Page 44 of Taming Georgia

“Let’s go, boy. I can see you, by the way. You’re not fooling anyone.”

I leave him to go brush my teeth real quick. Waking up early to go for a run isn’t my idea of a good Sunday morning either. But I need to burn some energy off. I’ve been sleeping like shit lately. I’m so restless.

I’ve been dreaming a lot about the seventeen-year-old Georgia, who I thought I might’ve loved before I knew the kind of person she was. Yeah, so she doesn’t seem to be like that anymore, but it doesn’t matter. She and I have nothing in common. We come from two very different worlds.

Thinking about that time in my life isn’t pleasant even if I remove Georgia. I hated everything about my high school years—the school, the people, lack of money, my mom, her drugs. The list is endless. I don’t like reliving any of it, and because of Georgia, I am.

I need to clear my head.

I rinse off my toothbrush and wipe my mouth on the towel. Looking down, I find Cooper at my feet. He sighs and falls to the bathroom rug in dramatic fashion.

“Look who’s back. You disappeared there for a while.” I bend and hold his big head between my hands. I kiss him on the softest part of his forehead, right between his eyes.

“I know you don’t want to go for a run, but you’re not getting any younger. We need to keep you in shape, so you live a long time. You’re almost fifty-six in dog years, man. You could be an AARP member. A morning jog will do you some good.”

I head out of the bathroom, and Cooper follows.

“And maybe we’ll stop and get you a sausage, egg, and biscuit sandwich. Okay?”

Cooper wags his tail as I put on my running shoes.

“Yes, I know a sandwich like that defeats the whole purpose of running, but they’re your favorite, and I spoil you way more than I should.” I rub his head, and he follows me out of the house.

Brisk morning runs aren’t everything they’re made out to be. I don’t have much time to think because I’m too focused on the burning sensation in my lungs. Breathing in cold air isn’t pleasant.

Once we hit the three-mile mark, I stop, and we walk. Cooper pants heavily.

“We’re out of shape, aren’t we, boy? You ready for your sandwich?”

We walk to our favorite breakfast place in town. It’s a glorified fast-food joint, but they let me bring Cooper in, and their food is good. I order eight breakfast sandwiches—enough for me, Cooper, Mark, and Stan to each have two. I can’t be this close to where Mark and Stan hang out and not bring them food.

After Cooper and I eat ours, we head toward Fourth Street. I can see Mark sitting there, as he usually is, with Stan at his side, but this morning, there’s someone else there too.

I let out a sigh when we’re close enough to see who it is. Cooper notices her as well. His body starts shaking with excitement.

“You’re such a traitor.”

“Hey, Wyatt! Hey, boy!” Mark greets us.

“We brought you and Stan some breakfast.” I hand him the bag.

“Well, isn’t today my lucky day? My Georgia Peach brought us some breakfast, too.” He smiles toward Georgia, who is sitting across from him. They have a small travel-sized chessboard between them. Mark notices me looking at the board. “I’m trying to teach her how to play.”

“I’m not very good.” She laughs.

“Do you two play often?” I ask.

“No, this is only our second time playing. But Georgia always stops by to say hi after she runs.”

Georgia’s dressed in running gear. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and she has a sports headband on. Her cheeks are rosy, and her eyes are bright.

“Cooper and I went running, too.”

“I didn’t know you ran,” she says.

“We don’t as much as we should.” I leave it vague, omitting the fact that this was our first run in months.

“I’m glad you’re taking him out.” She nods toward Cooper. “It will keep his heart healthy.”

---