Page 5 of Rocking Cedarwood

“I almost threw up.”

“Why? Something you ate? Nerves?”

“Nerves.” Niall flexed his hands on the wheel. “It’s like the morning of the race is so stressful that my stomach cramps up. I want to puke, but I don’t.”

“Nothing to sweat. We’ll rock this.” He grabbed Niall’s free hand. “It’s going to be epic.”

“You sound like my students.” Niall laughed and didn’t pull away. “According to the chatter around my classroom, a few of the students are supposed to be here. If we get little voices cheering, that’s why.”

“Cool.” He’d mentioned the race to the kids?Nice.“I wish I’d have said something to mine.”

“We made it a project. They read books and we counted the pages until they’d read enough pages to reach six-and-a-quarter miles. If they filled the distance, then I’d run it. I’d already planned to compete, but it gave them something to aim for. This way, it feels like they’re running with me.”

“How long did it take for them to do it? Read the books?” Michael asked. He liked the idea and would incorporate it into next year’s curriculum.

“They shattered the goal in two months. I could have done an eight-mile race with the amount of books they read. I have their names and the books they read in lists on my shirt so they’re kind of going with me in the race.”

“Sweet.” He couldn’t help but be mildly jealous. “Next year, I’m doing it, too.”

“You should.” Niall parked at the far end of the metropark lot. “We’re here.”

“What’s your usual pace for these? Go flat out or pace yourself? Run with whoever has the time signboards?” He shifted in his seat. “So I know what to do.” He doubted he’d keep up with Niall if the man really let go, but he could try.

“I do the same stretches we do before our practice runs and a few quick jogs to warm up, then go to the bathroom… I make sure I’m hydrated, but not too much. I ensure my bib is on and not going to come off then get my watch set.” He shrugged. “Just mostly like before we practice.”

“Cool.” He loved the camaraderie with Niall. He didn’t have to be Bandit or anyone else. Being Michael was enough. Granted, Niall didn’t know the truth, but that wasn’t important today. The crowd hadn’t shown up for him. The fans weren’t there screaming. He was just another runner…just Mr. Jepsen.

“Michael?” Niall stared at him. “You left me for a while.”

“Left? I’m right here.” But he knew what Niall meant. His mind had wandered. He checked his armband for his key and cash then closed the top. “I’m ready. Sorry. Just have stuff on my mind.” Like Dex and his need for more Blackhearts shows. The asshole.

“No problem.” Niall put his sunglasses on. “Did you bring shades?”

“Shit. No.”

“I have some.” Niall offered up a second pair of sunglasses. He tucked his water bottle under his arm then left the car. “Once I lock up, I’m good.” He closed the door. “Should we stretch?”

“According to my watch, we have forty-five minutes to race time and I need to get my bib. Do you have yours?”

“Got it.” Niall pinned his number to the front of his shirt. “You should be able to get your sat registration.”

“I’ll be right back then.”

“I’ll meet you at our bench.” Niall nodded then walked off.

Michael headed toward the registration table. He loved the anonymity of being Mr. Jepsen. If the students didn’t pick him out, then no one cared if he ran the race. He’d hoped Niall might join him in his walk to the registration area, but oh well. They weren’t attached at the hip. He located the table and joined the line. Within seconds, he was the next at the table. “Hi.”

“Mr. Jepsen.” The brunette woman smiled. “I wish Addy would’ve told me you were running.”

Addy Osborn…one of his quieter students. He’d never met her parents and assumed this must be her mother. “I didn’t mention it to the kids. Are you her mom?”

“I am.” She smiled. “Her father and I are divorced. Have been since she was three. Maybe you and I can grab coffee sometime.”

“We’ll see.” He hadn’t known Addy’s parents were divorced, but he’d keep an extra eye on her—not that he’d seen anything wrong, but still. Did he want to grab coffee with her mother? No. He preferred not to mix work and play. “Where do I need to go to get my bib? I registered online.”

“Oh.” Her eyes lit up. “I have it.” She flipped through the stack of bibs. “Get your pins. The timing chip is on the back. Do you know where you start?” She handed over his number.

“I’ll catch up to Niall and find the start. Thanks.” He held on to the safety pins and took the bib.

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