Running Deeper Than a Race Read online

  “I don’t know,” she tried to catch her breath.

  “Alright, we’re almost there.”

  They rounded the corner that lead up to the railroad tracks and Brinley’s watch went off.

  “1 mile complete. 9 minutes and 10 seconds.”

  “Damn, we didn’t get under 9 minutes.”

  “What did it say?”

  “9 minutes and 10 seconds.”

  “What? That’s still a great time.”

  “It is but I thought we were going for under 9.”

  “We’ll have another chance to get it.”

  “I don’t know if I want to run with you again,” she stopped as she put her hands on her head.

  “We’re going to do this again.”

  Brinley shook her head. Maverick started doing butt kicks.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m doing butt kicks. You don’t do those?”

  “No,” she laughed.

  “They help with your running. Trust me on this.”

  “I don’t know how I feel about this. We’re going to look crazy out here doing that in the road.”

  “And, I don’t care about these wh—

  “These people,” she cut in.

  “Yes. Those people. I don’t care. I’m sure several of them are watching. Why didn’t you move in a more diverse area?”

  “Because I didn’t know it was like this until about three months ago.”

  “I don’t believe that.”

  “I’m serious. It’s like all of them came out of the woodworks.”

  “How long have you lived here?”

  “A couple of years now.”

  “And where in the hell have all of these people been living? I know they haven’t been hiding. Stuff like this doesn’t hide.”

  “I honestly haven’t experienced any issues until recently. I promise.”

  “And you need to stay strapped.”

  “Why does everybody want me to carry around a gun?”

  “Just in case. Are we going around one more time or going to your house?”

  “We can cut it short.”

  “Okay. Do you know who lives in that house on the corner? I noticed that they put a dog outside on our second lap?”

  “I don’t. I don’t know any of these people.”

  “That could be a good thing. I mean, it’s nice to know your neighbors but some things you can do without.”

  Brinley started laughing. “What music were you listening to?”

  “A little of everything but I work better when I’m listening to R&B. Something about that music gets me moving.”

  “I see. I was listening to the sad side of R&B.”

  “Oh hell, don’t start crying.”

  “I’m not.”

  They turned the corner and a black Boston Terrier came running up on them. Brinley pulled out her mace.

  “I don’t know whose dog this is but you might want to get him before I kick the shit out of him.”

  “Billy, get back here. Stop bothering these nice people.”

  Maverick wasn’t amused. He knew someone put the dog out with bad intentions but they didn’t know that he was two seconds away from getting kicked to kingdom come. The dog ran back to its owner.

  “Has that happened before?”

  “No. I was ready.”

  “That damn mace wasn’t going to do anything.”

  “Yes it was. I was going to shoot it dead in its mouth.”

  Maverick started laughing. “I’m glad you have that on you. Do you have it at all times?”

  “I sure do. I’m not playing with these people and their animals. I know I may act like I’m not paying attention but I’ve been noticing everything since I’ve been exploring.”

  “We need to do these every other day.”

  “That means you have to be at my house at the crack of dawn.”

  “That’s not a problem at all,” he smiled placing his arm around her neck.

  “What are you trying to do?”

  “Lose this gut. I’m tired of carrying it around and I’m not using my gym membership. I probably should cancel that,” he laughed.

  “Especially if you aren’t using it. You can pay me that money to use my shower and spare bedroom,” she joked.

  “I sure will.”

  “You smell bad.”

  “Like you don’t.”

  “I won’t be for long.”

  “Are we going to shower together to save time and water?”

  “Excuse me?” she asked stopping to face him.

  “My bad. I keep forgetting that we haven’t been on that level of intimacy yet.”

  “That’s right. I wouldn’t mind you washing my back but I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  “It was worth a try. What time do you have to be leaving for work?”

  “I’m working from home today.”

  “Oh, well you can take your shower when I leave.”

  “Or I can take one before you. Either way, I’m getting in some water.”

  “Let’s get in the house before someone rides by.”

  Just as Maverick was walking in the house, a police car passed by. He waved for the hell of it. He didn’t mention it to Brinley, he didn’t want to alarm her.

  “Thank you again.”

  “You’re welcome. I should be thanking you for that fresh air. I needed that. I honestly forgot how refreshing running outside was.”

  “I didn’t,” she laughed. “You know where the bathroom is. I won’t jump in the shower so you can have hot water.”

  “Please don’t. I know how women love to have the water on hell and get mad when someone gets in the way.”

  “You got that right.”

  Maverick started laughing as he walked to the back.

  “Where is your bag?”

  “Oh shit. I forgot about it.”

  “Please get your clothes. I need to see how you dress for work. You might be a undercover nerd and I need to see,” she laughed.

  “I am a nerd. You haven’t figured that out by now?”

  “I haven’t. But I’m glad that you confirmed it.”

