Quiet Wins

Treadmill still moving. Sweat on my collarbone. Phone lighting up back to back.
Moosie calling like she already knows.

Me: “Heyyy best friend, what’s up?”
Moosie: “Don’t ‘what’s up’ me, I just screamed in my kitchen. THE SHADE ROOM?!”
I laugh, breath a little heavy, still jogging.

Me: “Lemme guess… Ace?”
Moosie: “ACE. MONT-O-YA. SONY RECORDS. BY YOU.”
Me: “Mmm… yeah.”
Moosie: “Girl I knew it. I knew you was quiet for a reason.”

Notifications keep popping while she talks. I slow the treadmill down.

Moosie: “You really be minding your business then BOOM. Internet on fire.”
Me: “That’s how I like it. Loud results, quiet process.”
Moosie: “I’m proud of you though, fr. You worked for that one.”
Me: “Thank you baby. That means everything.”

I hop off the treadmill, towel over my shoulders, heading to the kitchen.

Moosie: “What you doing right now?”
Me: “Wrapping up my run. I’m starving. About to eat this acai bowl before my body files a complaint.”
She laughs.

Moosie: “You really breaking records and still worried about berries.”
Me: “Balance, Moosie. Balance.”

My phone buzzes again while I’m opening the fridge.
One text stands out.

Rich: Congrats on Ace. Big move. We should talk soon.

I don’t react. Just screenshot it.

Moosie: “Why you quiet?”
Me: “Atlantic just texted.”
Moosie: “STOP. Rich?”
Me: “Yep.”
Moosie: “And what you say?”
I spoon the acai like nothing happened.

Me: “Nothing yet.”
Moosie: “You so calm it’s scary.”
Me: “I already won. Everything else is just conversation.”

We laugh. The call feels warm. Normal. Real.

I hang up and head stairs to shower.

Peace tastes good.