Page 49 of In the Long Run
‘We are having fun,’ Knox says when it’s clear that I don’t know how to respond.
‘I’m so glad,’ Mum says.
Phew.Okay.Maybe I’ve overreacted and not given Mum as much credit as she deserves.She saw the TikToks and got excited but she’s reined it in.Just like she underestimates me, maybe I do the same to her.
‘Here’s an idea,’ Mum says.‘We’re having a family dinner tonight at the Clamshell.Why don’t you come along too, Knox?’
Or maybe she’s as predictable as I thought she’d be.
‘Mum,’ I hiss before turning towards Knox.‘It’s so last minute.You don’t have to come.There’s no pressure at all.’
‘Uhhh …’ Knox’s eyes are wider than normal.
‘But you can come if you want to,’ Mum adds.‘Can’t he, Gen?It’d be so lovely to get to know you better.’
Oh, God.This is a disaster.Now it’s going to sound like he doesn’t want to come if he says no.
‘And Meredith and Bernie just cancelled, so there’s plenty of space at the table.’
‘Dinner sounds good.’Knox coughs into his fist.
‘Wonderful!’Mum claps her hands.‘Gen will give you all the details.I can’t stay now, but you can tell me all about Croissants and Kilometres at dinner!Bye!’
‘That’s who you are!’a guy on the leg press exclaims – luckily once Mum’s out of earshot.‘I thought you both looked familiar.My wife makes me watch your TikToks.She’s part of your run club.Never stops banging on about how great it is.’
Knox and I smile uneasily.It’s one thing having strangers engage with the digital version of yourself that you’re sharing online, but in person, I don’t know what to do with my face.
‘Her name’s Violet,’ the man says.
‘Violet’s doing so well,’ Knox says smoothly, always stepping up when I’m stuck being awkward.‘We’re really enjoying having her be a part of our club.’
‘She gets nervous doing long distances on her own, so Croissants and Kilometres has been a godsend for her.Have you guys considered mid-week sessions?’
Knox and I share a glance.‘If there was interest, maybe.’
The guy pushes the foot pad away from his body, the weights clanking as they lift.‘Anyway, meeting the parents is a big dating milestone.Violet’s going to be stoked that you’re getting serious.’
‘I’m sorry about Mum,’ I say once we’ve politely disentangled ourselves from our conversation with Violet’s husband.‘I can get you out of dinner.’
Knox steps closer, angling his body so Mr Violet can’t see me anymore.‘You don’t need to apologise.I’d like to come to dinner.’
‘Really?’
‘I like spending time with you, Gen.’And there’s that little smile again.The one that’s so unassuming and natural it can’t possibly be fake.
Let’s hope he still feels the same way after dinner with my parents.
20
KNOX
Laughter greets me when I step out of the bathroom.
‘What?’My eyes narrow.
‘Are you nervous?’Eugene asks from where he’s perched on the couch learning how to knit.
Celeste sits opposite him on the coffee table, watching his hands.‘Of course, he’s not nervous.He’s Knox Watson.Local celebrity.TikTok’s favourite stern croissant daddy.’
