Page 41 of The Outline


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I laughed. “He doesn’t hate you. And even if he did, he’s twelve, it’s his job to hate everything.”

“Sure.”

“Hey, at least he didn’t flip you off.”

“No, but he probably wanted to,” Pete said. “And, honestly, he’d be justified. Like I mentioned, I’ve been attempting to do more for the boys, but I’m not sure they know what to make of me yet.”

“I’m sure if you keep trying, Robbie will come around. And Gage?”

“That little dude. He’s always cool. Easy.”

“Well, that’s a start.”

Pete sighed. “I guess.”

“Look, whatever your reasons were for staying away from your nephews before, you’re trying now, and that has to count for something.”

“I hope you’re right.” He nodded and straightened up before switching gears. “Thanks for listening. I’m glad you and Renn are doing…whatever you’re doing. It’s good to see him smile.”

I let out a wary groan and my tone held a warning, “Pete.”

“Got it. I won’t bring it up again.” Pete mimed zipping his lips and throwing the key over his shoulder.

Static came through the loudspeakers, followed by an announcement that my race was about to begin. Pete gave me a wave and jogged away. For all their sakes, I hoped he could figure things out with his nephews. Based on personal experience, I believed people could change. Pete wouldn’t be the first person to do things the wrong way before eventually getting it right.

20:53. It wasn’tthe fastest 5K time I’d ever gotten, but it was better than the races I’d run in Boston. I could remember coming across those finish lines, Henri looking bored on the sidelines. He had a regular gym routine that included the treadmill but wasn’t one for working out in the fresh air.I like the atmosphere in the gym, darling. If you’re just running outside, it’s too easy to let yourself be lazy.It seemed insane looking back—he’d made me question if I was running enough when I was averaging three to four miles per day. Fucking gaslighter.

But when I crossed the finish line at Robbie’s school fundraiser, I still reflexively looked for Henri. I grimaced, disgusted with myself at the instinct.Dammit. Are you ever going to stop waiting for Henri to clap for you, Sadie?

The results went up on the screen a few minutes later. I was swigging from a water bottle when I looked up and confirmed I’d placedthird. Not too shabby.

I was half-expecting some sort of congratulatory message or appearance from Renn, but none came. Between the conversation with Pete making me wonder if we were being too obvious, along with instinctively seeking my ex’s face at the finish, my insecurities were threatening to get the better of me. I spiraled further as I worried Renn’s lack of communication meant he didn’tactuallywant me there. I wondered if I should just leave.

But a sticky hand tugging my wrist took the decision away from me. I looked down to see Gage at my side. Renn’s youngest brother gave me a gap-toothed grin, and I smiled back, spiral averted in the face of this adorableness. His longish hair grazed the top of the overlarge event t-shirt he wore.

“I remember you. You’re Renn’s friend. I remember your flower.” Gage pointed a stubby finger at my thigh.

“Hi, Gage.” I squatted down so I could speak to him eye-to-eye. “Yes, I’m Renn’s friend, Sadie. I came here today to support Robbie’s school.”

“Did you run?”

“I did. My race just finished.” I pointed at the screen nearby. “See that name by the number three? That’s me.”

“The one that’s S-A-D-I-E?”

“Yep. Now, can I ask you something?”

“Yep.” He popped the P and grinned up at me.

“Does someone know where you are? Are you supposed to be with your brothers? Or your Uncle Pete?”

Gage’s smile grew wider and his voice lisped a little. “Archie said I was big enough now that I could walk around as long as I stayed on the inside of the track.” Hmm. Apparently, the other tattoo artist was somewhere around the event, too.

“Ah, so you’re good if you stay on the football field. Got it. Hey, it looks like you’ve lost a tooth, Gage. One of the important ones right up front.”

“Uh-huh. Two days ago. The tooth fairy left me five dollars. When I lost one of the side ones, it was only one dollar. Renn said she left more this time because it was a big one.”

“Renn is right. Front teeth should definitely be worth more.”