Midnight Run

by Charity Hillis

  Her eyes searched his, but she couldn’t tell how he was feeling about seeing Reggie again. “I guess I’m sorry I intruded?”

  Carl shook his head. “No, it’s not like that at all! Reggie was in town visiting a buddy, and he asked if he could stop by so we could talk.”

  Reggie moved toward the door. “I was getting ready to leave. It’s nice to meet you,” he offered to Nora, sticking out his hand.

  After a beat, she shook it. “You, too,” she said, raising an eyebrow at Carl.

  He ignored her. “Call me later, if you want.”

  Reggie nodded and closed the door behind him.

  For a moment, nobody said anything, but Nora finally broke the silence. “Are you getting back together with him?”

  Carl shook his head, but he flushed slightly. “No. I don’t know. I’m not sure.” He paused. “Do you think I should?”

  “Carl,” she said gently, “I still don’t know why you two broke up in the first place; you’ve barely talked about him since you moved in.”

  Carl fiddled with the gauge in his left ear. “It’s complicated.” He paused, and then he shook his head. “No, it’s not complicated. He cheated.”

  Nora moved to hug him, but he pulled back. She patted his arm awkwardly. “I’m sorry. Has he—has he at least apologized?”

  Carl nodded. “Today was the first time he’d bothered, but still, he came all the way to New York to say he’s sorry.” His eyes shone with hope. “That counts for something, right?”

  “I thought you said he was visiting a friend?”

  Carl rolled his eyes. “I said that because I didn’t want to have to explain all this to you with him standing right here. He made the trip just to see me, Nor.”

  She glanced back at the door. “I’m sorry I chased him away, then.”

  “It’s okay. I’m actually relieved; if you hadn’t come home, I might have done something I’d regret later.” Carl checked his watch. “Do you have time for a drink before you go back to work?”

  Nora laughed. “Carl, it’s barely after twelve!”

  Carl’s smile looked a little sad. “I really need to talk some of this stuff out, and I think I need some liquid courage to do it.”

  Nora hesitated another moment, but then she linked her arm through his. “Come on,” she said, turning toward the door. “Drinks are on me.”

  The bar on the corner of their street was already open, and Nora was a little surprised to see a handful of people tucked into the booths, but she tried to suspend her judgement as she glanced across the table at Carl. He’d been her best friend for years, but this was really the first time she could remember that he’d been willing to drop his shell and have a heart to heart.

  Carl ordered a beer, and Nora opted for a glass of red wine, which she sipped quietly while Carl talked about Reggie.

  “I’m pretty sure he might be the one,” he admitted. He was on his second beer by that time, but Nora was still nursing her first glass of wine.

  “Do you really believe in that?” She asked. “Isn’t it kind of like a fairy tale, something to tell kids until they’re ready for the real world?”

  Carl took another swallow. “If we aren’t here to find our match, then what the hell’s the point?”

  “I don’t know. Work. Family. Friends. That kind of thing.”

  He shook his head. “Admit it,” he said, slurring slightly, “you want to believe in the fairy tale as much as I do.”

  She toyed with the stem of her wine glass. “Yes,” she finally said, looking down, “but the thing that scares me is what if it doesn’t happen? What if we can’t all have a happy ending?”

  “Sometimes, I think the only people who get that are the ones who take risks.” Carl took a deep breath. “Like risking taking someone back after they’ve cheated.”

  “Or telling him you like him, even though he wants someone else,” the words slipped out of Nora’s mouth before she could stop herself, and Carl looked at her thoughtfully.

  “Or that,” he finally said. “Who is he?”

  Nora shook her head and tried to back pedal. “Hypothetically, I mean.”

  “You aren’t getting out of it that easy.” He finished off his beer and leaned forward, his face animated. “Spill, girl.”

  “We’re not talking about me, we’re supposed to be talking about you!” She protested.

  Carl shook his head. “Talking about you will help me take my mind off Reggie. So, tell me. Who is he?”

  Nora sank back in her seat. “Just a guy,” she said weakly, but Carl glared at her. “Fine. A guy from the running group.”

