Page 9 of Rocking Cedarwood

Michael stopped beside him. “Hi.”

“Hi. Everything okay?” He picked up another bottle of water. “You seem upset.”

“I just finished an argument with someone.” Michael sighed. “I should go.”

“Okay.” He didn’t need the medal. “Let’s get moving.”

“No, you stay. You’re going to be recognized. As for me, my friend Dex is coming to get me.”

“Why?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure? You’re pale.”

“I’m fine.” Michael nodded to the awards stage. “Get ready for your medal. The kids want to see you accept it. Plus, it’ll be a good photo opp.”

“Michael.” This wasn’t how he’d wanted to celebrate the end of the race. “We should share the award.”

“I was fourth in my age group.” Michael offered a small smile. “I didn’t earn anything, but you did. Bask in it.” He paused. “I’m proud of you. You earned the praise.”

“You should have some, too.” He wasn’t sure what was happening, but the walls were going back up between him and Michael.

“I see Dex. I’ll talk to you on Monday. Thanks for the ride and run. We’ll start up after school on Monday, right?” Michael asked.

“After school.” He wasn’t sure how to make his friend stay.

“Perfect.” Michael hesitated. He flexed his hands then dipped his head and walked away.

Niall’s heart sank. He’d wanted to share this moment with Michael. He’d thought they were getting along and closer. Had he misread the friendship as well as Michael? That sure seemed to be the case. But the electricity between them felt special. He had a great guy as a friend, a fast time, a medal to show for his work, but now he didn’t want the award.

He stopped Tonya. “Do you mind accepting my medal? I want to go home.”

“No.” She stepped in his way. “You can’t leave just because that jerk broke your heart. So he isn’t who you expected. So what? Does that make him bad? Maybe he had a good reason for needing to go. You can’t be sure until he tells you and I’m assuming he didn’t. Don’t take this moment away from the kids. The boys feel like they’ve run this race with you. If they could, they’d get the medal with you. This isn’t about Michael or even you. It’s about the kids and their hard work paying off.”

He didn’t see the relation, but he wasn’t about to argue. He needed to sac up. “You’re right.”

“See?” She nodded to the table. “They’ve got another ten minutes before the ceremony. Make sure you’re presentable.”

“Mind if the twins come with me to accept the medal?” he asked.

“You bet and I want photos, so be prepared to pose.”

“Done.” He forgot about his disappointment with Michael. The kids’ needs were more important. Men and awards would come and go, but this meant too much to his students. This was a teachable moment. They couldn’t know how he’d pushed past the crushing feeling, but they would see he kept trying and going. They hadn’t quit, so neither would he. If Michael wanted to find him, then that was on him.

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