He picked up his cup and took it to the sink.
“No, no, leave that. I’ve got it. It was a pleasure. I’ll let you know how things work out.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
Grace hurried to finish her piece, got Justin on his way, then she put in a call to Virginia, her mother’s administrative assistant in San Francisco. Winnie was very wealthy and the challenge of hiring for her household staff had always been taken very seriously, given the value of her possessions, her estate, her person. Grace asked Virginia to run a check on Ronaldo Germain, a potential employee. And she asked her to rush it.
A couple of hours later her husband was at the shop, his workday at the high school done. “How’s my sexy little mama today?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her.
“I think I’ve found someone for the shop,” she said, beaming. “Provided he turns out not to be a felon.”
“No kidding? You mean we can actually have a baby without you stressing out over the flowers?”
“If he turns out to be the kind of person I believe he is. Virginia is researching him.”
“When did he turn up?” Troy asked.
“I’d already interviewed him and rejected him. He came back. He wanted a second chance. I told him the position was no longer available, but...” She shrugged. “I hope my instincts are on target. But I promise to take it slow.”
Thirteen
Lin Su was not prepared for how out of her experience this short trip to the big island was. First of all, a private jet took them to San Francisco and no one had mentioned beforehand that this would be the case. All she knew was that they had a flight to San Francisco from the nearest regional airport. Once there, they went directly to their commercial flight where four seats in first class had been booked. When Lin Su asked her why she’d done this, Winnie simply said, “I wasn’t going to stick you in the back. I need this space. And I need my nurse.”
Lin Su told Charlie not to get used to this.
Winnie had offered to have a car service available but Lin Su protested loudly. It wouldn’t do to have a luxury sedan or SUV pulling up to a triathlon. They would be a spectacle. She insisted on a rented vehicle that could accommodate Winnie, her wheelchair, her walker, all their luggage. Virginia arranged for a rental van with a portable ramp to help Winnie in and out. It was a very big van. Lin Su sat in the driver’s seat, Charlie next to her, and she studied the dash and all the controls for a while before very, very slowly pulling out of the parking space.
“You gonna be able to drive this thing?” Charlie asked her.
“Of course,” she said. “I’m not very optimistic about parking it, however.”
The condo that had been rented was so luxurious Lin Su had to struggle not to gasp. A great room or family room faced a broad patio that fronted the beautiful beach. It was on the ground floor of a large resort and had a full kitchen, dining room, three bedrooms, two of which were masters. In Lin Su’s room, there were two queen-size beds so she could share her room with Charlie.
They had a lovely takeout from one of the resort restaurants and ate on the patio. In spite of the time change, it being earlier in Hawaii, Winnie wasn’t too tired. She’d also managed to catch a nap on the plane. After having some dinner, Mikhail and Charlie took a walk on the beach while Winnie and Lin Su enjoyed the sunset.
“I think I should take Charlie out to the race start early tomorrow morning. If you think you can miss that part, I’ll talk to race officials and find out if we can get you a safe place at the finish where you won’t be trampled by spectators.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Winnie said. “Oh, you and Charlie should go for the start. As much as I’d like to see more of the race, I should be satisfied with seeing the finish. If I try to do more, I might be too weak and fatigued to make it to the end. But Virginia sent a VIP seating package for four—she express mailed it last week. She’s a genius.”
“How did she do that with so little notice?”
“We know people,” Winnie said. “Companies I’ve worked with over the years, bankers and brokers. It’s routine for them to procure VIP admission for special events they can offer their clients. I’ve been to horse races, boat races, golf tournaments. Imagine their surprise when this little crippled lady asked to go to the Kona triathlon. I’m sure there was some scurrying, but we have our condo and our VIP passes. You should go in the morning. I’ll save my strength for the finish.”
“Wise decision,” Lin Su agreed. “Once I figure out parking and where spectators will be allowed, I’ll be back for you in plenty of time to watch them come in. Charlie wants to see the start, so we’re going to get up at the crack of dawn and head out. Can Mikhail manage to get your breakfast?”
“He does at home,” she said. “We’ll be fine. Do you realize there will be hundreds of participants?”
Lin Su’s mouth fell open. “What?”
“That’s right. This is the big one.”
“Oh, my God, will we even see him?”
“Yes, darling,” she said. “He’ll be the one in front.” Winnie smiled. “I’ve been around winners my whole life. Go extra early.”
“We will! Thank you, Winnie. This means so much to Charlie. This is so beautiful. So restful. Even without the excitement of the race, I think this is good for you. A lot of flying in just a few days, but still...”
“I’m glad to have this,” Winnie said. She reached for Lin Su’s hand. “I’m glad to have you and Charlie. And you, young lady, are too stubborn. I want you to fight your instinct to suffer and let yourself enjoy the occasional good fortune. Look at me, darling. Life is too short to waste.”
Lin Su knew she was right. Always bracing herself for the next blow was no way to live, no way to raise Charlie. He was such a remarkable kid. In most ways he kept her positive and not the other way around. What did that say about her attitude?
If it wasn’t too late, she might try to change that.