  He barked a laugh. “Girl, I told you! Is he long and lean?” He raised an eyebrow suggestively, and Nora swatted at him across the table.

  “I barely know him, okay? I just—“, she faltered, “I just think I’d like a chance with him, you know?”

  “So why not go for it?”

  She sighed. “He’s told me he likes somebody else.”

  Carl winced. “Ouch.”

  “Yeah. For a minute, I thought he might have meant me, but there’s no way.”

  “Okay, back up. He likes somebody else who might be you?”

  Nora nodded, realizing how stupid it all sounded. “I’ve seen him at the coffee shop, and he said he likes a girl who works at the place where he gets coffee.”

  Carl’s brow puckered. “He told you this at the coffee shop?”

  She shook her head. “No, during our run last night.”

  “Does he know you work at the coffee shop?”

  “I don’t think so. It’s like he hasn’t recognized me or something; I guess because we’ve only run together in the dark?”

  Carl snorted. “There are so many better things to do in the dark.”

  “Hush,” Nora said, her skin heating up. “He doesn’t even know I exist.”

  “But he likes some coffee chick. Why do you think it’s not you?”

  She hesitated. “He did say I sort of remind him of her…”

  Carl slapped the table triumphantly. “So maybe it is you!”

  Nora frowned. “But he also said she was gorgeous.”

  “Nora, when will you realize that you are gorgeous?”

  She scoffed, but Carl reached across the table and grabbed her hands.

  “Look at me. Nora, look at me.” She lifted her gaze and met his intent blue eyes. “You are one of the prettiest people I know, and you know what a bitch I can be about beauty.”

  She laughed, but she still shook her head. “I’m nothing special.”

  “And that, darling,” he said with a sigh, “is part of your charm. You can’t see how special you are.”

  Uncomfortable, Nora pulled her hands away. “You’re just saying that because I bought your drinks,” she teased, trying to steer the conversation into less serious waters.

  Carl raised his empty beer bottle toward her in salute. “For which I thank you.” He pulled out his phone. “What time do you have to be at work?”

  “Five,” she said, taking another sip of her wine. “Did you want another drink, or are you doing okay now?”

  “I’m fine, but girl, you better move. It’s already four!”

  “Shit!” Nora stood up, knocking over what was left of her wine, and Carl scrambled away from the crimson liquid, sliding out of the booth after her. It took Nora thirty minutes on a good day to make it from their apartment to Books and Brew, but she usually left herself an hour; she’d faced a few annoying delays on the subway, and she’d rather arrive with time to spare than end up being late. She gave Carl a quick hug before she bolted out of the bar, heading for the nearest subway station.

  The train was late, and she waited on the platform, jiggling her leg. Come on, come on, she thought, glaring at the tracks as if she could make the train appear by wishing for it. Finally, the sleek silver engine pulled up, and Nora bounded into a subway car without waiting for the other passengers to get off.

  She kept checking her phone
obsessively, and even though she ran all the way from the subway stop to Books and Brew, she was fifteen minutes late for the start of her shift. Laurel was at the register when Nora burst through the door, and the girl looked pointedly at the clock before smiling wickedly at Nora. “Todd,” she called out, “Nora’s finally here.”

  Shooting her a dirty look, Nora hung her purse up on a hook and grabbed her apron. Todd came around the corner and crooked his finger at her, and Nora followed him back to the office with a sinking heart.

  “Nora, what do you think I’m going to say to you?” He sounded like an angry teacher, and Nora resisted the urge to hang her head in shame.

  “That I’m late, but I’m sorry. The train—“

  Todd cut her off. “Was it the train last time, too?”

  Nora frowned, confused. “Last time?”

  “Laurel told me you were a half hour late for the closing shift a few days ago.” He tugged on his mustache. “I thought you were ready for the responsibility of this position, but you’re seriously making me reconsider that choice.”

  Nora gaped at him. “I haven’t been late! Laurel was late that day; I meant to talk to you about it.”

