Running Deeper Than a Race Read online

  “Everything is fine ma’am.”

  “Yeah for now. Don’t make me come back and show my natural black ass because I don’t mind. She tries to keep everything calm but I’m not the one or the two,” Quinn explained.

  “I understand ma’am.”

  “Sir, I don’t think that you do.”

  “Have a great day, ladies.” He stated before walking away.

  Brinley closed the door right before Quinn started going off.

  “I don’t like that shit at all. If he hasn’t been by here before, I don’t understand what the issue was today.”

  “I don’t know,” she stated throwing her hands up. “Maybe someone complained about us running earlier.”

  “I wish a bitch would try me and tell the cops that we were minding our own damn business. I’m ready for you to buy that house and move from these nosey ass people before someone gets hurt.”

  “I’m not going to get hurt.”

  “I know because they’re going to be the ones that get hurt. I already told you. I don’t mind.”

  “You need to chill out.”

  “I will once I find out what’s going on. We can’t even enjoy a nice Sunday morning run without people being nosey and trying to start trouble.”

  Brinley shook her head but she knew that Quinn was telling the truth. She walked back over to the couch and sat down.

  “Don’t feel defeated. I already told you, I don’t mind.”

  Brinley started laughing.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You. I swear once you get upset, it’s hard for you to come back down.”

  “You’re right. I’ll get back calm once I know that my best friend is safe. I don’t play about you and you know that.”

  “I know. I know.”

  “I don’t think that you do.”

  “Let’s not think about the negative before you run up behind that police and shoot him dead.”

  “You’re damn right.”

  Brinley started laughing.

  Quinn rolled her eyes before going into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

  Brinley lived in a two-bedroom, two-bath house in the small town of Micro, North Carolina.

  “Now we need to watch a movie so I can laugh because you already know that this football isn’t going to cut it.”

  “Sit down. My husband might be on this screen.”

  “Hell, you can’t get to him from here. Not in this small town. You need to get to one of the games.”

  “Or you can hook me up with one of your entertainment friends? I know you know several faithful ones.”

  “Yes and they’re all married. Don’t you think that I would be married already if any were single?”

  “No, because you’re mean as hell and don’t want to be settled down.”

  “That’s not true. I’m not settling. There is a difference in settling down. I’m ready to be a wife and mother but I’m not going to settle for someone that isn’t ready for either. You know these men try to play dumb. I can play dumb by myself,” she laughed.

  “I swear you have had some good ones.”

  “Appears isn’t everything.”

  “You’re right. It fades away after some time.”

  “Yes and once the dust settles and their skeletons come out of the closet you’re ready to shoot them both down.”

  “Here you go with this shooting mess.”

  Quinn started laughing. “We need to get to the gun range and get you squared away.”

  “I’ll pass.”

  QUINN STRETCHED AS she listened to the commentator explain the latest play. She rubbed her eyes as she tried to focus and remember where she was. Brinley was in the kitchen making noise.

  “What are you doing? You’re making a lot of noise.”

  “I’m making dinner. You’ve been sleep a long time.”

  “I see. Why didn’t you wake me up?”

  “For what? I don’t need your help. I know how to cook.”

  “Are you sure about that? I hope you used seasoning.”

  “And if I didn’t? You can go and get takeout. The stores are still open.”

  “You’re still an asshole I see.”

  “Whatever. I wasn’t the one that was talking about going to the gun range right before I went to sleep.”

  Quinn walked into the kitchen. “So, what are you cooking?”

  “Food? You will see soon enough.”

  “I hope it’s good.”

  Brinley rolled her eyes before grabbing a bottle of water. “I don’t understand why you always have something to say about everything.”

  “Because it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t say anything.”

  “Go back to sleep. I’ll wake you up when the food is ready.”

  “I’m good. I’m going round to the other side of the bar so I can watch what you’re doing.”

  “No ma’am. I don’t need you criticizing or critiquing me about how to cook. Let me do what I do best. I know how to make this meal with my eyes closed.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  “Hypocrite.”

  Twenty minutes later, Brinley was putting the final touches on her meal when her phone started ringing. Quinn looked in her direction but didn’t say a word.

  “I’m going to get it. Don’t look back here like that.”

  Quinn didn’t respond. She looked back in the direction of the tv.

  “Hello!”

  “Hey, how are you doing?”

  “I’m good. How are you doing? I haven’t talked to you all weekend. I wanted to check in.”

  “I’m good. Kind of busy but besides that I’m good.”

  “Oh, I didn’t mean to bother you. Why did you answer the phone if you were busy?”

  “Because you know how you get. You will keep calling until I answer.”

  “I haven’t done that in a while.”

  “But you will though.”

  Brinley could feel Quinn burning a hole in the back of her head.

  “Is the food ready?” she called out.

  “Quinn, don’t start your shit and yes the food is ready. I’m going to finish my call in the back. I’ll be back.”

