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“That’s a fun tradition.”
We continue running along the path. “One time, I lost the paddles in the water and my dad had to jump in to get us. He walked home dripping wet. He was not pleased.”
Sophie chuckles and I love the sound, so I make it my mission to tell a story about every spot along the path.
“What about your parents? Were they upset that both you and Griffin moved to the city?”
“Our mom died in a car accident twelve years ago. And we have different dads, but neither of them were around for long.”
“I’m sorry.” I think about my family and how different my life would be without them. How I couldn’t imagine if my parents weren’t supportive or not in my life at all. If I didn’t have Hannah to tease and share memories with.
“It’s fine. I think moving here was the final step in moving on. We’ve leaned on each other for so long, we’re the only family we have, that it felt necessary to move to the city together.” Sophie is silent for a moment. “I guess you’re partially to thank for that.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“Emma was the main reason Griffin wanted to move here, but I know he was excited to get the job with Premier Real Estate Group. It gave him the confidence to take that step with Emma, to know he could pursue his career while staying in the city with the woman he fell in love with.”
“Your brother is talented and hardworking. If he didn’t end up at Premier, he would have landed somewhere else. We’re lucky to have him.”
We’re in and out of conversation for the next mile or so. I’ll point a landmark out to Sophie or she’ll ask about a building or street we pass. I’ve never had a running partner before. It’s always been easiest to go when I feel like it or can fit it into my schedule, not having to wait for someone else, but I like running with Sophie.
“Ow!” Sophie suddenly drops back, hobbling on one foot.
“You okay?” I ask, doubling back to check on her.
“It’s a cramp in my calf.”
She sets the foot back on the ground and starts walking gingerly.
“Shit, that hurts.” She lifts it back up.
“Hold on.”
I look around, then scoop her up and start walking along the path.
“Hunter, you can’t carry me home.”
“I’m not carrying you home. I’m going to set you down on this bench.” I nod to the bench a few feet away.
“Oh.”
Once I’ve got Sophie seated, I drop down next to her, then pull her leg into my lap. Using my thumbs to knead her tight muscles, I instruct Sophie to point and flex her foot as I work the length of her calf. Firm, yet gentle strokes.
“Wow,” she sighs, “I don’t know if I want to kick you or melt into a puddle.”
I chuckle. “Is the pressure okay?”
“Yeah. It feels good.”
I lift my eyes from Sophie’s leg to find her staring at me. Focused, heated, maybe a little bit annoyed. It’s the same way she looked at me last night before she left the dinner.
“I didn’t sleep with Madeline last night.”
Sophie moves to pull her leg away, but I use my firm grip to keep it in my lap.
“Okay.” She shrugs, then looks away. “That’s none of my business.”
That’s what she says, but I can see the way her jaw tightens and her eyes narrow.
