Page 42 of DadBod

“Fine.”

The two of us make short work of the breakfast dishes. I’ve even got him smiling by the time we’re all done. And, it turns out, he likes my music. That’s a bonus, for sure.

“Go get changed. We’re going on an adventure today.”

“Where?” His toothless smile is huge.

“It’s a surprise.”

“Okay.” I watch him run up the steps toward the bedrooms. I sigh because we’re not leaving unless Ryann goes with us. I promised Rome I’d do my best to get her involved with our plans. I’m determined to do just that.

Taking the steps up myself, I make my way up to the top floor. At her door, I knock.

“What?” she says in a voice only a teenager can master.

“You need to get ready. We’re going out today. We’ll meet you downstairs in an hour.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“I’m not going.”

“Yes, you are.”

“You can’t make me.”

“I can. I’ve been given the authority to make you.”

“Bullshit.”

“Watch your mouth.” God, I hate talking through a door.

I wait for her to retort, but all I get are crickets.

Honestly, I’m surprised it took her that long to go silent on me.

With my hand on the doorknob, I attempt to open her door.

Locked.

Pulling the key Rome gave me out of my pocket, I use it on her door. I knock before I enter, just in case. When she remains silent, I turn the knob and push the door open.

“Holy shit.” Her room looks like a tornado went through it. I don’t see her, but I know she’s here somewhere. “What’ve you been doing in here?” I bend to pick up a dress that looks like it cost, again, more than my rent. It also looks like it belongs to a woman more my age. That’s when she emerges from the bathroom and sees me holding the dress.

“What the––” She races over to me, grabbing the dress out of my hands. “How did you get in here?”

“Key.” I hold up the shiny silver item in question. She attempts to grab it from my hand, but I’m faster. “You can take this one, but I’ve got copies––”

“You bitch.”

Not gonna lie, that hurt.

I’ll get over it. “You need to get dressed. You’re going with us.”