Running Home to You (The Running Series) Read Free

Worst decision of my life.  Hands down.”  The audience laughs just enough to know that the heaviness that hung in the air a moment ago from Evan’s heartfelt admission is beginning to lift.
    Evan welcomes the change in conversation and agrees, “Yeah, but look at you now.  You’re doing alright for yourself.”  The audience politely applauds for Joey while he waves off the praise as undeserved.
    “Well, you look great now, man.  Hey, everyone, doesn’t Big Mac look great?”  They wait while the audience claps in agreement before Joey follows up with another question.  “How’s your recovery going?  Are we going to see you take the field this season?” 
    “Absolutely.  I’m looking forward to working with Matt Ortiz and learning from the best.  He’s brought the Sentinels to the playoffs five times in his career, and I can’t wait to become a part of that legacy.”  Evan sits up a little taller and crosses one leg across his knee.  Talking about football is something he really enjoys and it shows.
    “That’s great to hear, Mac.  There were rumors flying that you wouldn’t be returning this season.  Any idea how those rumors got started?” Joey asks.
    “I try not to listen to the rumor mill too much.  I’m no stranger to gossip, especially when it comes to my private life.  I prefer not to waste too much energy worrying about what other people are thinking.  The only person whose opinion matters to me right now is my girlfriend’s.”  Evan looks right over to me with a giant grin splashed across his face.  I can see my own happiness reflected in his eyes.  He winks at me, and I am lost in his spell.
    “Speaking of Juliette, I understand you’ve started a business together.  Don’t you two have a bar that will be opening soon?” Joey asks.
    “We do.  It’s a dessert bar called ‘Rush’ right in the heart of Asbury Park.  It’s just a few blocks in from the ocean and not too far from some of the town’s well-known landmarks like the Stone Pony.  I promise you, Joey, if you come down to Jersey, we’ll show you a great time.  Juliette makes the best cheesecake you’ve ever tasted in your life.  She’s really amazing.”
    “Sounds great.  I’d love to come down and check the place out.  But I have to ask you for something in return.  You like a good competition, a healthy challenge, right?” Joey asks.
    “You know I do, Joey.  Why?  What do you have in mind?” Evan replies.
    “Well, last time you were here, we threw a few footballs around.  I thought this time we’d play a little drinking game.  Now that you’re a bar owner, we want to put you to the test with a little friendly game of Flip Cup.  What do you say?  Can you stick around a little longer?” Joey asks, already knowing the answer.
    “I’d love to, Joey.”  The interview ends, and there’s a break for the commercial.  A flurry of activity begins as the staff hurries onto stage getting the game props all set up.  They position a camera to get an overhead shot of the game table.  We can watch on the large screen hanging on the wall beside the stage.
    It’s a relief that Evan’s not going to be playing any physical challenges.  I know he’s in top shape, but his grip is still weak and he’s not supposed to be using his hand for anything other than normal activities.  His doctor hasn’t cleared him to play football yet, and I’m just glad he’s not going to try to throw or catch right now on national television.
    Emmy’s phone goes off with a new text message while we’re waiting.  She giggles, and then furiously texts back.  “Emmy, was that a text from Adam?  What’s going on?” I ask her.
    “It was.  He said that Evan’s going to kick Joey’s ass.  They’ve been practicing back stage while Evan was waiting,” she explains.
    Just as I’m about to respond, I overhear the conversation taking place in the row directly behind me.  A group of young girls around my