A Reason to Run (The Camdyn Series Book 1)

by Christina Coryell

  No, she definitely wouldn’t get lost.

  She wouldn’t have met Cole, either.

  Wow, that was definitely true. Had I been completely in control of things, I would have wound up in a hotel in Jackson instead of staying with Rosalie at the bed and breakfast. The last two weeks would not have happened. There would have been no vulnerability, and my true identity would not have been revealed to anyone, and everything would be like it was before.

  I would not have met Cole Parker.

  I would still be on my own, feeling sorry for myself, holed up in a hotel imagining myself way more important than people realized. Ultimately, though, I would still have been alone.

  Maybe there really was no such thing as coincidence. Maybe my lack of preparation and tendency to be impulsive in my personal life were brilliantly designed so I would find myself lost on that gravel road. Maybe my clumsiness was just a way to remind me that I needed other people sometimes, and I shouldn’t be alone. Maybe I had received all those misplaced declarations of love so I would know the real thing when I found myself completely immersed in its clutches.

  On top of all that, maybe I started writing about Willa because I needed to find Camdyn. I thought initially that the reason I went looking for Willa was because I saw in her a woman who charted her own course, and controlled her own destiny. I wanted to know how she did it, so I could emulate her actions. Little did I know at the time that the thing that made her most remarkable was the fact that she took a chance on something that was completely out of her hands.

  When we were looking out at the mountains, Cole said I was like Willa, with all my belongings packed, heading into the unknown. I wasn’t like Willa, though. Willa was brave enough to give up everything she ever knew - her sense of security - for a mere chance at happiness. What about me? My sense of security was completely wrapped up in C.W. Oliver. Rosalie was right - I based my worth on the success of a book that no one knew I wrote. How screwed up was that?

  I was a coward – a complete and utter coward. I needed to be brave, the way Willa was. My desire was to stand up and fight for the life I wanted. I knew I couldn’t do that, though, as long as I was standing in C.W. Oliver’s shadows.

  I made a decision then, as I sat in the hotel restaurant picking at my salad. There was no written statement or vocal declaration, but I knew it was absolutely correct as soon as the thought popped into my head:

  C.W. Oliver has to die.

  -§-

  I finished Willa’s manuscript at around five o’clock in the morning. I couldn’t remember the last time I had pulled an all-nighter - probably in college - but it felt so good to have a completed product at last. It was Thursday morning, so I was well ahead of my Friday deadline. I took a few minutes to watch the early morning weather, and then I went downstairs to the gym. It was so early I didn’t have to worry about anyone in there with me, and I found myself staring blankly out the window as I ran. Around six-thirty, the door opened and Laurel came into the room. She walked over, peeked at my treadmill, and shook her head.

  “You are a crazy woman,” she stated. “You’ve already been running five and a half miles? How long have you been in here?”

  “A little while,” I told her as I pushed the stop button, coming to a halt. “I didn’t sleep.”

  “And you still have that kind of energy? Maybe they need to bottle you.”

  She set her bag down on the bench near my phone, accidentally activating the screen saver. She reached down and picked it up, widening her eyes and looking at me.

  “Who’s the guy?” she asked, smiling as she pointed to Cole.

  “That’s my boyfriend, I think,” I told her.

  “What do you mean, you think?” she laughed. “If that was my boyfriend, I would know it.”

  “Well, he was my boyfriend, until I acted like an idiot and disappeared,” I explained. “He says he’s not angry with me, though, so we will see.”

  “You must be the luckiest woman in the world,” she sighed, and I couldn’t help but giggle.

  “If you saw me walk into the door on the way in here this morning, you wouldn’t have said that.” I picked up a white towel and blotted it against my forehead absently.

  “What are you doing later, for dinner? We should hang out, after you presumably sleep all day.” She stepped up onto an elliptical as I grabbed my phone.

  “That sounds like fun. I finished my book, so I’m in a celebratory mood.”

  I handed her my phone, and she called hers so she would have my number, and then I said my goodbyes and went upstairs to my room. I took a quick shower, emailed the book to my editor, and crashed.

  -§-

  I awoke around one o’clock to the sound of my phone buzzing, and I looked at the screen groggily and realized it was Cole. I blinked my eyes a couple of times to try to focus and then pushed the button and choked out a hello.

  “Camdyn? You sound terrible.”

  “Thanks for the insult,” I groaned. “You woke me up, actually.”

  “You’re sleeping at one o’clock in the afternoon?”

  “I finished my book around five o’clock this morning, so I think I’m entitled.”

  “You really did write all night, didn’t you?” he chuckled.

  “Yes, I can be quite focused when I want to be,” I explained. “How is everyone? I’m starting to miss having people around me. Also, I can’t believe that sentence just came out of my mouth.”

  “Hmm, yeah, from the girl who spends all her time alone, that must have been a rude awakening, huh?”

  “I wouldn’t say that,” I sighed. “I think it’s a pleasant turn of events.”

  “I think maybe we have rubbed off on you,” he joked. “Well, now that your book is done, you’ll be coming back, right?”

  “I still have one more thing to do, but I will be back tomorrow.”

