Page 9 of Burning for You
Caro
They say a marathon is run with your head, not your legs. It’s true, but right now it’s something between my head and my legs that forces me to slow down.
My singlet, bearing the logos of my fiancé’s company, Brilliance Holdings, and my own, Sass by Caro, is so drenched with sweat that I don’t even feel the fabric anymore. I glance at my watch, pursing my lips. The time has passed.
But I keep reminding myself that I've had a major accident, so I shouldn’t be disappointed that today I won’t be beating my personal best.
After a dozen operations, a long rehab, and a full year of training, I hobble the last six excruciating miles of the New York Marathon, clutching my lower abs like my insides are about to drop. The motorcycle accident didn’t damage my legs as much as my pelvis, but I wouldn’t be here today had it not for a vigilant driver who noticed pieces of my bike’s broken taillight on the road.
The spectators alongside 67th Street are loud and dense. One voice tells me the finish line is in sight—the unmistakable voice of my biggest supporter, Timmy ‘Bear’ Baird, the Chief Creative Officer at Sass by Caro, and my very best friend.
I scream victoriously as I step over the line, muffling the claps and cheers around me. I fall into the Bear's arms as he catches my faltering body.
“I got you,” Bear says, keeping me upstanding with his—well, bear hug. “I’m so proud of you, babe.”
“Miss Meyer, congratulations. It was a great run, especially after your accident,” a reporter from the New York Times says as I limp away and rehydrate myself.
“I have to thank my fiancé, who unfortunately couldn’t be here. And this tireless friend of mine.” I look at Bear. “He’s a coach who actually takes ‘no’ for an answer—as long as the no leads to a bigger yes.” Bear pecks my cheek. “And of course, I have to thank the crew of Sass.” I wave at a group who is cheering me on from the other side.
“We love you, Caro!” Rhea’s voice breaks out from the rest.
“Aren’t you also raising money for the preservation of the Amazon jungle?”
“I’m glad you brought that up.” I smile. “The Amazon rainforest is home to more than ten million species of animals and plants. In particular, I’m raising awareness of indri conservation. Their population has declined by fifty percent in as many years. The indris are like us humans. Imagine, they gather together every morning to sing. How can you let such animals suffer because of our greed?”
“Is it true you’re going to be the majority shareholder of Brilliance Holdings?” The voice coming from behind me instantly drills into my brain, left to right. I recognize him—he’s Zac Moss, a reporter from The Street Messenger. How the hell did he know?
I ignore him.
“That’ll make you even more powerful than your fiancé,” he persists.
Bear and I start making our way toward a pavilion.
“Is it true Brilliance is in financial trouble?” Zac follows me. “Is that why you’re injecting cash into the business?”
“Sorry, no comment.”
“How about your wedding, Miss Meyer? It’s a big rock you've got there,” another reporter asks.
“We’ll decide on a date when we’re ready,” I say, smiling. “Thanks, everyone!” I follow Bear as he parts the crowd to get into the pavilion.
“You okay?” Bear says, helping me put on my jacket.
“Just a bit sore.” I grab another bottle of water then leave the pavilion through the back. I need to take a brisk walk around the block. Muscle lock-up would not be fun!
Bear says, “If I were you, I’d give Joshie an earful, you know. This marathon was very important to you, and your fiancé chose to attend a mediocre meeting in Bozeman?”
Right now I’m thinking how good it would be to come home to a fiancé who would pamper me and soothe my aching muscles. It’s not a need, just a nice-to-have—and Josh used to be the man who showered me with those nice-to-haves. We met in Paris at an international architecture and design summit last year. Besides his broad shoulders and warm smile, what first attracted me to him was our shared vision about making New York a better city. But let’s face it; it’s usually the little things a man does that convince you to give him a chance. I was still on crutches during the trip, and Josh helped me navigate tricky spaces, held my drinks, carried my bag, and elegantly shooed away those over-eager networking opportunists.
Josh Bright is my dream man. Or was. Because he has changed. Perhaps it’s just the reality of two businesspeople in a relationship. We eventually put aside the nice-to-haves, and now we run our lives on a necessity basis.
“He’s bidding for the expansion of the airport, and it couldn’t wait,” I explain to Bear.
My bestie pouts. “Anyways, when would you like to start talking dress, Mrs. Bright to-be?”
Bear Baird. A rare talent in the fashion world, who had turned away job offers from the heavyweights like Donna Karan and Calvin Klein, and stuck with Sass. He is the epitome of loyalty, not just to me, but to his boyfriend of… forever—despite society not always welcoming them. I’ve known the guy since middle school and he’s never been with another man besides Blake.
Right now, I can lose anyone except Bear. He never judges me, having stood by me throughout my many break-ups—big and small. No doubt he will continue standing by me when I eventually start my married life with Josh.