Page 63 of Not Just Gal Pals

“Aw! Look at her sign!” I managed to pant out.

“Come over for a coffee and pancakes after the race if you’re free!” George yelled.

The thought of George’s pancakes helped pick up my pace. Novel Gossip wasn’t open today, but on days when it was closed, it became an extension of George’s apartment above the cafe. I couldn’t stay long because I had to get home to help Mom and Dad prepare Thanksgiving, but I’d definitely have time for at least two pancakes. Although, since I was going to have two Thanksgiving dinners today, perhaps I should restrict myself to one.

Olivia, who also lived above her shop, was standing out on her doorstep in her robe, cup of coffee in hand, waving at us and shouting, “Go team!” I longingly eyed her coffee but forced myself to keep going. Not long now, and I’d be devouring pancakes and delicious lattes.

Main Street finally leveled out, and suddenly, it didn’t feel like my lungs were about to collapse. In no time at all, we were jogging up the road to the high school, and the finish line was in sight, surrounded by a large crowd of spectators and participants who’d already finished.

“Almost there now!” Blake yelled encouragingly, a wide grin on her face.

The energy of the cheering onlookers gave me a second wind, and for a moment, I was tempted to sprint past Blake so I could tease her about beating her. But instead, I reached for Blake’s hand, and we went flying over the finish line together, our hands high in the air.

Sometimes it felt like, with Blake, I could do anything.

* * *

BLAKE

I lay back on the pillow, letting out a satisfied sound somewhere between a sigh and a hum.

Today was pretty much perfect. Turkey Trot, well-earned pancakes and coffee with George, Thanksgiving dinner with Jenny’s family, followed by Thanksgiving dinner with my family, followed by a lot of dramatic groaning that we would never eat again. Followed by us somehow miraculously feeling better an hour later and falling into bed together.

“It’s so convenient our families eat Thanksgiving dinner at different times, but ne—” I slammed my mouth shut. Shit. I’d been about to say, “Next year, we need to be more strategic about our eating and pace ourselves more.”

But there wouldn’t be a next year.

Lying here with Jenny, not having a next year, or a year after that, felt...unfathomable.

If Jenny had noticed my mistake, she didn’t let on.

I shut my eyes. When I’d invited Jenny to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving, I’d known it wasn’t exactly in keeping with our “casual” status. Perhaps I was digging a bigger hole for myself by integrating Jenny into my life, into my family. But I didn’t have any regrets. Spending today with her just felt so right. And since Jenny had invited me to her family’s celebration as well, at least it seemed to be mutual.

“What’s the time? I’m feeling like I might just nod off.” Jenny rolled over and picked her phone up off the side table. “Oh god, it’s only nine p.m. It feels like midnight. Must be all that turkey making me drowsy.” She touched the screen and sat up, facing me, a wide grin on her face.

“Wow! I got a text from the mayor. The Turkey Trot raised just over $7,000 for the medical fund. That’s better than we were expecting!”

I gave her a squeeze. “That’s awesome, babe!” While $7,000 wouldn’t go a long way in covering medical expenses, it would be a significant help in paying the wages of Mrs. Gutiérrez, a retired local nurse who’d agreed to help uninsured residents figure out funding options one day a week. Even if all we achieved was hiring her, that would make a huge difference for some of my patients and also take a load off my back.

Jenny nuzzled back into me, resuming her position, and I stroked her hair, looking down at her tenderly.

“Hey. I just wanted to say again, thank you so much for doing all this. Convincing the mayor and board to help, the fundraiser, all the marketing. It’s been incredible. It wouldn't have happened without you.” A lump in my throat appeared as I spoke. God, I’m getting emotional.

Jenny smiled. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m so glad I could spend this time doing something worthwhile. And I’ve really enjoyed it, so it hasn’t been a burden at all. Let’s just hope it’s a success.”

“I’m sure it will be.” I went back to stroking her hair. The lump in my throat disappeared as I let myself relax into the bed, focusing on the warmth of Jenny’s body pressed against mine. I sighed again. “I wish we could just stay like this forever.”

The word forever lingered in the air. I hadn’t meant it like that. Now I’d said it, though, I knew it was true. If upgrading our relationship from casual to serious was an option, right now I’d jump at it. All the heartbreak I’d gone through with Grace faded at the thought of how good Jenny and I could be together. How good we already were together. But it wasn’t an option.

After a few moments of silence, Jenny spoke. “You know, I’ve been thinking…if the Whamz sponsorship deal doesn’t go ahead in January—it still sounds like it's up in the air—I might stay another few weeks.”

My heart leaped at the prospect. Maybe a few more weeks could turn into a few more months…

Do not get your hopes up, Blake.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

JENNY