* * *
The race would officially begin at seven but Lin Su and Charlie were at the start site shortly after five and it was already madness. She could only tell by those people who had registered and had their race numbers assigned, wearing them, that they were participants. Had they not had passes to the VIP pavilion, she wasn’t sure they would ever figure out where to sit or stand to watch. She wasn’t sure she would ever see Blake, at least until he crossed the finish line. As for Winnie—without the passes, she didn’t know how she would keep her safe from this teeming throng.
Despite the great crowd of people, the mood seemed serious, or maybe it was hyperfocused. Triathletes stood talking with other athletes or support crew or race support staff. There was some stretching going on, people sorting through their gear, shaking hands with friends and competitors. Lin Su and Charlie had been near the race start for over an hour when an ATV drove up and Blake got out. He wore his skintight racing gear and a T-shirt.
“Look,” Charlie said.
“I see,” Lin Su said. “Don’t bother him. He might not even notice us and that’s okay.”
Blake smiled and shook hands with a few people who stood around the starting point, from which they would run into the ocean. Gretchen was also out of their ATV, which was loaded with everything from bicycle wheels to coolers. She was laughing, saying hello, handing Blake a plastic bottle of liquid.
“Remember, we don’t want to distract him,” Lin Su said. But as she watched she could see that he was something of a celebrity in this circle with people approaching, talking, laughing.
Then he began looking around casually, and when his eyes fell on them, he grinned. He seemed to sparkle all over and walked toward them. She couldn’t stop herself; she smiled with happiness that he seemed pleased they were there. He shouldn’t have been surprised; he knew they’d be there. Shouldn’t he be more ind
ifferent? More excited about the race than his spectators?
“You made it.” He shook Charlie’s hand. “Winnie?”
“We’re going to get her a little later so she’s not worn-out. Seeing the finish means a lot to her. To all of us.”
“Will your team be in the ATV?” Charlie asked.
“Just Gretchen with road repairs and water. If this weren’t such a huge event, I’d let Charlie help with the team. But it’s a really long day and a lot of people.”
“Thousands,” Lin Su said.
“I’m going to get ready to go,” he said, twisting the cap off his drink and downing it in three swallows. “If I don’t see you again until afterward, it’s because...”
“Don’t look around, Blake,” Lin Su said, a begging sound to her voice. “Just know we’re around, but don’t look. Just concentrate on the race. We’ll share highlights tomorrow. Don’t...”
“Always telling people what to do,” he said, laughing, shaking his head.
“I meant... Oh, you know what I meant! I want to do everything to help and nothing to interfere!”
“I’m happy you’re here,” he said. “Enjoy the day.”
Gretchen was behind him, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s get moving,” she said. Then looking at them, she smiled. It wasn’t the thrilled, excited smile she’d seen Blake wear a few seconds ago. “Hello. Good you could see this. It’s an amazing experience.” Then to Blake. “Eyes on the start now, okay? Head in the race.” And she walked away.
“And don’t you look for me,” Blake said. “See as much of this circus as you can—there are vendors and services and food everywhere. It’s a long day.” He ruffled Charlie’s black hair. “Have fun today, bud.” And then he was gone.
But just that half a minute that he noticed them, noticed her, the pleasure and gratitude on his face, it filled her with joy and ridiculous hope.
* * *
The day stretched out forever, and in that hot Hawaiian sun, Lin Su was very grateful for the VIP tent with shade and fans. It was still early when Winnie texted her that she was coming by a hotel car to the triathlon and would call Lin Su if she needed help finding her seating.
As the athletes came in from the swim, Blake was in front and Lin Su almost lost her mind with excitement.
“That’s his best event,” Charlie said. “Take it easy. The bike kills him.”
They watched in fascination as he accomplished the transition, finding his racked bike, his cycling shoes on the bike. He was in the shoes immediately, on the bike and zoom.
There were a couple of spots along the route where they could see the cyclists, but it was approximately four hours before the transition to the marathon. Lin Su and Charlie were ready, witness to another transition. Blake changed shoes, added a belt to which he could strap his water bottle and he stuffed his slim pockets with gel packs that contained carbs, electrolytes, glucose and other ingredients.
“He’s behind,” Lin Su murmured, biting her lower lip.
“He’s good,” Charlie said.
“There are at least ten runners ahead of him,” she said, sounding worried.
“Only a few, but he’s fine. He won’t let hotshots screw up his pace. He knows what he’s doing. He owns the marathon.”
After Blake disappeared from sight, they went to the VIP tent and had some lunch. It felt to Lin Su as if everyone there was part of a group, that Lin Su and Charlie were alone. She didn’t care; this wasn’t just about Charlie anymore. While they sat at one of the long tables eating salad and sandwiches, they could see parts of a live video feed of various stages of the race on a screen in the tent. When they were finished eating, Lin Su thought they should try to close their eyes for a little while, but Charlie wasn’t having it.
“I’m going to walk part of the route, follow the crowd, see what I see,” he said.
“Okay,” she said, starting to rise.
“Stay here,” he said. “Watch for Winnie and Mikhail. I probably won’t see Blake, but I’ll see other triathletes here and there. Some of them are just getting on the marathon course. I’ll be back.”
