Page 32 of Keeping Kama

“Worth what?” asked Derek.

“Worth throwing away fifteen years of tried-and-true business analysis,” stated Tyson. “Throwing away a sound mind, because you’re completely wrapped up in being Romeo.”

Derek forced a laugh. “I’m far from being Romeo.”

“Uh huh … okay. You keep telling yourself that, but I’m not investing a dime in something that is going to fail,” said Tyson.

Rubbing the back of his neck, Derek stared out at the ocean waves crashing against the shore. “I understand, and you’re right. We’ll be in touch,” said Derek.

Then Tyson ended the call. Derek slipped his phone back into his pocket. His euphoric mood from minutes earlier soured.

Early the next morning, Derek woke to the vibration of his phone. Groggily, he swiped at his eyes, attempting to read the message displayed across the screen. Seeing it was from Leia, he quickly sat up.

Are you ready to start that marathon training you’ve been alluding to? Or are you all talk?

Throwing the covers off himself, Derek chuckled. His fingers zipped across his phone screen.

I thought my surfing proved I’m not all talk.

True. I’m out running. Text me the address of your place, and I’ll run on by and you can join me for as long as you can stand it.

You’re on.

After he texted Leia the address of his Airbnb, Derek quickly rose to change into running clothes and brush his teeth. While tying his running shoes, his phone buzzed.

I’m outside. You better not keep me waiting.

Derek slipped his phone into his pocket, charging out of his place to where Leia was waiting out front. She wore black running shorts and a tank top. Her hands flew to her hips at his arrival.

With a half smirk, Leia asked, “Are you ready for this?” Her eyes glided down the length of him, and instinctively, he straightened his back.

Derek stepped toward her. He wondered what the proper protocol for greetings when you kissed once but weren’t anything official. High five? Hug? Kiss?

Without over analyzing it anymore, he went for a hug.

Leia gave him a loose hug back. “I’m already sweaty.” Her eyes darted away from him. “But I guess you will be too in a few minutes, if you stick with me long enough.”

As he let go, Derek said, “I can only promise I’ll make it a mile.”

Leia tsked, “A mile?” She nudged him with her elbow. “Can’t you do better than that, surfer boy?”

His lips twitched into a smirk. Derek asked, “I’ve moved up to surfer boy?”

Leia gave him a playful shove. “Enough chitchat. Let’s go.” Then she darted down the road.

Leia didn’t glance back but bolted out ahead. Derek ran to catch up with her. The pounding of his feet hitting the pavement competed against the thundering of his heart.

“What pace is this?” Derek managed to ask between two shaky breaths when he finally came up beside her. “Isn’t this a little fast for a long run?”

Seamlessly gliding along, Leia wasn’t struggling a bit to maintain her running pace. “It isn’t that fast.” Her voice came out smoothly without an ounce of struggle. “But I’ll slow down.”

Leia slowed down a tad, enough for Derek’s breath to even out without his voice shaking while he spoke. “How far are you planning on running today?” asked Derek.

Shrugging, Leia replied, “I’ll see how I’m feeling.” She tapped her shoulder against his. “Or more importantly how you’re handling the run. I’ve already run two miles.”

They ran side by side on the wide shoulder against the oncoming traffic. Leia hugged the side closest to the ocean while Derek was nearest the traffic lane. For a long time, neither spoke. They just ran. And ran. Derek wondered how far he had gone, because if Leia wasn’t beside him he would’ve quit five minutes ago.

After a curve in the road, Leia broke the silence. “Let’s stop up there.” She pointed to a grassy area overlooking the beach. “There’s a drinking fountain next to the restrooms. I didn’t bring my water with me.”

---