  “Do you promise?”

  “Will you make me dinner again tomorrow night?” I teased him. He laughed before he answered.

  “I would be honored to make you dinner,” he finally said.

  “In that case, yes, I promise.”

  “Then I will leave you alone and let you finish whatever it is you need to do,” he told me. “I will be waiting for you, trust me. I need to give you a fist bump, or tell you good morning, or something.”

  “Well, in that case, I will drive a little faster,” I stated. He laughed and I imagined him smiling at me.

  “Okay, I will see you tomorrow. ‘Bye.”

  “Bye, Cole,” I whispered.

  Rousing myself from bed, I wandered around the room for a couple of minutes, stretching my legs and pulling back the curtain to let some sunlight in. I knew what I had to do, but I still felt hesitant as I moved to the bathroom to brush my teeth and then absently braided my hair, took it down, and braided it again. Finally, I sat back on the bed and flipped my laptop open, ready to throw caution to the wind. My heart beat a little bit harder as I began writing, but I knew that it was time to drive the nail into C.W. Oliver’s coffin.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Dear Reader,

  When I went looking for Willa, I wasn’t sure what I would find. I knew that she was thought important enough that my grandmother was named after her, and that I in turn had been included in that legacy, but I didn’t really know who Willa would turn out to be. Little did I know that in finding out about Willa’s life, I would discover one for myself.

  Life is a funny thing when you head out into the unknown, and that’s exactly what Willa did. She set out on a journey that didn’t make sense to me, and the more I dug, the more confused I became. I knew there had to be a reason for the extraordinary measures she took, but it wasn’t until I knew the real answer that her story had the power to move me. There are some things that are just too beautiful to express, and I hope you are able to read deeper than the simple words I have written to really get a glimpse into Willa’s remarkable story.

  Regardless of how hard I search
ed, the narrative of Willa’s life would not have come alive to me had it not been for one other amazing woman. Sybil Brantley, family historian extraordinaire, you surprised me with your ability to recall dates and names and faces, and your genuine love for the past left me inspired. Thank you for taking a chance and letting me in your door.

  For all those people in my life who have been instrumental in my journey, I have to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you.

  To my incredible brother, Charlie, who in tough love told me to make a life instead of running from one I didn’t want: thank you for your honesty. You told me to stand and fight, and I am learning to do so, a little bit at a time.

  To the one and only Trina, my partner in crime and my biggest fan, I can’t imagine my life without you. I will forever be grateful that God chose you as my roommate, because He brought me the best friend I desperately needed. I only hope I can always be an equally good friend, and sister, to you.

  To the ever patient Rosalie, thank you for taking a chance on me when I was lost and confused. You taught me that family isn’t a title reserved for those who share our blood, but can also refer to those we love. I am honored to be a member of your extended family. Because of you, I finally understand how it feels to have a mother.

  To Liz, who held the family heirloom that allowed this story to begin unfolding, I have been so grateful for the chance to get to know you. Your caring and gracious spirit reminds me so much of my grandmother. I have enjoyed the time we spent together, and you can bribe me with cookies anytime!

  To my lovely new friend Rachel, your infectious cheerful spirit makes you one of the most fun people I have ever known. I don’t think anyone could ever leave your presence unhappy. You told me that you would love to have a sister like me. Well, I can honestly say the same about you. You are an absolute treasure.

  Finally, to Cole, I have to say simply that the night you rescued me forever changed the course of my life. I might have been dripping wet, climbing out of my trunk, bleeding from the head, acting completely insane, but somehow you saw past those things and made me feel like I was the only girl in the world. I can’t explain it, but simply knowing you has given me courage, confidence, and a desire to really live every moment that I never knew I could possess. You accepted me when I wasn’t perfect, and even when I was admittedly a mess, but had I not been a bit of a disaster, I wouldn’t have been lost on that road in the first place. I honestly believe that being lost that night might be the best thing that ever happened to me. I finally agree with what you told me then, too: There is no such thing as coincidence.

  This has been a long journey, but in the end, what I discovered was that Willa and I were far more alike than I thought. We both had to leave our secure lives behind to set off into the unknown, and each of us had an unexpected journey. I set out to look for Willa obsessed with finding her reason to run, and in the end I not only found it, but realized it was mine, too.

  For those of you who have been my faithful friends over the years, I consider myself blessed that you have read my words and shared in my two great passions: history and a wonderful story. For me, the challenge continues to be maintaining a love of the past without dwelling in it. This is my first step out into my own uncertain future, and I am grateful to be on this journey with you.

  With great hope for today and beyond,

  Camdyn Willa Taylor

  (C.W. Oliver)

  I reread my words two or three times, said a prayer, took a deep breath, and sent the letter to my editor. I quickly sent a copy to Trina, and I also dropped it in an e-mail to Rosalie, asking her to share it with Liz and Rachel as well. Rosalie answered by wondering if it was only for Liz and Rachel, and no one else. I knew what she was implying, and I told her that some things needed to be said in person.