“Take pictures with your phone,” she said. “Text me if you see anything.”
After Charlie had left, a few people talked to her, asked her about her interest in the race. She realized some might take her for Hawaiian, but when she explained that Blake Smiley was her neighbor and friend, interest in her immediately grew—with a lot of questions. Are you dating him? Have you been friends a long time? Is your son in one of his programs? Programs? She didn’t want to admit her ignorance, so didn’t answer.
She learned that most spectators came to the race for a couple of hours, maybe a few, but it was rare for people who were not part of a team or club to spend an entire day at the event. And to bear that out, the crowd began to grow again as new spectators arrived. The people in the VIP tent began to crowd in, waiting for the finish.
Winnie and Mikhail appeared and Lin Su rushed to them, surprised. “You found me! Did you have any trouble?”
“They had to fasten Her Majesty into the golf cart,” Mikhail said.
“Ack, I can’t hang on anymore! But I’m here, that’s what matters. How is he doing?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “He was the first one out of the ocean after the swim, but there were a bunch of runners who started the marathon ahead of him. Charlie said that was normal for him, for his pace, but I know nothing since. They’ve had some of the race on the screen over there, but I’ve only seen him a couple of times and I couldn’t tell his position. Winnie, have you ever seen so many people in your life?”
“Not so many competing at one event, but, sugar, I’ve been to the Olympics to watch Grace skate. A lot of people go. The towns are overrun.” She looked at her watch. “We want to be at the finish line bleachers an hour before they come in. I’m not missing that!”
“I worry about you in all that sun,” Lin Su said.
Mikhail produced an umbrella from the backpack of her wheelchair. “Madam thought perhaps I should fan her with palm fronds, but this works better, I think.” Then he went to fetch drinks for them.
For the next two hours, the crowd grew and grew, the noise level intensified, athletes competing in shorter races were coming in, the video screen predicted winners and focused on Blake several times. He had the third best time in the event so far, though he was still behind a lot of runners with six miles to go.
Lin Su was excited, exhausted, exhilarated. She wanted to be present at every race he ran forever and yet never wanted to go to another one. Of all the experiences in her life growing up with the family she landed in, competitive sports like this hadn’t existed. She’d been to basketball tournaments, football games, golf tournaments and even horse races, but a race that lasted over eight hours? Never.
Charlie returned; they hurried to the bleachers. Winnie had a handicapped place at the far end of the bleachers, her handlers beside her. Now it was the megaphone reporting on results. Blake was moving up to the front of the pack, one foot at a time.
“He wants this,” Charlie said. “He told me. He wants this bad. He thinks he’s running out of time to win it—his age, you know. Some of these other guys could do it—there’s a guy from Austria who’s a favorite, a guy from Germany they think could do it. They’re younger.”
“Not smarter,” Winnie said. “It takes brains and grace under pressure.”
“For skating,” Mikhail said. “For this, crazy is required.”
The last forty minutes were sheer torture. Lin Su nearly wore a hole in her lip, chewing on it. Finally, at a little after three in the afternoon, they came around the curve, the elite men’s class. She had to squint to see, but that was Blake, steady as she goes, coming up behind the leader.
She couldn’t breathe. He looked fierce yet
relaxed. He was wet with sweat; his facial muscles were taut, chiseled. His lean physique showed the hard sinew as he gracefully moved toward the finish, still almost a mile away but yet so close. Then, with more than a half mile to go, he passed the front runner and ran almost elegantly to the finish line.
“Blake Smiley of Thunder Point, Oregon, we have a winner at eight hours, nineteen minutes.”
* * *
It took hours to get back to Winnie’s condo after Blake crossed the finish line. Of course they had to go behind the tape to congratulate him, as did many people. He was gracious despite the fact that he was depleted and maybe a little disoriented. He was coming around thanks to special drinks provided by his trainer; Charlie was beside himself with excitement.
Gretchen was trying to urge him away from the crowd but it took almost an hour before he relented. Before leaving he said, “You’re going to be here until Monday, right?”
“Just recover, Blake,” Lin Su said. “We’ll be around, but we’ll see you a lot once we’re home. I can’t wait to text everyone!”
“I’d like to spend more time with you, but there are sponsors and the team and...”
“We’ll be around when you are free of obligations. Right now, make it all about your win! We’re so proud of you!” Then she added, “I’m so proud of you!”
Getting out of the race area was a challenge. There were going to be runners coming in for hours and hours and the foot traffic was thick. Lin Su and Mikhail took turns pushing Winnie’s chair. Then, once they made it to the van, the traffic on the road was heavy; the triathlon had drawn thousands of spectators. If they’d had more energy, they might’ve gone out to dinner. Winnie was especially worn-out. It was seven before they were back at the condo, eating a light meal on the patio, going over and over every aspect of the race.
Little by little, the condo quieted. Winnie went to bed early. Mikhail found a comfortable chair and ottoman in her room and an extra blanket—even here, he would not relax his vigil. If Winnie awoke in the night, he wanted to be the one to assist her. Charlie sat on the sofa, the TV on and turned low, his laptop on his lap. Within an hour he was slumped on the couch and she closed his laptop and woke him, steering him to bed.