Page 28 of A Hard Fit

“Thanks so much.” Brain spinning with so many things to remember that morning, he had forgotten to bring coffee with him. Luckily, Rory seemed to know his order.

“You’re welcome. So, put me to work.”

They carried the fold-up tent from Finn’s truck and set it up over the table, then added a pop-up Breakpoint sign and a tablecloth to match their logo.

“How do you feel about clipboards?” Finn asked, holding up the team list and a pencil.

“Huge fan,” Rory said.

“Could you please double-check that everyone is here? If their name is highlighted, they didn’t get their shirt yet. Their size is listed in this column and the extra shirts are in the bin.”

“Got it.” Their fingers touched when Rory took the clipboard.

As the park filled up around them, Finn started making the rounds through their team, greeting his coworkers and their families and handing out stickers and balloons to the kids. He waved at Tawney and Ilona, rolled his eyes at Morgan who was wearing sweatbands and the whitest shoes ever to have graced the planet and smirked at Luka drooling over Thomas in his admittedly very flattering running tights.

When it was almost time for the official opening ceremonies, he climbed on a chair and got his team’s attention. “Welcome to Breakpoint’s fifth annual 5K for Hope!” He paused for a round of hooting and clapping. “Thanks to your fundraising efforts and a last-minute anonymous donation, we have smashed our previous best, for a total of just over twenty-six-thousand dollars!”

The cheering grew louder.

Finn took a breath and pushed aside a thought about his grandma. “You’re all making a real impact. Don’t forget to stay for the closing ceremony, drink lots of water and have fun out there!”

A pair of bouncing blondes skipped onto the main stage to lead the participants in a warmup. Finn hopped off his chair and started copying their moves.

“So I guess you’ll be running at the front of the pack?” Rory asked, doing the cutest arm circles ever in their hoodie and jeans.

“I’ll do my best, anyway,” Finn said.

“Well, I’ll be with the strollers at the back.” Rory chuckled. “But good luck.”

With the starting horn, Finn set a brisk pace and stayed near the front throughout, finishing in a hair under twenty-two minutes. He waved to Rory on the loop back—they were indeed deep in stroller territory, chatting with Sabrina and her wife and kids.

The walkers were still returning when the closing ceremonies began. He went up on stage with Ilona to accept the award for top corporate fundraising team. There was a team photo after, then a barbecue for everyone. Finn tracked down a hot dog and took it back to lean against their table next to their plaque. He was finishing his last bite when Rory came over.

“Congratulations, Finn,” they said. “Your grandma would be so proud of you.”

The emotion that Finn had been holding back all morning hit him without warning. “Thanks,” he said, tears welling, chest aching.

Rory stepped closer and rested their hand on Finn’s arm but didn’t say anything for a moment. “If you want to talk about it, I can listen. But it’s fine if you don’t.”

Finn wiped at the tear that escaped and let the memory bubble up. “We used to visit her for the holidays when I was little.” He closed his eyes. “I remember the way she smelled, like flowers and fresh baking.” He smiled and sniffled. “She made the best cookies. They were as big as my head.”

“She must have loved baking for you.”

Another tear. “Jesus.” Finn laughed, embarrassed, dabbing at it with his napkin. “I’m sorry. Yeah, I hope she did.”

Rory leaned next to Finn, shoulders touching, and tilted their head up to the flawless blue sky. “She did. And she’ll be with you, always. She’s in your heart, you know?”

Finn took a deep breath. “I know. Thanks, Rory. And thank you for your help today.”

“It’s my pleasure. Whenever you need me.”

It sounded like they really meant it. Finn bumped their shoulder with his.

Chapter Seven

Open Table

Finn’s stomach swooped when he looked up from his desk Tuesday morning. Rory was framed in the doorway, in an outfit Finn hadn’t seen before—black pants with silver-buckled leather straps down one side, and a half kilt wrapped around the other side. Their beautiful eyes, crinkling at Finn, were lined with a touch of smoky eyeliner. Impossibly hot.

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