Page 45 of Property of Big Daddy

Kidd meets me at the front door.“Where are we going?”

“I’m going to the gym.”

“I could use a workout.I’m trying to build up some muscle.”He flashes me a crooked grin.

“You’re not joining me.You can’t protect me from my would-be kidnappers or whatever if you’re distracted.”

Big Daddy follows us out the door, leaving it open behind him.He’s wearing a strange expression on his face that I can’t quite read.Part of me wants to give in a little and kiss him goodbye.Only I know if I do, one kiss will turn into more kisses that will then lead to something more.Something I’m not in the mood for right now.

“Be back before it gets dark,” he calls after me, his voice just barely carrying over the loud music coming from the house.

“I’ll be back when I get back.Don’t wait up.”

Some of the guys drinking out by the garage stare at me as Kidd shadows after me, but they are wise enough not to comment.Inside the refuge of my vehicle, I take a moment to collect myself.I’ve never been more pissed at him than I am right now.

This isn’t how our relationship is supposed to be.We’re meant to be partners.Equals.Not him determining every aspect of my life and me simply going along with his plans.

I shoot off a text to Cecilia to see if she wants to meet me at the gym.She doesn’t respond right away, so when Kidd fires up his motorcycle, I start my car and turn up the stereo, hoping the music will drown and calm my racing thoughts.

The drive to the gym, I belt out the lyrics to the song,Fuck You, byLily Allen.It can cure any bad mood I’m in.

I’m pulling into a parking space when Cecilia calls me.“Hey, what’s up?”

“Since when do you go to the gym?”

“Since now.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Why does something have to be wrong?Can’t a girl want to burn some calories?”

“We both know you hate going to the gym.Save yourself the trouble of paying for a membership you will never use and come over.We’ll drink some wine and watch some trash reality tv.”

“That sounds like more fun.Let me ditch Kidd and I’ll be on my way.”

“Why do you… you know what?I don’t want to know.Just get your ass over here.”

“Give me twenty minutes.”

“Grab a fruit tray or something.I haven’t done my grocery shopping.”

“Anything else?”

“Maybe some chocolate.”

“I got you.”I unclip my seat belt and look at Kidd’s reflection in my rearview mirror.He’s parked on the opposite side of the street, sitting on the curb smoking a cigarette.I wonder if he’s even old enough to smoke.He has such an innocent baby face about him.

I exit my car and dash across the street.“Change of plans.You have the night off.”

“No can do, Gwynee.Big Daddy gave me my orders.Wherever you go, I go.”

“You can and you will.I’m going to Cecilia’s for a girls’ night in.No men or boys allowed.”

“I’ve got time.”

“Ugh.Whatever.Suit yourself, but the street she lives on is boring.”

“Then I guess just for tonight I’m one of the girls.”He snuffs out his cigarette and shoves the butt in his pants pocket.

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