"You’re greedy."
"Absolutely I am." I smile up at him as he slings an arm around my shoulder to pull me along with him. "Ice cream?"
"Of course."
Together, side by side, we gather my race things and head out.
I have achieved more this summer than I thought was possible when it started.
A Finisher designation at a TitaniumPerson event.
Third fastest time on record.
Qualifying for TP World Championships.
Third place in my hometown race.
My Endurance Elite Athlete Pro Card.
But most importantly, I got a partner who loves me, loves how passionate I am about my sport, and wants to come along for the ride.
Epilogue - Laney (Two Years Later)
Barrier Breakers
“Don’tpout.”ItellMiguel’s face on my phone screen as I finish applying my lipstick in the mirror. When the Athlala sponsorship came through, he and Dee insisted I buy a new phone and, holy shit, being able to see the apps and text on your screen without screenshotting and zooming in and out is a game changer.
“I’m not pouting, but I still don’t love that you’re taking Dee as your date tonight.”
“Maybe Dee needed to be in a room of female athletes more than you Mr. Man-bun.” Dee supplies from just outside the bathroom door where she’s putting in her earrings.
I give Miguel a knowing look and he just laughs. “Alright, you girls have fun.”
“Oh I will.” Dee says.
“I might need to get another room tonight.” I whisper.
“As long as you don’t sleep in your car I’m fine with that.” Miguel says. “Love you Princess.”
“Love you too Coach.”
I disconnect the call and turn to Dee. She looks incredible in her navy blue gown. My yellow one makes me feel like sunshine.
And the engagement ring on my finger glistens in the bathroom lights adding to the effect. Miguel proposed with an emerald cut diamond set in a titanium band last summer before a Garcia family beachside BBQ. When we made our way to the group gathered at Montrose Beach I saw my mom, and next to her Dee was holding a sign sayingMarriage is a marathon, not a sprint.
“Listen,” Dee says as she fills her clutch with her lipstick and a pack of mints. “I know you could have brought your sexy fiancé to this event and had a glamorous night out and then spent it in bed doing whatever freaky things you two get into,” I roll my eyes. “But, I’m really excited. I’ve got a good feeling about tonight.”
“About what?” I ask her and she shimmies.
“That I’m going to find a sexy, fit as fuck, athlete to get with too!”
I laugh and slide the hotel key into my purse and we head out together.
Athlala’s annual awards dinner is tonight. It’s an event gathering all their athletes into one room and celebrating outstanding achievements.
I still can’t quite believe I’m here. And I get to present an award to Lucy Bausch, the first woman to pitch in a World Series game with the Seattle Seamen.
The irony of their team name was not lost on anyone.
