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“It’s fine, I was just far too into looking at those stars. You don’t see those in the city. I used to travel with my parents and sometimes we’d stop in campgrounds in the bus they’d use for appearances. We’d grill food and sing songs, and the stars would just…surround us.”
“Like a shimmering blanket.”
“Yes. Exactly. It felt…safe and yet free. I know those don’t always go together, but that’s how it felt.”
“Safe and free. It’s been a long time since I felt either,” Rick whispered.
I thought that strange. “You?”
“What? A father and mayor can’t be scared?”
Shaking my head, I explained, “No. I mean, I’d guess parents feel fear a lot, especially when one of their kids is about to fly the nest, but you seem, besides that, so confident and determined.”
“I am, sure, in most things. I’m a good businessman, I am pretty sure I’m an okay mayor, and being a dad, well, I have fears and insecurities there, but all in all, I’m trying. That’s really all we can do as parents is try our best. There are other things a man needs in his life, though, besides careers and being a dad.”
“Love,” I said, smiling over at him. “You don’t have any prospects? I hear all the women in town would love to try for the role of Mrs. Mayor.”
He chuckled tiredly. “I’ve lived here all my life and know most of them. If someone was going to catch my eye, they would have. Besides, I’m beginning to think I’m better off single.”
“I think the same most days, but something in me still wants to try. Glutton for punishment, I guess.”
“You and me both, Kanan.” He rose and gazed down at me for a moment. “Maybe we’ll both find it, something good and hopefully lasting.”
“From your…lips…”
His eyes lingered on me, but then cast away quickly as he started for the house. “Goodnight, Kanan.”
“Goodnight, Rick.”
I slept the best I had in days and woke to find I was ready for my run. Sometimes I dragged ass out of bed, regretting starting the practice, but that morning was different. It was possibly because I wouldn’t be taking the journey alone.
I dressed quickly and pulled out my water bottle to fill in the family’s purified water dispenser. Once the cap was back on it, I turned, ready to head up to get Chandler out of bed to discover he was already there, dressed in sweats and his hair pulled back in a very short ponytail.
“Wow, I thought you were somewhat opposed to this.”
“Yeah, whatever. I need the exercise.”
“Trying to look good for someone special or you want to feel healthier?”
He smirked hard at me and quipped, “Why do you do it?”
“Both,” I admitted then we both laughed. “Get some water and you’re the leader. I don’t know the best place to run, so guide me the first few times.”
“I have a good place. It goes by this little creek and around a field. It’s where I go with my friends.”
“Lead the way.”
We started out just past the tennis court and took a nice easy pace. I’d been running when I could at Burke’s, and it was hilly. I hadn’t been used to it. Once I got better, it was much easier, but I had no idea how steep it was where Chandler was taking us.
Turns out, it wasn’t bad. There were a few steep areas, one right above the creek. The water gurgled along beside and beneath us, the breeze keeping me cool. The air itself kissed my cheeks with the coolness of it and was scented of the water and the soil that we disturbed as we jogged.
In the woods, the trees bordering the trail, it was so peaceful that the sounds of our shoes slapping the earth seemed overly loud. My heartbeat quickened and grew louder too, but I still could barely keep up with Chandler, who was running ahead of me, pointing to things he thought I’d like.
One was a small cave overgrown with flowering weeds and covered over the top rim with moss. It was a place I’d love to sit and while away the hours.
When we came to a stop near the top of the slope we’d ascended, and the view of the surrounding hills and mountains took what little breath I could muster after the climb. They were green, rocky, flowing over the earth like waves on the sea.
“Isn’t it pretty here?”
