The Runner

Tara was a new mom in my book group, she was loud and a little too fond of wine for my taste but Jeannie my neighbour loved her and so she came to be part of our gang.

Once my knee had healed from surgery I mused about missing my morning runs at book club one night and she was quick to volunteer to run with me. I was hesitant “You’re in great shape Tara, with my knee I’m a little slow at the moment…” but she shrugged “Nonsense, I keep a steady pace, and it will be nice to have company.” and so we made a date for the following Monday.

 Tara arrived at my house at 8am sharp in a peppy mood, she stepped into my foyer as I laced my sneakers and made sure to take a look into what she could see of my house, I found her nosiness abrasive and made a mental note that if I were to do this again I would be ready to go to prevent any further prying.

The rest of the run was uneventful, Tara was not the brightest and spoke about her divorce and kids in a way that made me incredibly grateful for my husband and family.

Later that night at dinner Jack, my husband asked about the run, it was fine mostly I said I just find her a little brash and overbearing. Jack laughed “You’ve never been one for those kinds of women have you?” I nodded, my distrust of overbearing women was something of a joke and I felt very lucky Sandy my mother-in-law was more of a lamb than most seemed to be.

We spoke more about Jack’s day and he told me the ins and outs of the insurance office he ran. It was fairly mundane til we got to the subject of his brother Al, something of an aimless drifter, in my opinion, Al held a job purely on the merit of Jack’s generosity but Jack said he had a way with clients that he’d long lost patience for so I let it slide. Jack said Al appeared to be taking more of an interest in himself and had spruced up a lot lately. We mused on the reason, obviously a woman but who? Our town was small and mostly we knew who was with whom.

My runs with Tara continued, but I found the excessive small talk and nosy glances at my house suffocating. One night over dinner, I found myself saying to Jack, I almost wish I was injured again just so I don’t have to go. “Maddie, this is ridiculous, you have to find a way out of this, running with her is just no fun”. Lucky for me the perfect excuse arrived in the form of my son's football practice. It started an entire hour earlier so I politely made excuses with Tara and was glad to only have to tolerate her at book club once a month.

I began running alone, listening to audiobooks, and peace returned to my life. Closer to Christmas time, Jack’s work was planning a big party. I'd bought a new dress and was excited to be in great shape and out in the world again. As we were getting ready to go Jack said “oh and just so you know Al’s bringing a lady” and winked. I was excited to meet this mystery woman.

Our son Devon was bringing his girlfriend Sara and his best friend Chip was also bringing a date. It was an exciting night for us all and the mood in the car on the way there was great.

The function was at the banquet hall of the local hotel, a grand room with chandeliers and oriental carpet. I loved the opulence of it all. When we arrived I sent Jack to get me a drink and ran to touch up my lipstick before we took photos.

As I was coming out of the stall I glimpsed Tara and my good mood soured, I quickly retreated into a stall and locked the door, heart pounding, why did this woman have such an effect on me.

My mind went into overdrive, why was she here? Oh god no, don’t let her be Al’s date, my heart began to thud. I took some deep breaths and resolved to find Jack and check. I was dreading dinner.

I made my way out, found Jack, and snapped a photo, then I whispered in Jack’s ear, “ Jack, that god awful Tara woman is here, please tell me she’s not Al’s date?” Jack was concerned, “No, honey Al’s date is called Amy I think you’re safe”. I was concerned but relaxed a little, we made our way to dinner and sure enough, Al was there with a pleasant brunette lady and I began to relax and enjoy dinner, all thoughts of Tara leaving my mind.

It wasn’t until later on that the mystery of her attendance became clear, people were dancing and as it drew late, I was on the sidelines chatting with Amy when we became aware of a whooping noise. We looked to the dancefloor and saw a circle form mainly the kids but some of the younger employees too. Suddenly the circle parted and I gasped, front and center was a drunken Tara lap-dancing my son’s friend Chip. Amy and I both rolled our eyes and began to laugh. In that moment I silently said a prayer of thanks that it wasn’t my son or brother-in-law this awful woman had her sights on.

Composing myself I picked up my cell and quickly snapped a picture, Tara certainly knows how to have fun… Replies began to pour in, and then Valerie, one of the group messaged me privately. I know Chip’s mom, I think I should let her know. “Be my guest I said”

 We left shortly after but I heard Chip’s mom caused quite the scene when she arrived and as for Tara? She never did attend book club again but I can’t say I missed her.