After Caleb had disappeared into the locker room, I slowly turned to face my father. I knew he was angry, but thanks to Caleb that anger wasn’t aimed at me. “I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
“You could seriously hurt yourself, Rils. I don’t think you understand that.” He crossed his arms.
“I know, but you and I do this all the time.” I flung my arms out. “I don’t see what the difference is.”
“I’m a trained fighter. A professional. I know what the limits are, you don’t. What if Caleb hit you just right, and broke something. You prepared to sit out the rest of the summer with a cast on your arm or leg?” He shook his head in disapproval.
“You never did stuff like this?” I tipped my head to the side and gave him the look that said I knew he was lying.
“I did, and I got punished for it. My trainer made sure I knew exactly what was permitted and what wasn’t.” A smile spread across his face. “Caleb’s gonna learn that lesson too.” It was that moment when Caleb emerged, rubbing a towel over his wet head. He’d put his work shirt back on, and apparently taken the world’s fastest shower. “Nice to see you’re back. There’s a mop and some sponges in the utility closet. You’re cleaning the locker rooms today.” He pointed to the direction Caleb had just come from.
“What? Why?” Caleb stumbled to a halt.
“My gym, my rules.” Dad pointed to his chest.
I mouthed the word ‘sorry’ as Caleb’s eyes darted between my father and myself. “Don’t we have people to do that?” Caleb groaned.
“Yep. That ‘people’ is you today, son.” Dad laughed. “Don’t spar with my daughter anymore. Learn a lesson today.” He turned and headed to his office. “Next class is in an hour, Rils.” With a wave he closed the door, leaving me standing there in the ring.ooooooooo
“I’m sorry.” I climbed out of the ring and rushed after Caleb.
“Don’t worry about it,” he grumbled as he pulled a mop bucket from the closet.
I stood there as confusion set in. He seemed mad at me, but he’s the one that took the blame. “Why’d you do it?” I attempted to block his path, forcing him to talk to me.
“I don’t know. Just didn’t want to see you get in trouble I guess.” He stepped around me. “I gotta clean the men’s showers, so you’re going to have to bother someone else for a while.” And just like that, he walked away. I thought his answer was lame, and a lie. There was no way he did this out of the goodness of his heart. He wanted something. That’s how it’s always been. When we were kids, he’d cover for me, and then ask a favor. It was like he was trying to trap me into helping him. Whelp, not today, Satan. I grabbed my things, and then headed for the front desk. If Caleb was going to be all mysterious, then so could I. oooooooooCaleb
I don’t know why I took the blame for this. I have to be the stupidest guy on the planet right now. I tried to be nice and where did it get me… cleaning toilets. I’m sure I’ve confused the hell out of Riley. I know I’ve confused myself, but it felt like the right thing to do. I know if it was anyone else, I wouldn’t be thinking about it this hard, but Riley and I have history. Our moms would love for us to be together; Wes, not so much. I think he’ll keep the men away as long as he possibly can.
‘Stop thinking about her.’ I shook my head to try and clear it, but as I made my way to the front desk, there she was. Her brown hair was down now, and she was wearing a pink tank. She must have cleaned up at some point, because the classes were all finished for the day.
My cell dinged a notification, saving me from analyzing anything else about the untouchable girl, and reminding me that I was supposed to meet my dad in thirty minutes. Great.
“I really am sorry.” Her voice broke me out of my musings, and looked up to see her jogging closer. “If there’s anything I can do…”
I closed my eyes and reminded myself to be the jerk she thinks I am. “It was nothing, Princess. Gotta meet someone for dinner. Can’t keep them waiting.” I winked, and stepped around her, leaving her there with confusion marring her face.
“Make sure you use protection. Wouldn’t want you to catch anything!” she shouted, causing several gym patrons to stop what they were doing. oooooooooRiley
I don’t know why I expected anything less. Caleb’s always been a jerk to me. Since we were toddlers, he’s always made sure that I knew he couldn’t stand me. When he took the blame this morning, I almost thought I was in some kind of dream. He quickly put that theory to rest when he sauntered out here and called me ’Princess’. He knows I hate that nickname, but yet he won’t stop using it. I used to beg my mom to give me dirt on him so I could get even, but she’s never told me anything.
“Hey, Dad?” I called as I walked toward his office. I was ready to leave, but he was my ride home. “Are you almost finished?”
“Yep.” He smiled as he locked his office door. “We’re grabbing takeout on the way home for your mom and Easton. How does pizza sound?”
“Can we do burgers from the Shake Shack instead?” I smiled and batted my eyes. I knew how to work my father over, and this was the look that usually got me what I wanted.
“Your mom really wanted pizza,
