“Seriously. Mind officially blown.”
11
RAWLEY
EARLY THE NEXT MORNING
BETTER TOGETHER CHAT [the Battle sibling chat]
GRACE: Boys, it’s official! I qualified for the US Championships in both the 5K and 10K!
RAWLEY: Sweet! That’s what I’m fucking talking about!
LANDON: I’m so proud, Gracie. Incredible.
CONNOR: Never a doubt in my mind.
LANDON: So when exactly are the championships? I don’t want to miss them.
RAWLEY: Yeah, we’ll all go, for sure.
GRACE: Later in June. In Eugene, Oregon. I’ll get you the dates.
RAWLEY: Our OTAs should be done then, Landon.
LANDON: Yeah, and I’ll head out to London afterward to be with Rori for Wimbledon. It’s perfect.
GRACE: Johnson is coming too, of course.
LANDON: What about Avery, Rawls? Should we invite her?
CONNOR:
RAWLEY: Nothing’s going on. I literally went back inside the bar after she left.
GRACE: We know. He’s just teasing.
RAWLEY: But damn, that story won’t die.
LANDON: It will eventually, but shit, that video’s everywhere.
GRACE: Never a dull moment around here.
“Grovie, do your business,”my sister tells the stubborn beagle.
For this spell in late May before our OTAs start, Landon’s in Europe for Rori’s clay court season. I’m responsible for Grover while he’s gone, but Grace came over to keep me company, which has translated into joining me for his walk.
“He’s not feeling it.” I observe while Grover gives us his best “whatever, guys” face.
“We should keep going a little longer.”
“Yeah, all right. So you excited about nationals?”
Grace had taken time off from track competitions after some coach messed with her head, but she’s running professionally now while also working for a sports business manager.
“I’m thrilled. Who would’ve thought I would be here a year ago? And my coach has a three-year plan to step my training up in prep for the next Olympics.”
“Whoa, that’s sick.”
