Page 67 of In the Long Run
Gen slides on a pair of aviator sunglasses.‘I realised that I didn’t care what people were saying.If I gave it too much attention, I’d get distracted and let it take over everything again.’
My mind snags on the word ‘again’ and when I look over at Gen, she’s inspecting her fingernails.
‘Let’s just say, plenty of people have said nasty things about me online before,’ she explains.‘There was this whole thing at my old job.There’s a reason that prior to Croissants and Kilometres I used TikTok exclusively for watching baby goats do yoga.’
‘Oh, I’m going to do that now!’Violet says.‘That seems like the perfect thing to distract me from the fact that I might die tomorrow.You two talk among yourselves.’
And that’s what we do.The whole way to Bright, smiling at everyone who honks at our silly little car with a glowing croissant on top of it.
25
GEN
Roadworks and extra traffic on the Great Alpine Road make us late getting into Bright so we bypass our accommodation and drive straight into town for the team lunch Anneke organised.Violet rushes ahead of us while Knox finishes a call with Eugene about some insurance stuff and then explains what happened this morning at Alizée’s.Anger courses through me at the thought of Brand doing this, but Knox makes me promise not to dwell on it.Says he has it handled.I take a steadying breath and push any thoughts about Brand out of my mind.
Three long tables have been dragged together near where a guy in a flannel shirt, shearling jacket and busted-up boots plays acoustic, bluegrass-y versions of popular songs that kind of make me want to dance as we walk towards the group.The mountain air’s doing things to me.
Of course, it might also be the man next to me, his palm firm against the small of my back, his steps in time with mine.The backwards baseball cap is back too, and the tip of Knox’s nose is already pink from the cold.He’s so rugged and handsomeand here with me.
‘Over here!’Annabeth waves at us.We don’t see much of her anymore due to the size of the run club and the fact that she switched to doing the half instead of the full.
‘That’s Annabeth, right?’Knox tilts his head and whispers, his breath tickling behind my ear.
‘Yep.Annaliese stayed home, and Anneke’s over there.’I gesture towards the outdoor bar where the gorgeous blonde is making puffer jackets look like high fashion.‘Look at you,’ I tease.‘Finally able to tell them apart.’
‘It was a lucky guess,’ Knox whispers, staying close enough to make me shiver.‘I still haven’t figured it out.’
‘Should I share my very secret, very sophisticated system?’I ask.My insides warm when Knox leans closer.‘Annabeth recently dyed the ends of her hair purple.I’m surprised you haven’t noticed.’
Knox stops, his hand pressing into my back.‘Why would I notice that?’
I roll my eyes.‘Because they’re so pretty.’
He makes a show of looking over at Annabeth and then Anneke.‘Yeah, they are.’
‘Knox, you weren’t supposed to say that.’I laugh, and my breath appears in a puff.Oh, well done, Gen.Please continue to point out all the attractive women to the guy you like.That’s a great idea.
‘I didn’t notice because I’ve been too busy looking at someone prettier,’ he says.
‘Oh,’ I squeak.
‘Come on,’ he says, taking my hand and urging me forward.‘Let me buy you lunch.’
Everyone greets us warmly, teasing us about why we’re so late.
‘We were delayed leaving,’ Knox tries to explain, which earns us a series of jeers andUh-huhspaired with knowing smiles.He shakes his head and leads me over to the empty chair between Annabeth and Violet.He pulls it out for me but doesn’t let go of my hand.‘Do you want a drink?I’ll grab us something and find another chair.’
‘I’m fine with water.’I nod towards the carafes in the middle of the table.
‘Good luck getting another chair,’ Annabeth says.‘We’ve had to fight to keep that one for you two.At least you can share!’
‘Oh,’ I say again, because apparently that’s all I’m able to say when everyone’s looking at us.
Knox coughs into his fist before sitting and raising his eyebrows at me.‘C’mon, Halliday,’ he says.
But I still hesitate.‘Are you sure?’
‘Don’t make me beg in front of everyone.’
