Page 160 of Crystal Iris
“I was reviewed today.”
“You were?”
“Yeah, and I don’t think it went very well.”
“Why? You’re so…loved here. Everybody knows.”
“I was too…impulsive.”
“It’s going to be fine, Iris.”
“Yeah…we’ll see.”
“Is Hoyt still in town?”
“He left this morning; Johanna has surgery tomorrow.”
“Surgery? I thought she was doing well.”
“She is, it’s reconstructive plastic surgery.”
“I see.”
“How are you doing?” I ask her. At least my coffee is perfect.
“My parents are coming to visit on Sunday.”
“That’s great.”
She looks at me. “It’s hard to complain about them when you have none. Still…”
I laugh. “Sorry.”
She laughs too.
“Girls’ night? Friday?” I ask, and she agrees.
I’m letting myself soak in worry when Hoyt texts me he’s home. I miss him already. I replayed his words all day in my head:best night of his life.I think it had been the best of mine too. And then I replay our other conversation:What am I going to do in Montana?I need a productive way to clear my head. I’m looking out my window when a runner goes by, completely lost in the act. Maybe it’s time I give the sport a chance.
And maybe I’m wrong.How in the world do people do this?I can still see my building, and I’m already out of breath.Wow. I guess I’ll walk most of the way.I have music blasting in my ears, and it helps with my worries. By the time I reach the riverwalk, I’m a sweaty mess. I walk most of the way, increasing to a run whenever I can. I make it two miles before I turn back. Other runners pass me like I’m the tortoise in the fable. Or at least I hope I am.
I’ve just gotten out of the shower and am getting dressed when Hoyt calls.
“How did it go today?” he asks me.
I’m still out of breath. “I think I blew it, actually.”
“I’m sorry, Iris.”
“Whatever. On a positive note, I just came back from my first run.”
“Oh good, I was hoping I hadn’t interrupted something…else.”
“Very funny.”
“How far did you go?”
“Four miles.”
