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The camera showed the timing box flashing:50.74.
Jones returned to the screen. “Fast enough to tie the national record. She tied the national record and she looked like she still had a lot left in the tank at the finish!”
“Fast, fast, fast,” Kincaid said, “and we’ve got Jannie Cross live here tonight from her home in DC. Hi there, speedster.”
The big screen across the room showed Jannie smiling nervously into the camera. “Hi.”
“Hi back,” Jones said. “Young lady, you are something.”
“Thank you,” Jannie said.
“How does it feel to be co-holder of a national record?”
Jannie’s mouth hung open a second, then she said, “At first, I could not believe it. I mean, I did not go out there today trying to do that. I just ran like I know I can. I was as shocked as everyone else was.”
“Tell us how you did it while we show the race in split screen.”
“Okay,” Jannie said, watching the screen and seeing the race again. “I felt solid about my start, which gave me confidence through the first curve and down the back straight. I felt like I was flowing, easy, and I was ready to attack coming into the final turn. Then I just let it go when Coach said to let it go.”
“You did indeed,” Kincaid said. “I heard you picked Howard University over six or seven top track programs. Why was that?”
Jannie looked at Nana Mama and then back at the camera. “My great-grandmother lives here with us. She used to be a teacher and told me education should come first even if I am fast. And Howard has such a great reputation academically and in track. And Coach Oliver is an inspiration to me.”
Jones said, “Smart great-grandmother, and good for Howard and Coach Oliver.”
Kincaid said, “And good on you, Jannie Cross, and thank you for coming onSportsCenter. I don’t think it will be the last time. I expect we’ll be able to play our little shtick about your achievements in the future.”
“Thanks for having me,” Jannie said.
Her face disappeared from the big screen, leaving the anchors shaking their heads and arranging papers on their desk.
“Jannie’s so fast,” Kincaid said.
“So, so fast,” Jones said.
The show went to commercial and we all started cheering.
“How does it feel to be one of the fastest young runners of all time?” I asked, giving Jannie a hug.
“Honestly, Dad?” Jannie said, snuggling into my chest. “It’s like a dream I never want to end.”
CHAPTER 29
Greenwich, Connecticut
BREE AND PHILLIP HENRY LUSTERfound seats at a table for eight some distance from the small stage where musicians were playing softly for the patrons gathering to dine in Frances Duchaine’s ballroom.
Bree settled into her chair and immediately felt constricted.
Luster noticed and said, “Spanx?”
“How did you guess?”
“The Heimlich maneuver expression on your face.”
Bree laughed and rubbed her stomach. “Funny but true. I feel like I’m wearing a medieval corset with whalebones.”
Luster chuckled. “Can I give you advice so you can actually enjoy the meal?”