  Todd shook his head. “Don’t try to turn the blame around on someone else.” He paused. “Is being assistant manager still something you want?”

  “Yes!” She nodded vigorously. “Really, Todd, I want to do a good job.”

  He considered her for a moment. “I think you do,” he finally said, “but Nora, I have to tell you, one more slip up, and you might be back to just being a barista.”

  “I won’t mess this up. I’m sorry,” Nora bit her lip, wishing she’d told Todd about Laurel’s tardiness as soon as it happened. Too late now, she admonished herself. He just thinks I’m lying to cover my own butt.

  Todd nodded. “I’m reworking the schedule for next week; how do you feel about mid-shift to close?”

  Nora shrugged. “Whatever you want.”

  “Good. I’m scheduling you and Laurel together all week.”

  Nora swallowed. “Really?” Trying to find the right words, she finally said, “I think, um, that our personalities clash a little.”

  Todd raised an eyebrow. “Remember what I said about being a manager? You have to be able to deal with everyone, customers and staff included.”

  Nora gulped. “Right. Everyone.” She forced a smile. “That schedule sounds fine.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Even though talking to Nora about PB had given him a momentary shot of confidence, by the following day, his thoughts had sunk into a nasty snake pit of “what ifs”, and instead of indulging in his coffee shop fantasy, Kingston decided it was time to focus on real life. He might not find a fairy tale love, but at least he’d dedicate himself to the things he could control, namely work and running.

  He doubled down at the office, working faster than he needed to, and at the next staff meeting, he was surprised when his boss singled him out by giving him some real responsibilities. No more errand boy, he thought with a smile as he shook Mr. Fitz’s hand after the meeting.

  Deciding to add to his winning streak, he registered early for the half marathon, and renewed his focus at the midnight runs. Nora was still there, and he was still more aware of her presence than he cared to admit, even to himself, but Kingston kept away from her at night, and he avoided the coffee shop during the day.

  It should have been lonely, with nothing but work and running to fill his time anymore, but Kingston made good on his promise to Raye to stay in touch more, and most every evening, he called and chatted with his nephews. Sometimes his sister wanted to talk, but most of the time, she answered his questions with monosyllables before passing the phone off to the boys. Kingston wished she’d confide in him about the divorce proceedings, but he didn’t want to push her. She’ll tell me in her own time, I guess, he reasoned. But he was worried about his big sister, and that Friday, he booked a last-minute flight back to Texas for the weekend.

  Rachel met him at the airport with the boys, and Shelton launched himself at Kingston with force that surprised him. Picking him up, Kingston gave him a tight squeeze before turning to his sister.

  “How’re you?” He asked, draping one arm over her shoulders while still holding onto Shelton with his other hand.

  She shrugged, and Kingston realized how tired she looked. “Good enough,” she said. “Glad to see you, that’s for sure.”

  Blake, who had been hiding his face against his mother’s knees, peeped up at Kingston. “Did you bring us anything from New York?”

  Kingston laughed. “Cut right to the chase, boy. I’m glad to see you, too.”

  Blake hid his face again, and Rachel shook her head. “Greedy little monster.”

  Kingston smiled. “I don’t mind.” He dropped his hand to ruffle Blake’s hair. “There might be some surprises in my bag, but you’ll have to wait until we’re back to your house to find out.”

  They left the airport, Kingston still carrying Shelton and dragging his black roller bag behind them, and Kingston took a deep breath once they got outside. “Ah, nothing like air that won’t freeze your lungs.”

  His nephews giggled at him, and Rachel gave him a small smile. “One more reason I won’t be heading to New York any time soon,” she said as she unlocked her minivan and got Blake situated in his booster seat.

  Kingston deposited his nephew and his bag in the back, and then he grabbed the keys from Rachel. “Let me drive. I’ve missed it.”

  “If you crash my car, King, you better be ready to buy me a new one.”

  He rolled his eyes as he adjusted the driver’s seat to accommodate his long legs. “I haven’t crashed any cars in over a decade.”