  “I’ll be back.”

  Chapter Eight

  “Good morning, officer. Is there something that I can help you with?”

  “I should be asking you the same thing.”

  “Excuse me?” he asked as he closed his trunk.

  “What are you doing, son?”

  “I’m minding my business. I guess you’re mad about me waving at you the first time you rode by?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Did someone call you to check out the neighborhood because if not you have no right asking me questions.”

  “I can ask what I want to.”

  “That’s true but I don’t have to answer any questions. You have a great day,” he stated walking back inside of the house.

  “What’s wrong?” Brinley asked when she realized that Maverick was just coming back in with his bag.

  “So, the police harasses you around here too?” He asked as he placed his bag on the floor.

  “What happened?”

  “Some white man. I think he was white. He could pass for a different color but he sure as hell wasn’t a brother. Stopped me and asked me what I was doing in my trunk.”

  “Now they’re harassing my guests.”

  “This isn’t the first time that this has happened?”

  “He stopped by last night and the night before that. I was kind of suspicious but I didn’t—-

  “Always think something of it when the police pops up without any reasoning. Some shit around here isn’t right.”

  “I know. I don’t know what to do about it. I like my little house and I’m not ready to move.”

  Maverick shook his head. He wasn’t surprised because her home was cozy.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. I have some friends that work security. I’ll have to hit them up and see what I can do
when I’m not around and you’re home alone.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I know I don’t but that’s not going to stop me from doing it.”

  “What did the officer look like?”

  “Middle aged. Skin wasn’t really pale with straight jet black hair and glasses. He had a pop belly. I should have popped his ass in it.”

  Brinley started laughing.

  “I’m serious. He would have went down holding it and doing the noise that the Pillsbury doughboy does.”

  “I swear, I’m glad that you’re finding humor in the situation.”

  “I am too. I’m surprised that I walked away while he was talking.”

  “Yes, that’s not safe.”

  “I know but I know if he kept talking I would have grabbed my gun from my glove compartment.”

  “That’s not good either.”

  “Shit, I had every right. He pulled up on me at my girl’s house.”

  “Oh really?”

  “Yes. I’m at my girl’s house minding my own black ass business.”

  “You’re right. I can’t even argue with you on that.”

  “I know you can’t,” he smiled as he kissed her on her cheek and walked away.

  Brinley smiled and walked into the kitchen. She pulled out her mixing bowls and started making pancakes, eggs and sausage. It’s the least that I can do.

  20 minutes later, Maverick walked out immediately rubbed his stomach.

  “It smells good in here. What are you making?”

  “Breakfast. Do you want some? Do you have time?”

  “Hell yes. I’m going to make time. If I’m late, I don’t even care,” he laughed.

  “Okay. The eggs are still cooking. Do you like eggs, sausage and pancakes? You aren’t allergic to anything right?”

  “Stop being nervous.”

  “I’m not nervous. I don’t want to make you sick.”

  “The only thing that I’m allergic to is food.”

  Brinley started laughing as she plated the eggs. “Do you like eggs?”

  “Yes honey. I told you that I love food.”

  “Cheese?”

  “Yes a little bit.”

  “By the way you look nice. And smell even better.”

  “Oh, thanks.” He blushed.

  “Are you nervous?”

  “Not at all. I thought you were going to say that my pants were too tight or something.”

  “I haven’t seen the back but from the front everything looks amazing from this side of the house,” she laughed. “Food is ready.”

  “And I’m ready,” he laughed.

  “I’ll be back.”

  “Hold up. Where are you going?”

  “I need a shower.”

  “Can we eat together so I can head to work. I appreciate you for cooking this because my stomach is touching my back and knees but I want to enjoy it with you.”

  “You sound like you’re going through something.”

  “I am. I don’t have women cooking for me often even if it is breakfast, I want to enjoy it with you. I know you’re going to run the shower water like you’re in there because you want me to eat alone. I don’t mind that you smell like outside,” he laughed.

  “I’m going to sit down with you.”

  “Yes, please do.”

  Brinley laughed as she made her plate. “You can eat.”

  “I am once you sit down.”

  “Is this what dating you is like? Can you cook?”

  “I can but I don’t because I don’t know how to cook for one person.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “I seem to cook like my mother.”

  “And how is that?”

  “For about five people. I cook like it’s Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner every meal.”

  “Are you serious?” she asked as she placed her plate down in front of the bar stool. “Do you want something to drink?”

  “Water is fine.”

  “I have juice if you want some of that.”

  “I’ll take the water. I want to taste all of the syrup and sugar on my pancakes.”

  “I’m going to call you greedy.”

  “And I’ll take it as long as you call me something.”

  Brinley shook her head as she placed two bottles of water in front of them.

  “I’ll bless the food in a silent prayer.”

