"But if it hurts, why push it?" She asks as she starts to walk away.
"Hmm, you have a point." Laney turns back. "I’ll wait here and you can pick me up then!"
"Oh, I see how this is going to go."
"Do you have a sexy nurse outfit you can wear?"
"Unbelievable." She grumbles but smiles. "I’ll be back in a minute."
And I watch her walk away realizing how lucky I am to be given another chance.
Chapter thirty-two
Laney
Is Na’an Stop
Iwakewithagasp. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume I was late for my final exam and just burst into the auditorium naked.
But no, it’s 4:03 a.m. andmyalarm is set to go off in a minute.
With a relieved sigh, I grab my phone, preemptively turn off the alarm, and let my arms flop to my sides.
A year ago, I was waking up in this same bed, in this same room, getting ready for the same race.
But unlike a year ago, I feel like a completely different athlete. Or, at least one who has leveled up her game.
Just a few miles south, Miguel is waking up and starting his pre-race routine. His herniated disc was mild and for the last three weeks he’s done the physical therapy and continued his training with a few modifications. And he still cooked for me like he wasn’t injured at all. His physical therapist cleared him for the race today with clear follow-up instructions.
Waking up in my own bed for the Chicago TP today brings a swirl of emotions all fueled by adrenaline. I know the route like the back of my hand, it’s the same trails, roads, and water I’ve been training on with Miguel.
And this year, I have two TitaniumPerson finishes under my race belt.
One of them being the third fastest on record.
It still feels wild to call that stat my own.
My ranking catapulted and I am running with the elites today. My results here in Chicago will be added to my pro card tally but it feels less dire to earn points today.
I’m not desperate like I was before. The urgency isn’t lighting a fire under my ass this morning, but the drive to compete is still there. I’m excited to hit the starting line this morning.
A quick cold shower wakes me up completely and I can’t keep the smile off my face.
“You’re insane.” Dee says when I step out in my wetsuit, crocs, and sweatshirt.
“I’m aware. You made a new sign?” I point to the folded up piece of cardboard she’s hugging to her chest.
“Yes, and you can’t see them yet.”
“Them?”
“Shit, I’m too sleepy to keep secrets, don’t ask me any more questions.”
I laugh. “Alright, let’s head out.”
Dee hands me the keys. “You drive.”
“Why?”
