AllFreeNovel
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She is the reason why I came to Paris in the first place, but now I hardly ever see her.
I straighten and tilt my head back, sucking in the cool air into my lungs while I stare up at the stars beginning to twinkly above me. As soon as this race is done, I’ll make it up to her. We’ll go site-seeing, get something French to eat, and have some much needed couple time.
I trudge through the park in the direction of the apartment. My feet move slowly, and my muscles complain with each movement. I stretch my arms over my head, knowing I will need to take an ice bath later tonight to soothe the muscles. I grimace when I step on my right foot feeling something twinge in my heel. Hissing, I lift my leg, having a look at the bottom of my foot, moving the ankle around. I didn’t step on anything. There aren’t any needles or rocks poking out of my shoe.
Strange.
I step on my foot again and frown when I feel pain once more in my heel. Interesting. I guess I should try not to run on it. I groan and press my palms into my eyes. Easier said than done. I’ll ice it and wrap it. That should do the trick. It’s all I can do until after the race, and then I’ll have a doctor take a look at it.
I take the elevator this time to be safe. Probably walking up the stairs won’t do me any good. When I open the door, I pause in the foyer, leaning against the door while I listen to someone humming in the background. The whole place smells absolutely delicious, like sweet apple pie. Mystomach grumbles, and I grimace, feeling myself want to kick my new diet to the curb so I can beast down a slice or four.
“Rachel, is that you?” I ask while kicking off my shoes and closing the door. I groan when I step on my right, clenching my jaw to keep myself from crying out in pain.
It’s nothing. Ignore it. I will be fine. Nothing is wrong with my foot.
“Yeah, I’m making pie.”
I force a smile and round the corner, my eyes widening on Rachel wearing a short black dress and an apron. Her bunny slippers are nestled around her feet. She looks absolutely adorable. How can I possibly leave this woman alone all by herself?
I step toward her, ignoring the pain in my heel and trying not to limp as I say, “Smells like it.”
“It should be done in a few minutes,” says Rachel with her back to me. “Want a slice?”
My stomach growls and I wince. “No, I probably shouldn’t. I need to keep my weight down so I can beat my score.”
Rachel turns around, crossing her arms while frowning at me. “Is everything ok?” She tilts her head to the side, which I find both cute and unnerving. “You’re acting a bit strange these days.”
I scoff and walk towards the sink. “I’m fine,” I say before turning on the faucet and guzzling down some water.
“Are you sure? Is it the race? If you’re stressed about it, you know you can talk to me.”
I roll my eyes and wipe the water from my mouth. “I’m fine,” I say again while straightening. Yet even as the words escape my lips, I don’t quite believe them. I feel quite the opposite of fine. In fact, I feel like complete utter shit. The race is only a week away, and I barely have time to get into the shape I need to be in to beat that fuck-face Alex Goode.
Rachel moves in front of me, pressing a hand against my forehead before caressing my cheek. “You don’t look fine.” Her frown deepens. “You look exhausted. Have you been getting any sleep?”
No.
“Yeah, I’ve been getting sleep,” I say while pushing her away, stepping away from her and the sink. I keep my back to her, not able to see the worry in her eyes. My gaze slides to the clock on the wall. It’s nearly eight. I need to be up at six tomorrow since I will be pushing for athree-hourrun. I should probably eat a protein bar and start the bath.
“Why don’t you meet me tomorrow after work? We can go get some coffee. Do somethingfun.”
I grind my teeth, feeling annoyed. I don’t know why. She wants to spend time with me. I should be happy. I should want to spend that time with her. “I can’t. I have to train.”
“Can’t you take at least an hour off? It’s not like-”
“No,” I snap while whirling around, scowling down at her. “I can’t take an hour off. I have to train, Rachel.”
She rests her hands on her hips. “I don’t understand why. It’s just a race.”
I chuckle bitterly. “Just a race? You think this is just a race?” I throw my hands in the air. “I have to win this race in order to keep the money Coach gave me. Did you ever think what would happen if I don’t win?”
“No,” Rachel says, her voice hesitant. I see the hint of tears gleaming in her eyes, and I know I’m being too cruel. I know I should stop while I’m ahead.
But of course, I don’t.
“I have to win, Rachel. That’s why I can’t eat pie,” I say while counting on my fingers. “I can’t take an hour off to go get coffee. I can’t sleep in or do whatever I want. I have to run. I have to train. I have to win this race so I can be here with you.”
Rachel shakes her head. “But you’re not with me.” Her bottom lip trembles, and I know she’s going to cry.
