"That’s awesome!" Miguel makes it feel completely normal for him to go 140.6 miles and then casually add another 20 on at the end. I’ll stick to my one TP race a month, for now.
My head spins, maybe from my blood pressure dropping, or maybe I have too much to process right now. "I think I just got a sponsor."
"What?"
"Yeah, that was Mara Linton from Athlala. She gave me this." I hold up the business card between us. "Wants me to call her this week."
"Holy cow! Laney! This is incredible!" Miguel’s smile is infectious and I can’t wipe the happiness from my face. "AndI think you got enough points for the pro card. We’ll find out tomorrow."
"I think you’re right." I hadn’t even thought about my pro card yet.
"You did it babe." He looks so proud.
"Yeah, I know, and my mom is here."
"She is?"
"Yeah, Dee must have arranged it. She was in the grandstands at the finish."
"Let’s go meet them then." Miguel says as the volunteer returns with my gear bag.
They both help me get out of my shoes and into compression socks, my crocs, and my sweatshirt. I get my race belt and visor tucked into the bag too and Miguel slings it over his shoulder before he gives me his elbow to lean on as we move to the gathering area.
"Mom!" I call out and she turns. Her face is filled with pride and she opens her arms. I crash into her and we both cry the tears we’ve held onto too long. I might have pushed her away just as much as she ran away after Dad died, but she’s still my mom.
"So proud of you kiddo!" She says and she squeezes me tighter. "And your dad is too."
I sniffle up my emotions. "Yeah, I know, thanks."
"Is that your boyfriend?" I turn to where she’s looking and see Miguel talking to his mom and a guy I don’t know.
"Seems like a lot of work for a banana." Dee says as she holds her arms open for a hug. "And, ew, you’re stinky."
"Thank you for being here today Deedle-poo."
"Always Laney-loo."
I hobble through hugs with everyone in Dee’s family, thanking them for the support, and sharing the news of my new Athlala opportunity. After a quick medal ceremony and photos with thefirst and second place athletes we find ourselves in a group again.
Dee’s dad calls out, "Dinner at Curryosity tonight at seven!"
"He’s proud of you and can’t wait to celebrate." Dee says and I nod. "Also, I’m totally coming to Hawaii for the championships. I’m a really good spectator."
"Yes you are. I’m proud of you and your signs."
"I didn’t even have to train to hold them."
"You’re a natural." I laugh and Miguel comes over. His hand at the crook of my neck is grounding and centering. But I am crashing. It is time for recovery.
"Ready to pack up, Princess?" He asks quietly in my ear. The heat of his breath sends shivers down my spine. "The sooner we get out of here the sooner I can get you into a cold shower at my place."
"Yes, please." I hum, now loving this post-race ritual.
"If you touch your toes right now I’ll reward you with some action in the shower."
As tempting as it is, and I slow my steps to consider it, I don’t think I’d find myself upright again if I tried to touch my toes right now.
"You’re mean." I pout.
