“I can be a sports spectator with just as much excitement as the ones competing.”
“You’re right, excuse me for belittling your fandom potential.”
“Thank you.” She is satisfied.
“But seriously, I am so busy the whole time I wouldn’t really be able to spend any time with you.”
And, you don’t know I’m sleeping in your car.
I told her I’m bringing my pillow because it’ll be better for my back and she bought it.
“I know, I know, you need to focus.”
Focus. Right.
On my race.
Not the other athletes.
Or, one in particular.
I haven’t seen Miguel since he ran with me on the path three weeks ago. I won’t deny the bursts of sprints at the end of my run helped me keep pace during my closing miles. I will deny that I enjoyed sparring with him.
But not seeing him doesn’t mean I haven’tseenhim.
He has starred in my dreams most nights since.
And a few day dreams too when I have a spare moment to get lost in the idea of a handsome, muscular man showering me with affection.
Something tells me if Miguel gives his attention to a woman, he gives her everything. He seems like an all-in kind of guy.
You have to be if you want to succeed in TitaniumPerson races.
Personally, I am going all in by sleeping in a car, again.
“Alright Laney-loo, drive safe. Text me when you get there.” Dee pulls me into a hug. “And good luck. I’m proud of you for doing this. Who needs to be just a boring old regular triathlete when you can be a TitaniumPerson!”
I laugh. “Exactly.”
“And, I just have to say it–”
“No, you don’t.” I squeeze my eyes shut, knowing what’s coming.
“Yes, I do. No matter the result, your dad would be proud.”
“Dee,” I sigh.
“Your mom too.” She tacks on quickly before forcing me into another hug.
“Thanks.” I say quietly as she lets me go. I’m not so sure about my mom feeling proud of this but if Dee wants to believe it, I’ll let her. “I’ll text you when I get there.”
With final goodbyes I climb in and start the nine and a half hour drive to Tennessee.
The singular, erratically flickering, yellow street lamp in the parking lot is giving horror movie vibes. And the fact I haven’t seen another human in like twenty minutes?
Not helping.
But you don’t actually want anyone to be here. If people were here, you could be found sleeping in a car in a creepy as fuck parking lot surrounded by national forrest land in southern Tennessee.
