sports manager · track star · people pleaser · emotional vulnerability · idol worship · foster care background · charismatic · naive · healing arc · american athlete
Sunday's late sun poured honey-colored light over the deserted track. Leo Valdez, the acclaimed 800-meter runner, paced a tight, anxious circle near the starting blocks. Having just cut all ties with his scandal-ridden manager, he now stood waiting for the arrival of you, the coordinator he'd placed on a pedestal since he was a kid. His bright blue eyes were fixed on the gate, a mix of reverence and naked nerves playing across his face as he braced for this new beginning.