I stretch my arms while he leans on his knees. I look at my smart watch and note we have already run two miles. I could easily run a couple more, but I take pity on poor Dante.
“Let’s walk back. It will give us a chance to catch our breath.”
He’s still panting, but noticeably less. “No need to take it easy on me. I can run back.”
I internally roll my eyes. Men and their pride. “I know. I want to walk a bit anyway. Maybe chat? I hardly know you, considering how much time we spend together.”
He narrows his eyes suspiciously. I start walking, forcing him to follow. “I think your motives are questionable, but I will allow it.”
I wink at him over my shoulder. “Catch up, slow poke.”
He picks up his pace until he’s walking next to me.
“So, tell me about yourself, Dante.”
“There’s not much to know.”
“Sure there is. You’re a person. You have a story. What’s your story?”
He sighs. “Couldn’t we run again?”
I laugh. “Your story is so bad that you would prefer running?”
“Not bad. Just boring.”
I shrug. “Let’s hear it.”
“I’m a single thirty-two-year-old. I guard a gorgeous brunette who has a history of finding trouble. That’s it.”
I blush at his comment. “Thank you, I think. What about your family?”
“My mom died when I was a kid. My pops lives in California. I don’t talk to him much. He stayed until I turned eighteen then decided I was fine on my own. He wasn’t around much when he was here.”
“I understand that. My dad was gone more than he was home. He’s long gone now. I don’t even know where he is. He packed up and left one day. I still have my mom though. She has been a great support system for me. She moved outside the city a couple years back, but I still make sure to go visit her from time to time. I talk to her every day. I’m sorry about your mom.” I reach out and squeeze his forearm.
“Thanks, it was hard, but I’m better now. She had cancer, so it’s bittersweet for me. I’m sad she’s gone, but I’m glad her suffering is over.”
We walk in silence for a moment, both of us digesting the heaviness of the conversation.
After a moment, I clear my throat. “No siblings?”
“Nope. Only child here.”
“No girlfriend you said, right?” I tease.
He chuckles. “I had one, but the late nights drove her away. This is a hard job to have and find love.”
I sober at his admission. “I understand more than you know.”
“I heard about your last guard. I’m sorry about him. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. I will give my life for you if it comes down to it.”
“That’s what I’m worried about. Why should you give your life for me? Why is mine more important than yours?”
“I can’t answer that for you. All I can say is that I would keep you safe even if it wasn’t my job. I think any humane person would do what they could to protect another. I know the world seems so scary and cold these days, but I want to believe that we all still have our humanity. We would all do what we can to protect another from harm.”
I ponder his words. “Maybe, but I don’t think I could live with the guilt of another person dying for me.” I turn to him and paste on a fake smile. “So, try not to die, okay?”
I take off running. While I enjoyed the conversation, it became too much for me. Thinking about death always does this to me. It reminds me of a past I have been trying to overcome.
