“Girlfriend hydration.”
Girlfriendlanded. She heard it. We held each other’s gaze.
“Was that a question?” I asked.
“Maybe.”
I drank. Then I set down the bottle.
“The kiss was real.”
“Yes.”
“I want the date.”
“Yes.”
“I do not want to continue pretending that the attraction is separate from the relationship.”
Dani sat beside me.
“Okay.”
“That does not mean everything becomes simple.”
“I know.”
“Miguel keeps full control of the training plan. No informal exceptions because the relationship is real now.”
Dani’s face tightened.
“I can still run with you?”
“As my partner when Miguel assigns it. Not as a coach.”
The loss hurt her. I could see it.
“It is necessary,” I said.
“Yes.”
“Rose continues physical-therapy oversight. Anything broader stays with the appropriate physician or therapist.”
“Yes.”
“The competition remains fake in origin.”
“Very fake.”
“But the relationship…”
I touched the watch. Dani placed her hand over mine.
“What do you want to call it?”
My certainty frightened me.
“Real,” I said.
