Page 82 of See You at the Finish Line

She scrambles out of the car and trips over some sticks. The trees that surround the house are always dropping things on the unpaved driveway. I’ll have to build her a clear walkway.

When we get to the house, she runs her hands over the stone like she can’t believe it’s real unless she feels it with her fingers. Iunderstand the sentiment because that’s how I feel about her. I open the door and let her inside.

“Make yourself at home,” I say before turning to the stairs.

“Five minutes,” she warns. “And thank you. I’m very snoopy.”

Her joke sends a bit of relief through me at seeing life re-enter her eyes. I hit the stairs two at a time and make my way to my bedroom, tossing shirts, pants, and underwear into a bag. I don’t know how long I’ll be, so I make a quick phone call to Mateo.

“I’ve been trying to reach you,” Mateo says, picking up after the first ring.

“I know, I’m sorry. Paige has a family emergency and I’m helping her out,” I tell him, clamping the phone between my shoulder and ear. I only have two more minutes, and I don’t believe for a second Paige was joking about stealing my car.

Like an idiot, I left the keys in the ignition.

“Is everything okay?”

“I don’t think so, it’s pretty serious.”

“What do you need from me?”

“Can you call work and tell them Paige and I are taking some personal days? I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”

“They aren’t going to like that. I don’t think Paige even gets personal days yet.”

“That’s too damn bad. She’s taking them, and her job had better be here when she gets back.” If she comes back. My stomach sours at the thought of her not staying in Vancouver.

“Hey, don’t take it out on me. I’ve got your back, man. Just do what you need to do and I’ll cover for you.”

“Thanks, Mateo.” I breathe out a sigh of relief.

“Keep me updated as best you can.”

“I will.”

“Thirty seconds!” Paige yells from downstairs.

“I gotta go,” I tell Mateo.

“Good luck.”

We say goodbye and then I’m running down the stairs, but before I even make it halfway, I have to bolt back up to grab my deodorant and toothbrush. Close call. I do not think Paige will be willing to stop along the way.

Downstairs I make a quick detour to the kitchen for food before I go to her. She’s found her way to the back windows and is looking out at the bay.

Her arms fold around herself as she watches the water. She’s so beautiful, though her face is marred with a sadness I can’t quite understand. Placing my bag down, I walk over to stand behind her.

“Do you want a hug?” I ask.

She nods, and I step close so our bodies are flush. I wrap my arms all the way around her, holding her back to my chest while she holds herself together. She’s tense for a moment before sinking into me, her head coming to rest on my collarbone. She fits so perfectly.

I treasure this moment she’s allowing, committing it to memory.

I silently make a vow to do whatever it takes to be able to wrap my arms around her every day. I picture us under better circumstances standing here together, coffee in hand as we watch the sunrise over the bay.

As we watch the moon’s reflection disappear into the light of the morning rays. As our kids beg to go outside before breakfast. I see it and I want it.

I want her.

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