Page 158 of Hide and Keep

“I thought they’d be better.”

What?

“I’d like to see you draw something better.”

“I’m just saying, they weren’t as good as the stuff I saw in your sketchbook.”

The sketchbook he was never supposed to see.

“I had better supplies, not to mention more time on the pieces in my sketchbook,” I huff out, annoyed. Annoyed he’s critiquing my art. Annoyed at my father. Annoyed I feel theneed to protect myself in my own home. How is that living comfortably?

Crue lifts one shoulder. “If you say so.”

I do say so. I’ll prove it to him. Tonight.

“Whatever. Are you going to teach me how to wrestle or not?”

“I already told you. No.”

“Do you have something better to do?” I ask, knowing full well his schedule is my schedule. And would you look at that? It’s open today.

“I just thought you were gonna show me more stunts.”

“We did stunts yesterday.”

“Not all of them.”

“Even I don’t know all of them.”

“You don’t? The Queen of Cheer herself?”

I need praise like a fish needs water—no amount is too much—but flattery only works when it’s genuine.

“Do you know every wrestling move?” I counter.

“Probably noteverymove.”

“See.”

“But I haven’t wrestled in years. Shit changes all the time.”

Is he scared to wrestle again? Is that what’s holding him back?

“You’re right. It was a terrible idea asking you.”

His head dips in acceptance…of an apology I’m not giving.

“I’ll get someone else to teach me.”

When I try to swerve Crue, he catches me by my elbow and grits, “Over my dead.Fucking.Body.”

I blink up at him and say sweetly, “That can be arranged.”

He rolls his eyes as he drags me to the center of the mat. I have to capture my grin between my teeth.

“All right.” He scrubs his hands down his face. “Get on your hands and knees.”

The only thing on me that moves is my eyebrow rising ever so slowly.

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