  “Oh, you pray too?”

  “Sometimes. I don’t pray as often as I should. But yes I do pray.”

  “Alrighty then.”

  Maverick grabbed her hand and they bowed their heads. He prayed over the food. “Amen.”

  “Amen. I hope you blessed the food and not just me.”

  “Cocky much?”

  “I’m not. I know you prayed for me. Trust me I can feel it.”

  “Don’t start your mess.”

  “I’m not starting. I can’t believe we met in a vitamin store and we’re having breakfast together.”

  “I can’t either. If I remember correctly, you gave me your number and not the other way around.”

  “Don’t act like you weren’t going to throw it out there. You paid for my stuff that day.”

  “I was being nice.”

  “Whatever,” she rolled her eyes. She poured more syrup on her pancakes before taking another bite.

  “What did you put in these?”

  “Vanilla extract.”

  “Oh, that’s what I taste?”

  “Yes, are they good? Your face isn’t too convincing.”

  “Yes, delicious.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “Everything is hitting the right spots on this plate.”

  Brinley smiled.

  “When are we going to go on a date?”

  “When you plan it?”

  “Bet.”

  “I’m serious. You have to take the lead.”

  “I don’t mind at all. I feel like you’re worth it. Even though you seem to play hard to get sometimes.”

  “I’m worth the chase. I can’t give in so easily. That would mean that everybody has access to me.”

  “I’m not everybody. I’m your future husband.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Very much so.”

  “I might not like some of your habits where it will stop me from being your wife.”

  Maverick started laughing.

  “What?”

  “You have a comeback for everything.”

  “I do. And every guy hates it.”

  “I don’t hate it. It’s different.”

  Brinley side eyed him.

  “I got this. I’m different myself. So, I’m ready.”

  “Yes, until the crazy comes out.”

  “I need to head to work. I don’t want to hear any lip when I walk in.”

  “Oh ok. You ate fast. Did you even taste the food?”

  “I did and it was bomb. Thank you again,” he answered as he walked to the trash can.

  “Call me later.”

  “Oh, really? Who knew?”

  “Get out.”

  Maverick leaned in for a kiss and Brinley offered her cheek and he smiled as he kissed it.

  “I don’t mind. I’ll take whatever I can get.”

  “You say that now.”

  “I’ll call you later. I don’t know what time but you better answer.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “I don’t mind pulling up,” he stated as he grabbed his bag.

  Brinley laughed as he closed the front door behind him.

  He checked to make sure the police wasn’t waiting for him outside.

  No sign of him this time.

  I’m still going to keep an eye out for him. Polices like him are up to no good.

  Chapter Nine

  Brinley sat at her computer desk as the hours passed by daydreaming about not having to worry about the racism of the world. She wasn’t quite sure when her neighbors got bad but she wasn’t fond of the s
ituation at all. She glanced at the clock on her computer and shook her head.

  “When did it get to be 5 o’clock already? 7 got here fast today.”

  Coworker: You’ve been quiet today. Are you good?

  Brinley: Yes. I’m fine. Ready for this work day to be over with so I can get back in my bed.

  Coworker: Is this time change bothering you too?

  Brinley: Not so much right now. I’m tired. Didn’t sleep too well last night.

  Coworker: Oh ok. I just wanted to check up on you.

  Brinley: Appreciate it.

  THERE WAS A STRONG knock on her door. She wasn’t sure that she wanted to answer it during work hours. She disregarded the first knock until there was another one.

  Boom. Boom. Boom.

  Buzzzzz.

  “Hello!”

  “Hey, someone is at the door for you.”

  “Huh?”

  “Yes, someone is at your door.”

  “For what exactly?”

  “I told you about my homeboy and the security stuff.”

  “Maverick, you didn’t have to. I’m good.”

  “There wasn’t a question in the conversation. I said someone is at the door. Can you please answer it? Now that’s the question.”

  Brinley tiptoed to the door but didn’t unlock or open it.

  “Brinley, are you standing at the door?” he chuckled out of frustration.

  “Are you serious?”

  “I am. He’s going to protect you.”

  “HELLO!”

  “What’s up man?”

  “Do you still do security? Personal security?”

  “I do. I don’t do it often.”

  “I need you do something for me. I’ll pay. I don’t mind whatever the fee let me know. Send me the invoice.”

  “Let me know the location and I might do it for free.”

  “I can’t let you do that. I know you have a regular job and this would be extra work for you.”

  “Maverick, let me worry about that.”

  “Kendall, I appreciate you.”

  “I’ll send you the location in a message.”

  “YOU JUST TALKED ABOUT this.”

  “What? I’m sorry if I jump on what I need to do but this needed to be done. Now open the door and let Kendall in.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  Boom. Boom. Boom.

  “He’s going to keep knocking until you open the door.”