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“You may be smarter with algebraic equations, but I know about running. You’re in my territory now.”
    Something about his wording sets off a buzz in my stomach, but it quickly ebbs away. This is a totally friendly venture. I’m amazed how relaxed I am. I expected to be a nervous wreck, and while my nerves are on edge, it’s only a twinge. Why? I’m in an unfamiliar situation that sets off all my trigger points, but I’m comfortable. Is it because of the activity or who I’m with? Before I can puzzle it out, Tucker takes the bottle from my hand and sets both on the ground.
    “Let’s get started.”
    “Do we need to stretch?”
    “You don’t want to stretch cold muscles. We’ll stretch when we’re done.”
    “Oh.” This is no big deal, but I hate not knowing things. My stomach tightens.
    “Scarlett.” Tucker’s voice is soothing, and I look up into his face. “Breathe. For once, you don’t have to know everything. Let me be in charge, and you just do what I say.”
    Does he know what he’s asking from me? I inhale a gulp of air and stare into his eyes. Strangely enough, I think he does.
    “The goal here is for you use your body to relax you, not just your mind. Okay?”
    I nod.
    “Good. Now I know how driven you are, but it’s important to not push yourself. Not your first time or two. Otherwise you’ll overdo it, and this will be counterproductive.”
    I take another breath and nod.
    “I’m going to be watching you closely, but I know you hate people to watch you, so I wanted to warn you.”
    How much of me does he actually see?
    He senses my unease and looks into my eyes. “You have to trust me. Okay?”
    Trust. There’s that word again. I do trust him, but this is still hard. I nod. “But won’t other people watch me?”
    “Everyone else is busy with their own workout. They’re not going to pay attention to you.” He grins. “Not unless you start running like Forrest Gump.”
    His answer makes me laugh, and I find myself relaxing a bit.
    “We’re going to start out walking first, then work our way up to a run. The walk will warm up your muscles.” He starts walking, and I stay beside him, trying to match my strides to his. Someone approaches from behind us, jogging at a brisk pace, and we move to the side, walking a quarter of the track in silence. I’m concentrating on my breathing and my strides, trying to find equilibrium for the two.
    He turns toward me. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
    My stomach clenches. “A younger sister.”
    “Why are you tensing up?”
    “What?” My head jerks toward him.
    “Was it the question or what you’re doing?”
    I look away. “The question.”
    “You don’t like to talk about your family in general or just your sister?”
    He’s much too perceptive. “My family.”
    “Okay, No talking about family. I get that. I’m not a fan of talking about my family, either.”
    Now I wonder even more about his brother Marcel. “That’s okay. We don’t have to talk.”
    “Actually, we do. Your being able to carry a conversation is a good indicator of how much you’re pushing yourself.”
    “Oh.”
    He winks. “The challenge is to find a safe topic that doesn’t make you anxious. Any hints?”
    That’s a good question. My life is math, school, tutoring, and hanging out with Caroline. “I’m pretty boring, Tucker.”
    “I highly doubt that.” There’s a strange tone in his voice that sets off a flutter in my stomach. “Let’s start with the basics. I’d ask you where you’re from, but I suspect it falls under the not comfortable topics .”
    I nod.
    He smiles. “The past sucks. The future is what’s important.”
    I laugh. “Says the history major.”
    “Well…” A sheepish grin spreads across his face, and he rubs his hand through his hair. “What do you plan to do with your math major?”
    “You really want to know?”
    His voice turns serious. “Yes, Scarlett. I only want the truth from you.”
    I turn to look