Love, me.

Tapering

George

As I slowed to a jog, I glanced at my watch to check if I had enough time for a quick breakfast. It was race week and I did not want to overdo anything that could jeopardise the weekend. A quick 5k after my cycle to work was enough to keep the legs limber.

"Hey there." A familiar voice caught my attention. When I realised it was Rae, I felt myself breaking out into a grin. "Hey yourself." I nodded as I made my way towards her. It has been a week since she slept at mine and we had been cautious around each other at work, fearing to disrupt the invisible boundary that grew between us. It was the right thing to do I guess, as there was no way I wanted to be the one instigating her breakup. If anything, she should make her own decisions based on what she wants, and she definitely did not need any help from me.

"What are you up to? Why are you running before work?" Rae asked curiously. I could see her trying not to stare at my lips as I pushed away disturbing images of me kissing her soft lips right there. 

"I've got a race this Saturday and I'm done with clocking miles. All I need to do now is just a bit of tapering and get my body ready for it." I explained patiently while a look of wonderment crossed Rae's face.

"You race? What competition is that? That's the first I have heard of it. I did not realise you did more than cycling to work!" Rae burst out, with newfound adoration written across her face.

"I don't really like to boast about my conquests outside of work." I teased, watching her blush.

"Can I come and watch you race?" She asked shyly.

I was taken aback as this was the first time any of my colleagues, or friends took interest in standing in the heat to wait for hours to only catch me three times in a race. Not even Anne showed a slightest bit of interest.

"Sure, if you don't mind standing in the sun for hours," I joked, as a wide smile crept over her face. 

"I'll be there! Would you like to come over to mine for a dinner after the race then? You could do with some replenishment after the race," Rae added, looking at me expectantly. "My housemates are pretty chilled and would like to meet you too!" She quickly added.

"Yeah why not," I shrugged, trying not to appear too excited. "You know I always love the idea of food, especially if it's been cooked by somebody else." I grinned, and walked towards the hospital building. "I'll see you on the unit as I need a quick shower and breakfast to sustain me in the madhouse." I rolled my eyes jokingly as I parted ways with Rae, but not for long.