Page 55 of The Scientist
He shrugged. “If you don’t feel like being alone.”
Well, there was an idea… A bad one, but still.
"I have the endurance of a panda,” I told him. “You’d have to go much slower than you’re used to.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to hold you back.”
“It’s fine,” he said. “Besides, I’m a little afraid I’d come back to you putting up scarecrows all around the neighborhood.”
“You think you’re joking.”
He smiled a warm, almost tender smile, and I felt like that bird might have gotten lodged in my stomach and was flapping around in there.
“Okay. I’ll go change.”
I ran up the stairs and put on my workout gear that still had the tags on it. I met Lex back outside and noticed the weather was starting to cool off. Perfect weather to go for a run. That is, if you're into the whole 'gasping for air while your legs turn to jelly' kind of vibe.
"So, how far do you normally run?” I asked, giving my legs a stretch.
“Usually about four to five miles.”
“Oh, is that all?” I asked, tone dripping with sarcasm.
“I usually head up Perkins and turn on Bleaker. I like to run by that park with the big lake. It’s really nice in the morning. No one’s ever around.”
That’s because all the sane people are probably sleeping.
“Okay. Let’s do it,” I said.
We started to jog up the path he had laid out, and I was drenched with sweat and wheezing within ten minutes while he looked like he’d just been lounging on the sofa.
“I think I’m dying,” I gasped as we finally reached the lake.
It actually was a really beautiful area. The lake itself looked to be about fifty square acres in size with old oak trees casting shade around the entire pathway. Lex had been right—there wasn’t a soul in sight. I would have found the scene quite peaceful if I hadn’t been about to hack up a lung.
I crumpled like a Jenga tower onto the grass underneath one of the oak trees and decided running was definitely not for me.The only time I’d ever been in any kind of decent shape was when I had to perform on the big stage. After the last show, I’d always head straight for my rightful place on the couch. It had been years since I’d done any kind of onstage performance, and it was showing here and now.
Lex hadn’t complained once about my pace or the number of times I had to stop.
I lay out dramatically on my side, resting my head on my outstretched arm, and peeked up at him with one eye open. “Go on without me. I’m dead weight. Dead being the operative word.”
He laughed as he looked out toward the lake. “It’s nice to get a chance to look around a little. I don’t ever stop to take it in.”
What a gentleman. I could tell he was letting me off the hook. “Glad I could be of assistance.”
“You know, running actually increases your lung capacity and helps improve breath control. Might arguably be the best workout for a singer,” he teased.
So much for letting me off the hook.
“Thank you, doctor,” I said, still feeling like I might die. “Is that why you jog, Lex? To keep up your singing voice?”
“No. I think you might prefer getting attacked by that bird again than having to listen to me sing.”
“So, what is it then? You just enjoy running?” I asked, finding the idea ridiculous.
“I didn’t at first, but now that I’ve been doing it for a while, I enjoy it more.”