  “Did you hurt yourself?” Shelton piped up from the backseat, and Kingston glanced in the rearview mirror at his nephew’s wide eyes.

  “No,” he said slowly, “but your mom nearly killed me.”

  She shook her head, but she was smiling. “I had every right! My first break home from college, and I come home from a night out with my friends to find a crumpled hunk of metal that used to be my car parked on the curb, and you sitting on the hood waiting for me.”

  He laughed, steering the van into the thick traffic outside the airport. “If looks could kill, I’d be a dead man more times than I care to count.” He looked up at the rearview mirror. “Don’t ever take anything of your brother’s without asking permission first. Roger that, buddy?”

  Shelton nodded solemnly, and Kingston drove back to Rachel’s house, cheerfully swapping stories with his sister and doing his best to make her laugh. He almost succeeded, too.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  The next week was just about as awful as Nora had imagined; working with Laurel day after day really grated on her nerves, but she kept her mouth shut every time Laurel said something snarky, and by some miracle, they both survived the week without killing each other. Kingston hadn’t come back to Books and Brew, and Nora kept her distance from him during the nightly runs, although seeing him and not being able to talk to him made her heart ache. Still, it was better that way; she was already more hung up on him than she cared to admit, and Nora knew it was a waste of time and emotion to allow her feelings to deepen. Kingston was still friendly toward her, always greeting her with a wave and a smile, but he didn’t pace with her again, and Nora skipped going to the diner after the runs, just in case he opted to hang out.

  If things at the midnight run were tense, they were even worse at work. Todd showed up at the coffee shop at odd hours when he wasn’t working, and he hovered in the back with the office door open. Nora had the distinct impression that he was keeping an eye on her, and that proved to be true when he pulled her aside the next Thursday with a smile.

  “Ready to change shifts again?”

  She hesitated. She was desperate to get away from Laurel, but Todd’s warning about getting along with everyone rang in her ears. Finally, Nora nodded. “I think I do like mornings a litt
le better,” she offered.

  “That was my thought. We’re bringing on a couple of new kids, and I’ll be training them on the mid and closing shifts. You’re on your own in the mornings, kiddo.”

  Nora grinned. “Thanks. I won’t let you down.”

  “I know you won’t. Anyone in particular that you’d like to work with?” He offered the drafted schedule to her.

  She skimmed it, considering. “Frank and I worked together last week,” she said, thinking out loud, “but I don’t think I’ve ever worked with Sam or Josi.” She handed the schedule back to him. “Anyone is fine, really.”

  “I’ll put you with Josi on Monday and Wednesday, then.” Todd scribbled with his pencil, and then he looked up at Nora. “Do you mind working with Laurel again on Thursday?”

  Nora forced a bright smile. “Why would I mind?”

  ***

  Carl wasn’t around when she got home, and Nora found a sticky note in the kitchen that made her pause. “Going down to Philly. Tell me I’m not an idiot.” She was pretty sure that meant he was going to see Reggie, and her heart tightened for him. After their heart to heart the other week, Carl hadn’t said much about Reggie’s visit, but Nora could tell he’d been preoccupied; his eyes glazed over sometimes when they were watching T.V. together, and he’d been a lot quieter than his usual, chipper self. Nora shook her head and pulled a carton of leftover Chinese out of the refrigerator. I hope he doesn’t do anything he’ll regret, she thought as she settled herself in the living room and inhaled her snack.

  Still, she kind of admired Carl. It took a lot of guts to put himself out there for love, and she knew that, whatever her reservations about Reggie, Carl was still pretty hung up on him. What if I were brave enough to take that kind of risk? Would Kingston reject her if she tried to tell him how she felt? You never know if you don’t try, she thought, feeling a tiny bubble of confidence surge in her. Maybe tonight, after the run, I’ll talk to him.

  ***

  Nora’s confidence was shaky when she got to the park, but she was still determined to corner Kingston. She’d spent the entire evening rehearsing what she wanted to say, and she’d decided that after the run would be the best time to open her heart. After all, she reasoned with a shiver of fear, what’s the worst that can happen?