  “You can stay in here, I’m not going to be nosey.”

  Brinley smiled and walked to her room.

  “Damn, when did you start taking calls in the back? He must be something serious?”

  Brinley smiled as she continued the conversation.

  “I didn’t know that you had company. Why didn’t you text me to let me know?”

  “Because we’re dating but not serious. You normally call me on Fridays after work and when you didn’t, I didn’t think anything of it. I figured that you were too busy and too tired to call. No big deal.”

  “Yes, it is a big deal. You know I’m serious and crazy about you.”

  “That I don’t know,” she answered as she stared out of her bedroom window.

  “Well I am. I was going through some things when I got off Friday. I was ready to burn my damn building down,” he laughed.

  “Burn it down for what? I know those people weren’t getting to you like that?”

  “Hell yes. Hell, yes. They really wanted me to slap the hell out of them for real.”

  “When are you going to find a new job?”

  “I’ve been looking but I haven’t applied. I haven’t applied or looked for a job in years. I really don’t know where to start.”

  “Start with putting the start salary in because there is no need to look or apply for something that isn’t going to start paying you what you deserve.”

  “True. I swear I need you to apply for my jobs for me.”

  “No, sir. I have enough going on with my own job to be looking for a new one for you.”

  “When can I see you again?”

  “Whenever you’re free.”

  “I’m free now,” he laughed.

  “Maverick, you’re always trying to start some mess. I don’t want you meet
ing my friends, yet.”

  “Here you go on this bull again. I don’t understand what the issue is. If we don’t make it after a while, there will be no hard feelings. Or is the issue because you think they will fall in love with me and start asking about me?”

  Brinley started laughing.

  “Ahh, that is the issue. I’m going to see you this week, if it has to be for Thursday night football.”

  “Sports, one of the ways to my heart.”

  “I know. I’ll let you get back to your company. I’ll text you some time tonight or in the morning. Behave yourself.”

  “Not hardly,” she laughed. “Have a good evening.”

  “You too.”

  Chapter Three

  “THAT DINNER WAS AMAZING. When did you learn how to make that chicken like that?”

  “Pinterest,” she smiled.

  “You need to send me that recipe because I need it.”

  Brinley smiled and nodded her head.

  Quinn took a deep breath and sighed.

  “What’s wrong with you?”

  “I know that you don’t want me leaving but I have to go.”

  “Now? Why are you leaving tonight?”

  “Because I have to get home to pack.”

  “When is your flight?”

  “Tomorrow evening.”

  “You don’t have to leave until in the morning. Dang, can we at least have dessert together or something.”

  “You act like we’re not going to see each other again.”

  “Hell, I don’t know. A lot can happen in a year.”

  “Don’t start your crying shit. I swear I’m not going to get in the thug cry with you tonight.”

  Brinley adjusted her shorts as she walked back into the kitchen.

  “When do you plan on throwing them damn things in the trash? I know I got those pajamas for you years ago. But it’s time to let them go.”

  “Who told you that?” she asked as she rubbed her Mickey Mouse shirt and matching shorts.

  “I don’t even know what possessed me to buy it. You’re so childish for still liking that cartoon.”

  “I’m not childish. I love Mickey, stop hating.”

  “I’m not hating.”

  Quinn stood up and joined her in the kitchen. “What kind of dessert do you have?”

  The aroma coming from the microwave that Quinn didn’t know was on, surprised Quinn. She smiled at Brinley when she realized that she was making cake cups.

  “When did you start making those?”

  “Stop being so nosey and help me eat them.”

  “What kind did you make?”

  “Our favorites,” she smiled.

  “Brownie?”

  “Of course, greedy.”

  “I’m going to miss you.”

  “But you’re upset with me because I wanted to spend more time with you?”

  “I’m not upset. I know it’s going to be harder to leave in the morning but I need to do this for my career.”

  “I know. I agree. That doesn’t mean that I want you to leave.”

  “You’re going to be okay.”

  “I guess I don’t have a choice.”

  “You can always come and visit.”

  “I don’t even know where you’re going.”

  Quinn started laughing. “I’ll let you know once I touch down.”

  “You act like it’s top secret.”

  “It could be.”

  “You’re not in the military. I don’t understand what the big issue is.”

  “Why are we standing in the kitchen eating these?”

  “Because we need to put ice cream on top.”

  “Shit, I already ate my whole thing. I need another one.”

  Brinley shook her head.

  “What? You know I love those things. I don’t understand why you didn’t make two.”

  “Because I don’t need another one. I’m trying to watch my figure.”

  “But you wanted me to stay for dessert. Girl, give me another round.”

  “You act like you’re at the bar.”

  “Speaking of bars, let’s hit one up tonight.”

  “Ma’am, I have work tomorrow. I can’t get lit like we used to do and go to work. I can’t do it.”