  After that, I went out into Louisville and did some shopping, treating myself to a cappuccino and then picking up a pale peach lace top and a gray leopard print dress. By the time I was finished, Laurel had already called and asked if I wanted to go to a local sports bar for dinner. I told her she was talking my language - fried food and baseball - and she was on. She joked that I could afford to eat whatever I wanted, after five and a half miles, and I told her that was as good a reason to jog as any.

  Laurel and I met in the hotel lobby at six o’clock, and we headed to the sports bar in my car. As I got to know her, I found out that she worked in event planning, specifically setting up conferences complete with musical artists, motivational speakers, and that sort of thing. She talked about her job for a while, and I must admit it was fairly fascinating. She certainly had a lot of funny stories to tell, and we laughed while we made our way through a pile of chili-cheese fries.

  I was thoroughly enjoying a night of not thinking about anything when my phone started ringing and I looked down to see Rachel’s name. I asked Laurel if she cared if I took the call, and she told me to go ahead, so I stepped outside where I could escape the cheering, loud voices that accompanied the game. Still able to hear some yelling even outside, I walked to the far side of the building before answering.

  “Camdyn, can you talk?” Rachel asked. She sounded like something was wrong, and I was instantly worried.

  “Of course I can talk,” I told her. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, it is,” she sniffed. I could tell she was crying. My mind started racing with a million things that could have happened, and I had to mentally force myself to be calm.

  “Rachel, I can tell you’re crying. What’s going on?”

  “Oh, Camdyn,” she sighed, “you have turned me into a giant mushy basket case! Aunt Rosalie sent me your letter. I can’t believe all the nice things you said about me, about all of us. I am so proud to be your friend.”

  I took a deep breath, relieved that something terrible hadn’t happened as I imagined.

  “Well, I’m glad you had a chance to read it,” I said. “All of you have really made an impact on me. I hope you know that.”

  “That seems funny, me having an impact on you,” she laughed. “Mom is here too. I would put her on the phone, but she’s in worse shape than me. She’s your fan, though, remember? She’s pretty bummed that she didn’t ask for your autograph already, because Cole told her you gave your first autograph to someone else.”

  “Yes, that’s true, but I will give her a special autograph when I get back, I promise.” I laughed as I listened to Rachel relay the message to Liz.

  “That’s awesome,” she said quietly. “Anyway, I don’t want to bother you. We just wanted to tell you how much we love you, and we are so glad you are part of our lives.”

  “Wow,” I replied, tears springing to my eyes. “I love you both, too.”

  “And all those things you said about Cole… Will you finally admit that you are in love with him?” Rachel asked. I heard Liz shush her in the background. “Sorry, Mom is telling me that I’m being rude.”

  “It’s okay,” I laughed.

  “Where are you?” Rachel asked. “I hear a lot of noise.”

  “Eating dinner at a sports bar,” I told her with a laugh.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I don’t want to disrupt your dinner.”

  “It’s no problem. I’m really glad you called.”

  “Okay, well, I guess we will see you soon then.”

  “Yes, I will definitely see you soon.”

  I told her goodbye and went back in to sit with Laurel again, digging into a plate of buffalo wings. Laurel asked me if everything was okay, and I started telling her about the letter I had written, and everything that had happened to me the past couple of weeks. I began my story by explaining how I had headed out on a whim, getting lost on the gravel road, where Cole showed up. After that, it included staying at Rosalie’s, and how I was suddenly almost part of the family, and she sat there listening to me for a long time, finally setting her chin in her hands.

  “That sounds like a really good motivational story,” she told me with a wink.

 
“Really?” I asked her. “I could teach people how not to be walking disasters?”

  “No, I’m serious,” she said. “You should write a book about everything that has happened to you the last couple of weeks.”

  “A book about me?” I asked, wiping ranch dressing off the corner of my mouth and laughing. “I’m not sure anyone would want to read that!”

  “Okay then, maybe we should write something into this scene about some Irish nachos.”

  “Yes, definitely, Irish nachos,” I said with a smile, and Laurel waved the waiter over.

  -§-

  Early Friday morning, I worked out for about 45 minutes with Laurel, after which we exchanged contact information, and then I went back to my room and packed my bags. I was nervous and excited to be returning to Tennessee, now that I really knew what I wanted.

  I checked out of the hotel and set out on the road, racing toward my destiny. It was impossible to be sure which way it would turn out, but it felt amazing to be determined to take this chance, and not to control the outcome. It was almost like I was a new woman, and I was about to be set free into the wild. I was feeling a little wild, actually, so I cranked the music up and rolled down the window.

  About an hour outside of Louisville, my editor called. She made small talk for a moment, and I was starting to worry, because Edith and I had always been on friendly terms. She was never hesitant to be honest with me, so the fact that she hadn’t mentioned the book yet made me think something was terribly wrong. I let her go on for a little while, and then I couldn’t wait any longer.

  She was in the middle of telling me about some changes in her office when I interrupted and asked her whether she had received my manuscript. She laughed and told me she wondered how long it would take me to ask. She had been up until the wee hours reading it, she told me, and she thought it was my absolute best. She said she had been in tears more than once, and when I interjected that I thought that was wonderful, she laughed at me.