“Sounds simple enough.”
She grins up at me.“Simple until you try to run with someone else’s leg strapped to yours.Coordination is everything.One person trips, you both go down.”She pauses, her expression turning serious.“And this tinsel is super delicate.You break it, you’re disqualified immediately.No exceptions.”
I raise an eyebrow.“So we need speed, coordination, and the delicate touch of a bomb disposal expert.”
“Exactly.”She’s grinning like this is the best news she’s heard all day.“Now you’re getting it.”
I ponder over it, already strategizing.Weight distribution.Matching stride length.Communication.And somehow doing all of that without destroying a piece of decorative tinsel that has the structural integrity of tissue paper.
We reach the check-in table and give our names.A teenager with braces hands us a number—‘47’—and a length of silver tinsel that looks like it would disintegrate if I looked at it wrong.
“Here you go!Good luck!”The kid is already turning to the next couple before I can respond.I’m examining the tinsel, testing its strength gently between my fingers, when Carol and Bob appear beside us.Carol’s cheeks are flushed from the cold, her eyes bright with excitement.
“Oh, you two look perfect!”She clasps her hands together.“Alexander, does yours fit okay?I had to guess your measurements.”
“It’s perfect, Carol.”I mean it.The sweater fits like it was made for me—which it was.“Thank you.”
Her smile could light up the entire town square.“Remember, this is about having fun.”
Bob leans in, lowering his voice to add, “And winning.”
“Bob!”Carol gives him a reproachful look.
I meet Bob’s eyes and whisper back, “We’ll win.”
Carol sighs.“All you two have been doing is eating and roaming around town.There are people who actually train for this race, you know.”
“Alexander goes running every morning,” Olivia points out.
From somewhere behind us, Sophie’s voice pipes up.“Yeah.Alexander runs really fast.”She doesn’t even look away from whatever she’s watching on her phone.“You’d better beat Chase and Amber, Alexander.Only sissies lose.”
“Sophie!”Carol’s scandalized.
But Sophie sneers.“What?It’s true.”
Carol shakes her head, giving us both a meaningful look.“Have fun.Focus on each other.Chase and Amber are not relevant to your happiness.”The words settle over Olivia, and her expression shifts, thoughtfulness replacing the competitive edge that’s been there since we arrived.
We move away from her family, and Olivia’s hand finds mine.But before she can say anything, Avery appears in front of us hobbling with a crutch under one arms and a rolled-up banner under the other.“Olivia!”
Olivia’s entire face lights up.“Avery!”
Avery throws her arms around Olivia, and the banner nearly hits me in the face as they embrace.
“I heard you were participating,” Avery says, pulling back and holding up the banner with obvious pride.It’s hand-painted in silver and red: ‘GO OLIVIA & ALEXANDER!’with little Christmas trees bordering the edges.“I made this for you two.”
“That’s so sweet.”Olivia’s voice is thick with emotion, and I watch her blink rapidly.“What happened to your foot?”
Avery looks embarrassed.“I was clumsy and twisted my ankle while trying to climb down some steps.It’s better, but I have to use the crutch for two more days.”
Oliva looks worried, and Avery’s expression turns serious, almost shy.“I’m sorry,” Avery says quietly.“For not reaching out.After everything with Chase, I should have?—”
“It’s okay.”Olivia hugs her again, tight and fierce.“Really.It’s okay.”
When they pull apart, Avery’s smiling again.“I got your thank you text.About the book.”
“Yes!”Olivia’s eyes shine.“I’m so excited to read it.I’m so proud of you, Avery.”The two women exchange a look—something knowing and significant I can’t quite decipher.Avery’s cheeks flush slightly, and Olivia squeezes her hand.
“I should let you get ready,” Avery says, backing away with a wave.“Good luck!I’ll be cheering!”
