“I might take you up on that. Once Carsen calls Mom, I know she’ll start in on me too. ‘Pick a major. What are you doing with your life? You need to do something meaningful.’ I’m so tired of defending myself to my own family.”
“I understand more than you think I might. My mom harassed me for months about taking summer classes, and getting a head start,” I grumbled.
“We’re quite the pair, huh?” He chuckled, and jumped suddenly. When I saw him pull his phone from his pocket, I laughed.
“Quite the pair who’s apparently in trouble.” His shoulders slumped. “That’s your dad. I’ve been given orders to bring you back to the gym immediately.” He shook his head. “Guess I should have asked permission to take the princess out of the castle.”
It was in that moment, with those words, that Caleb took away whatever moment we’d just had. He still thought of me as this little spoiled girl that had it better than him when it came to the gym. I thought we were getting somewhere, but I guess he wasn’t all that different from the rest. He was still a guy, and guys are jerks.
Chapter 7Riley
When we got back to the gym, Dad was leaning against the front desk with his arms crossed. “Your phone broke?” He gave me the look.
“No.” I patted my pocket and realized it wasn’t there. “Crap,” I hissed. “I must have left it here. I’m sorry.” I grimaced.
“I’ve been texting you for the last hour, worried sick about why you weren’t texting me back. You know the rules, Rils; you don’t go anywhere without your mom or I knowing about it.” He glared at Caleb, and I knew this was my chance to pay him back for saving me the other day in the ring.
“It wasn’t his fault. It was my idea. I asked for a ride.” I scrambled for excuses as Caleb’s face went from shocked to pleased. “I needed to clear my head. He said he could help me. I’m sorry I worried you.” I figured the more I talked, the longer he had to cool down.
“I didn’t know you didn’t know she was with me, sir. Next time I’ll call you.” He waved his phone in the air.
Dad softened as he pushed off the front desk. “Don’t let that happen again.” He aimed it at Caleb. “You and I are going to have a talk later.” He pointed at me.
“Yes, sir,” we both said in unison. Dad walked away, and I turned to Caleb. “Now we’re even.” I glared at him.
Caleb shrugged. “Fair enough.”
He stood there unmoving, and it was driving me crazy. I was still mad at him, and now I was mad at my dad too. “Don’t you have like, stuff to do?” I pressed my lips together.
“Yeah. I’m on desk duty. You’re kinda in the way.” He laughed as he motioned to where I was standing.
“Well then, get to it.” I stormed away, muttering to myself about what a jerk he was. One would think by the way we act around each other that we were dating or something. ooooooooo
The ride home with Dad was a quiet one. He didn’t say one word until we pulled into the driveway. “If you want me to treat you like an adult, you need to make adult decisions. Leaving the gym and not telling anyone is not an adult thing to do.”
“I know, Daddy. I’m sorry.” I used my sweet little girl voice.
“I’m sorry Daddy isn’t going to work this time, Rils. I know Dean hurt you. I know you’re mad. You wanna take that out on some old bottles and bricks, fine, but tell me next time.” He put the truck in park, and turned in my direction.
“How’d you…” I was completely lost on how he knew any of this.
“Caleb came to my office before he left for the night. He told me the truth, that is was all him, and you didn’t even know where you were going.”
“Of course he did,” I grumbled. “The one time I can actually do something for him, and he has to go and ruin it.” I tossed my hands in the air.
“What are you talking about?” Dad opened his door to get out.
“Nothing.” I brushed him off. I was not taking the blame for the sparring the other day, no matter what.
“You think I don’t know he was covering for you the other day?” I stumbled to a stop, almost crashing into his back as we walked up the front steps. “I know everything, Rils. It’s my job as your father.” He opened the door, and let me pass in front of him. “Biggest lesson here… you wanna be a grown up? Start acting like one. That means owning up to things you do wrong.” With that, he tossed his bag on the counter, and jogged up the stairs. I hadn’t seen Mom yet, so I assumed he was looking for her. ooooooooo
I’ve spent so much time the last few days at the gym, I decided to stay home and relax today. I thought it would be a quiet day at home, but Claire called and invited me to a party tonight. She says that she got the invite from a friend that graduated last year, and there were going to be a lot of college guys there. I’m not sure how I feel about going, but we haven’t spent much time together, so I feel like I need to.
“Hey, Mom?” I stuck my head out my door. “Did you tell Dad about this?” I was surprised my dad was ok with my going. I
