Page 64 of Finally Mine
To-do list in hand, Gloria jogged off in the direction of the park to make sure everything was exactly right.
* * *
“I can’t believenothing’s caught fire or a swarm of killer bees and locusts hasn’t descended yet,” Gloria said, unfolding one of the lawn chairs her mother brought.
“That’s what I love about you,mija. Your incessant positivity,” her mother snickered, taking the seat.
Everything was going according to plan, which made Gloria very, very nervous. She and her mom were front row at the curb so they could witness Harper’s first, triumphant finish in the Red, White, and Blue 5k. Her friend had been training with Aldo for weeks.
Gloria appreciated Harper’s ability to compartmentalize friendships. Aldo needed a friend right now, even if he had pissed Gloria off. And Gloria didn’t need her best friend constantly running her mouth about the man who’d gotten away. Harper respectfully didn’t discuss Aldo in more than broad, general statements.
That was how Gloria knew he’d be biking the 5k in a specially-designed bike. Also how shedidn’tknow how he felt about that. She was too busy to worry about it…mostly.
“Sit, Gloria. You’re acting like a nervous pigeon,” Sara teased, patting the chair next to her.
Technically, there was nothing more for her to do but sit back and enjoy the 5k and parade. Then she could frantically worry about the festival and fireworks.
She gave in to her already aching feet and sank down next to her mother.
“Good girl. Your friend Harper. She’s running?” Sara asked.
“Yeah, she’s been training hard,” Gloria said with a smile, remembering last week when Harper had shown up on her doorstep sweaty and thirsty. “Lemonade me, for the love of God!” she’d begged.
Having a friend—a best friend—was a constant reminder that her life was completely different than it had been at the beginning of the year. Harper was one for the record books. After her crying jag the other night, Harper had not only met Luke’s ex-mother-in-law, Joni, but befriended her. Joni had all but disappeared from Benevolence life after her daughter’s accident. Seeing her with Harper gave Gloria a newfound faith in healing.
Perhaps there was hope for them all.
She very purposefully shoved Aldo from her thoughts.
“Hey, do you guys mind some company?” Sophie with Claire, Charlie, and little Josh in tow ambled down the sidewalk.
And just like that, Gloria was surrounded by friends, co-workers, and family. She’d never felt less alone in her life.
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He felt like a circus freak. The one-legged “hometown hero” on his goddamn hand cycle. It was like an adult version of a tricycle. And Aldo was the overgrown man-child in its seat. In his recumbent position, he only came up to Harper’s torso as she nervously stretched next to him.
He didn’t like being eye-level with the crowd. It made him feel small, different.
But it was the only way his doctors would give permission for his participation in the Red, White, and Blue 5k.
So, he sucked it up…mostly.
“I’m going to puke,” Harper whispered, leaning down to stretch her hamstrings for the 400th time.
“If you puke on me, I’m going to run you over with this stupid tricycle,” Aldo threatened.
She sucked in a nervous breath, and he took pity on her.
“Harpist, you’re going to be fine. It’s three miles. It’ll be done and over with before you know it.”
“I wish Luke was here,” she confessed.
Aldo reached for her hand, gave it a bone-crushing squeeze. “Me, too. But right now you’re stuck with me, and you’re not allowed to humiliate me. On second thought, puke all over the place. The more flailing and sobbing you do, the fewer people will stare at my circus act.”
“Oh, shut up, man-beast. If you don’t want people looking at your stupid bike and your dumb bionic leg, take your shirt off and flex your pecs.”
On the surface, he was smirking, but underneath he was scared shitless. This was his chance to prove to himself and the rest of the damn town that he was still a force to be reckoned with.
