“The kind that are never around,” I murmured as I backed out of my mother’s embrace and removed the peas from my hand. I wiggled my fingers again to check and make sure none were broken.
“I hope you left a mark,” Dad grumbled as he checked over my hand a second time.
“He’ll have a swollen cheek.” I smiled as I thought about Dean’s reaction. “I would have done more if I had the right equipment.”
“No, you would not.” Mom’s shocked expression made me laugh.
“You’re not a prude, Rils. You deserve someone better than him, and I hope you stick to your beliefs until you find that person.” Mom kissed the top of my head. “He’s out there. I promise.” She smiled at Dad and I watched the anger he was trying to keep in check slowly leave his body.
“I know.” I nodded a few times. “So Dad, can I come to the gym tomorrow? I want to refresh myself on some moves.” I gave him that ‘sweet little girl, I love you Daddy’ face.
“Is this you trying to con me again?” He laughed.
“No.” I blinked up at him. “It’s just that there are people there that can help me if I’m doing something wrong. I don’t have that here.” I stuck my lip out in a pout. This always worked when I was younger.
“I guess, but I’m picking your trainer.” He pointed at his chest.
“So that means it’ll be you.” I laughed.
“What’s wrong with me?” Dad’s face morphed from triumphant to confused.
“Nothing, just remember… I’m a hard head.” I laughed as I turned to leave the room.
“You’re just like your mother,” he called after me. I heard Mom say something, but her words turned into a giggle and I did my best to tune them out. I didn’t want to know what they were doing, or what she said to my dad. I’d had enough run-ins over the years. I caught them once when I was ten in the gym. I learned really quickly to knock or leave if kissing ensued. I’m still trying to burn that image from my brain eight years later.
Chapter 3Riley
“Rise and shine, pumpkin.” Dad knocked on my door way too early. I yawned before blinking a few times, and then rolling in the direction of my alarm clock. It was still dark in my room, so I knew it had to be early. Four a.m. shone in red back at me.
“It’s way too early to be awake during summer vacation,” I muttered as I sighed, rolled onto my back, and began staring at the ceiling. This was some kind of punishment, it had to be.
“Truck’s running. You’ve got five minutes,” Dad called as his feet thundered down the stairs.
“Ugh!” I groaned as I flung the covers back. This wasn’t what I had in mind when I asked to come with him. I flicked on the light, squinting in the process against the brightness, as I grabbed a pair of shorts. After searching for and putting on a sports bra, I grabbed a tank and flip flops. I could hear Dad downstairs, and I knew my time was quickly running out. He didn’t wait, ever.
“Rils!” he called again.
“I’m coming!” I opened my door so fast it almost bounced off the wall. Arms loaded with gear, I rushed down the steps and almost right into my father’s chest.
“’Bout time.” He laughed. “Coffee?” He held out a Tervis in my direction.
“Thanks,” I grumbled as I took it from him. “Why are we up before the sun?”
“We’re opening today.” He smiled.
“Don’t you have people to do that for you? I mean, you own the place.” I rolled my eyes. His chipper mood in the mornings made me even grumpier. He wasn’t lying when he said I was just like Mom. At the time, I wondered if I got anything from him. Everyone says I look like Mom, and act like her. No one ever tells me that I’m like him.
“Today, we’re the people. You wanted to train. I have time now. Once we get busy, I won’t.” He shrugged as we stepped outside and into the crisp morning air. ooooooooo
The ride to the gym took a while, and for the first half it was quiet. “You know you can tell me anything,” Dad murmured as we turned into the city.
“Uh huh.” I sipped the last of my coffee.
“Even the stuff with Dean.” He pressed. “I’ll listen.”
“I don’t want to talk about that stuff with you, Dad.” I sighed as I stared out the window. I thought maybe if I didn’t look at him, he’d stop.
“Why? I’m a guy. Who better to help you out?” He reached over and squeezed my arm.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and then turned in his direction. “Really? You wanna talk about sex with me? Your daughter? You want me to tell you how Dean wanted to have sex, and I said no. How now, all the people that I know think I’m a prude. Is that what you mean?” I was almost yelling at him now, and I felt bad, but he asked.
“Dean’s a little punk, and I hope you broke his jaw.” His hands tightened on the steering wheel as he clenched his teeth.
“This is why I don’t tell you stuff. Trust that you did a good job, and let me deal with it.” I crossed my arms over my chest and flopped back against the seat.
“Not all guys are like him. I hope you know that.” Dad sounded sad. “There are a lot like that, but some actually listen to the girl and like her for reasons other than sex.”
“Like you?” I glanced over at him, and he jerked the wheel at the same time. We were approaching the parking
