Page 53 of DadBod
ELIZABETH
“I’m not going.”
I blink at Ryann. I didn’t even hear her enter the room. She’s standing on the other side of the kitchen island with a look of pure disgust on her face. A look I don’t deserve, because I haven’t seen her since yesterday when she came down to get something from the kitchen. “Huh?” How did she know we’re going out today?
“Wherever you plan to take us today, I’m not going.”
She’s right. It’s outing day. That’s what I decided to call it. Not the cleverest name, but it’s what I’m going with. I read up on this nanny-business, and one of the tips I’ve seen repeatedly is to do things consistently each week, and since it’s been six days since we went to the Sox game, it’s time to do something else. “Why would you think…?”
“You’re packing up food into a cooler. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to see what you’re doing.”
She’s right again. I’m making us a picnic lunch along with some snacks. “What? This?” I point to the portable cooler on the counter. “That’s not for you. I’m just stealing food to take home with me later.”
Like she’s fifty, she mutters, “I wish that were true. Grounds for termination.”
I choose to ignore that slight. It’s better that way. “Yes, we’re going out. I’ve got a fun day pl––”
“No.”
…planned. “Yes. You’re going. I can’t leave here without you.”
“I’m old enough to be home alone.”
This is tough. Part of me wants to wrap her up in my arms and tell her it’s going to be okay. The other, well, the other isn’t as nice. Holy crap. Jeriann was right. This is going to be a long summer. I’m already exhausted by this girl. “Ryann––”
“I want to go over to Becca’s and hang out.”
I’ve stopped packing up the cooler to make eye contact with her. I’m not sure how to approach this. On one hand, I could call Rome, but I hate doing that. I don’t want to do that every time Ryann decides to be a pain in my backside.
She sighs like only a teenage can sigh, with her entire body. “Look. I already talked to Dad about it. He’s fine with it.”
Okay. Now, that’s interesting. “Oh, yeah?”
She nods. “Yep.”
“When was that?”
She holds up her phone. “Just a few minutes ago. Texts.”
Wow. Just wow. This girl is something else. You see, she’s lying. I know she’s lying, but what she doesn’t know is that I know she’s lying. “Mind if I read the messages?”
Scoffing, she slides her phone back into her pocket. “Yes. I mind.”
“Hm.” I tap my chin. “Funny. Your father had a dentist appointment this morning.” I look at my phone sitting on the counter. “About twenty minutes ago. Was he texting you at his appointment?” Also, Rome knows the plan for today, and he was all for it. Heck, part of it was his idea. He’s not about to let her just head over to Becca’s house. Especially Becca’s house.
She shrugs. “How would I know?”
“Mind if I ask him if it’s okay for you to go to your friend’s house?”
The face she makes is both hilarious and frightening. “You don’t believe me?” It comes out as a gasp.
“Should I?” It’s a sincere question. “I mean, I’ve been here two weeks, and the only interactions I’ve had with you have been like this one, combative. There’s no trust here.” I gesture my hand back and forth between us. “You expect me to take your word for it?”
“You work for me.”
That makes me laugh. “I work for your father.” Should I tell her I know what “going to Becca’s” really means? Yes, Becca has been Ryann’s friend for several years. She lives three doors down, but she’s more cover than friend. According to Rome, who’s spoken to Becca’s parents, Becca will do almost anything Ryann asks her to do. Looking at the pretty manipulator across the kitchen island, I can see how that could be their dynamic. Ryann has an alpha personality.
Ryann manages a sly smile across her lips. It makes me uneasy. “You know what I mean.”