Page 3 of Mr. Green (Mr. #2)

Lana

I can’t stop thinking about doing that marathon. I even asked Scarlett for a pamphlet for a “friend.” She gave it to me with a knowing smile. I’m sure she saw right through my lie, but she didn’t push me.

According to the pamphlet, it’s a half marathon through the town and along the Hood River. The view alone would be stunning, but I’ve never run that far. A little more than thirteen miles seems like a lot. It might be just the challenge I’ve been looking for to get out of this rut.

I stare up at the ceiling while lying on my bed, wondering if I’ll actually be able to run that far or whether I’ll fall on my face. Jason did say he could train me. Maybe having a goal will get me motivated to do something other than wanting to sleep and cry all the time.

I’ve always had a fuller figure. I’m not going into this thinking I’ll end up looking like Scarlett—a thin, rectangle shape who’s fit and toned.

It’s about me finding something that’ll help me move forward and feel good about myself again.

I have to get to a place where I appreciate my body and it shows.

I roll out of bed to sort through the workout clothing options in my dresser. A cropped top ends up in between my fingers. I stare down at the fabric thinking about a day I went to do a workout with Ryan .

“Lana, you ready?” Ryan shouts from the living room.

I walk out of the bedroom wearing a sports bra, crop top thing with the tight leggings that are popular with the kids these days.

It’s not something I’d usually wear, but Paige helped me pick it out when we were shopping.

I’ve got an hourglass figure with some weight in my thighs and butt, but I think I look good.

“Ready!” I reach for my water bottle.

“What are you wearing, Lana?” Ryan’s mouth is wide open staring at me in disbelief.

I shrug. “What? I thought it was cute.”

“It’s a little revealing for you, don’t you think?”

“It’s less than I usually wear...” I look down at my outfit with a furrowed brow. “You think it’s too revealing?”

“Yes! I don’t need other people looking at you weird while we’re working out.”

“Yeah. You’re right.” I cross my arms over my chest. This wasn’t the best idea. Paige always picks out clothing that’s on the revealing side. I didn’t think much of it since it’s trending right now, though.

I go into my room and change. Thinking I could pull off an outfit that skimpy was dumb. I put my usual oversized T-shirt on that covers my butt and walk back out to the living room.

“Much better. Let’s go.” He turns and walks out, waiting for me to follow at the door. I try not to think too much about it. He’s probably just being protective over me and doesn’t want me to show off too much skin.

I head out the door with my head lowered, but at least Ryan is watching out for me.

During our workout routine we’d plan our life together.

We never did cardio, so it was easy to chat in between sets.

Sometimes it was the only quality time I got with him; he was always busy.

We planned on him getting a job as an investment banker in Seattle.

We were going to live in the city for two years, and then once both of us had enough experience under our belts, we’d buy a house in our little town, settling down with kids the year after.

A life that’s safe and predictable was supposed to be my future.

Instead, I came home from my parents’ house to find he had packed up everything of his and left. No conversation, no note, no closure.

Why wasn’t I good enough?

“I can do that marathon!” I announce, alone in my apartment.

I shove the crop top back in its drawer and grab my phone to call Jason.

Scarlett always works out with Matt now, and Paige has been busy with making updates to the spa.

Jason will be the only one who is free. It’s eight in the evening, I won’t look desperate at this hour.

I dial his number and plop back on my bed, waiting.

Ring, ring, ring. “Hey, you’ve reached Jason. You know what to do.” Beep.

“Hey, Jason, it’s Lana. I want to train with you for the marathon. Call me back when you know your schedule. Thanks, bye!”

The sides of my mouth lift a little as I stare up at the ceiling. This is the challenge I’ve been looking for—something to find the woman I know is still in there. She’s hiding, but she’s waiting to come out.