  “I was just messing. Do you know what eating this and going out to drink would do to my body? I would be a shitty mess,” she laughed.

  “You make me sick,” she laughed grabbing the tub of ice cream.

  “Do you think something is going to happen to either of us?”

  “What do you mean?” she asked as she grabbed the ice cream scooper out of the draw.

  “I,” she paused. “I feel like something is off and you’re not telling me.”

  “Off like what? What kind of dream have you had? I swear you always act weird when you dream something. Is that why you decided to spend the weekend?”

  “I do have dreams but something just doesn’t feel right. I can feel it in my bones.”

  “Well, I can’t leave my job and go with you so don’t even ask.”

  “How did you know that I wanted you to leave?”

  “Because you’re still scared and paranoid about that police coming by here earlier.”

  “I forgot all about that.”

  “Stop lying. I know how you are. You can’t pack everybody up to protect me. Just pray for my safety.”

  “I do but that doesn’t always work with my worrying spirit. I try to relax when I can feel things happening I won’t let it rest. I want you to know that I’m going to be calling every day to check up on you.”

  “And I might not answer every time.”

  “Don’t play with me.”

  “I’m serious. I’m going to be okay. I might get lonely sometimes but I don’t want you worrying about what’s going on here.”

  “I’m always going to worry.”

  “Well, you don’t need to have a baby because that’s going to get worse when the baby gets older.”

  Quinn started laughing. “How do you know that?”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  “Give me the ice cream so I can go back and curl up on the couch. I’m tired, Brinley.”

  “You should be rested, all of that sleeping that you’ve been doing since you got here.”

  “It’s relaxing and cozy in here. I can’t help that you don’t have noise and I enjoy sleeping on your couch.”

  “You’re always trying to break down my furniture.”

  “I am not. This couch is new anyway.”

  “So, that doesn’t mean that you need to break it in. Let me do that.”

  “You’re so damn nasty. Is that what the call was about? A booty call? I can leave if you need to get yours?”

  “Girl,” she waved her off as she put the ice cream back in the freezer. “If you don’t get somewhere.”

  “Sex is good. Especially if he knows what he is doing and if you like him. It better not be a serious relationship and he better not be a serial killer.”

  “What is up with you and these killers?” she laughed as she walked to the living room.

  “I don’t trust people and with you living in this neighborhood, I don’t trust these people.”

  “I know. I know. You’ve said it more than once.”

  “I want you to understand what I’m saying.”

  “I got it. I heard it. I understand it.”

  “Promise me that if you die before I do, always remember that I love you.”

  “Don’t start your shit, Quinn. Stop the death talk. I thought we agreed to die together.”

  “Well, shit we can’t die right now.”

  “I wasn’t planning on it. I’m trying to live to see 90 or so.”

  “We have a long way to go, if that’s the case.”

  “Exactly. Now get out of my face.”

  “I love you too.”

  Brinley tried to shake off the feelings from what Quinn said but something about her talking about death didn’t set well w
ith her. She glanced over at her devouring the ice cream and brownie cup.

  “You’re going to be my friend forever.”

  “You stink.”

  “Excuse you?”

  “I said you stink,” Quinn repeated.

  “We’re in gym stupid. What do you expect me to smell like?”

  “Not that.”

  “What’s your name mouthy? So I can stay away from you.”

  “Don’t worry about it. We’re going to be friends forever.”

  “No, we aren’t. You just insulted me and want to be my friend. I don’t make friends like that.”

  “You know that you don’t stink.”

  “I don’t. Can you please get out of my face?”

  “I was playing.”

  Brinley shook her head as she thought about the first time they held a conversation in gym more than 20 years ago.

  Chapter Four

  Brinley sat on the edge of her bed as she contemplated getting dressed for her morning run. Staying up with Quinn late the night before was a bad idea. She shook her head as she stood up and almost walked into Quinn.

  “What are you doing up so early?”

  “Well, um.”

  “What? You were trying to sneak out before I woke up. Now you’re caught.”

  “I wasn’t,” she lied.

  “What were you doing?”

  “I was going to the bathroom.”

  “Whatever. I don’t believe it. You look like you’re dressed and ready to go.”

  “I always wake up looking like this.”

  “When are you going to stop lying and tell me the truth. You were trying to sneak out.”

  “Maybe I was. I wasn’t trying to wake you up because we were up so late last night.”

  “That has never stopped you before.”

  “Brinley, I’m not trying to cause a scene.”

  “A scene? You’re so dramatic.”

  “You know how you get when I leave.”

  “I do. I always cry. What’s wrong with that? I’m going to miss you. Plus, you’re going to be gone for a longer period of time now. I can’t just jump in my car and drive to you to spend time. I have to actually fly to you.”

  “It’s going to be okay. I’ll be back.”

  “When?” she asked trying to fight back tears.

  “Don’t start that crying shit already.”