Page 31 of Johnathan

“I’m proud of you, Abby.”

“Why? Because I’m a big baby and was scared by a silly dream?”

“Because you reached out. And I know how hard that was for you to do.”

“Thanks, John.”

“I’ll text you later with the time, okay?”

“Perfect.”

“Sweet dreams, Abby.”

“You too, Deputy Handsome.”

His laugh filled the line as she ended the call.

Ten

John held onto Katy’s hand as he walked into the gym, smiling as soon as he saw the owner sitting behind the front desk.

“Hey, John. Katy! Are you here to jump into the boxing ring with your dad?”

“No!” she giggled. “I play!”

“Oh, good choice. Marigold just put some new toys in there, and last time I checked, Layla was watching some ocean princess warrior movie. She’d probably love a friend to play with.”

“Daddy, I go now?”

“Sure. Go ahead ladybug.”

John watched as Katy skipped over to the kid’s area. It was one reason he loved the gym. He could get a workout in and have Katy with him. He didn’t need to ask anyone else to watch her.

“So, Jackson coming in too?”

“Not today. I’m teaching someone some self defense moves.”

Lou looked up from his computer. “A woman?”

“Yeah.”

“Is she okay?” That right there was why he liked Lou so much. Marigold, his wife, had shown up in town a few years ago black and blue, with nothing but a broken down car, a suitcase,and her daughter clinging to her. John watched as Lou stepped in and stepped up for Mari and Layla. He was a good guy.

“She will be.”

“Good. Okay. You guys can take the classroom across for the kid’s area if you want. That way it’s more private than out here on the floor. I’ll keep an eye on Katy.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

“Your girl… is she afraid of men? You want me to get Mari out here for when she shows?”

Shit. He hadn’t even thought of that.

“I think normally it would be okay, but maybe for today, it’d be a good idea to have Marigold here. Thanks, Lou.”

“Yeah, I get it. I know I’m a teddy bear, but a lot of times people look at me and freak.”

He looked at the giant sitting in front of him. Lou was a former marine, and yeah, he definitely looked like someone you wouldn’t want to mess with.

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