnant.” Jen chokes on her own saliva as my mom continues with what she assumes is the news. “Oh gosh, honey, I’m gonna be a grandma—”
I have never realized just how exhausting keeping a secret can be. Not because I’m regretting it. Not because I’m not sure. But because apparently the entire state of California has decided that my proposal plans are community property. I stand in the kitchen pretending to look through the fridge wh
He nods, “Okay.” I grin with excitement, “Number three.” My smile widens, hoping he will agree with this one. “Backstreet Boys at The Sphere.” Greg stares, “You contain multitudes.” I laugh, and he nods, “Fair.” Then his eyes light up like the Fourth of July, “What about the zip line?” I blink, t
By the time I get home, I feel lighter than I have all day. Work has done what work has always done. It gives me somewhere to put my brain. No mystery conversations, no suspicious behavior, and no trying to figure out why everyone suddenly looks guilty every time the word future comes up. Just contr
Getting wheeled back into the gallery where Jen left me, I keep looking at all the paintings, waiting for her to return. My eyes kept wandering to the painting I have just secretly purchased for the woman who is taking care of me and whom I still love deeply. When I get a bit longer of a chance, I n
“What do you think of it?” Jen asks me. I can only ever be honest with her, so I tell her my honest opinion.“It’s breathtaking. There’s something about this painting that reminds me of you. I don’t quite know what it is, but it’s there. The colors and the contrasts are just captivating. I can see w
Getting to Greg’s room, I charge into the room to see Greg dressed in a white tee and black gym shorts sitting in a wheelchair with a gym bag of what I’m assuming are his belongings on his lap, and the doctor giving him what looks like discharge papers and pain meds. Two heads turn in my direction a
When I get down to the lobby heading toward the doors, I see my mom and dad talking to Greg’s parents. Tracy spots me from across the lobby and waves me over to join them. I signaled to her that I can’t go over to join them as I had somewhere I needed to be right now. She nods in understanding, and







