Page 35 of A Boy Is a Gun: Part II
Normally, I would’ve gone for the public option.Safer.More controlled.But something about the way he asked made me want to say yes to the first choice.And the truth?I knew Cameron had people watching me.Going to Jiro’s meant no cameras—at least, that’s what I thought.
“I’ll take you up on that home-cooked meal,” I said.“Your place.”
His smile deepened.“Done.”
Two
Cameron
From the screen, Iwatched it play out on the complex’s security feed.Jiro leaning in close, his smile slow and deliberate.Taylor, shifting Mia’s carrier to her other arm, laughing like she actually enjoyed the attention.
The camera had a perfect angle—enough for me to see Jiro’s hand brushing her elbow, enough for me to see her not pull away.
My phone buzzed.Taylor.She doesn’t know I’m watching her, though I’m sure she’s suspected as much.“Hey Cam, it’s Tay.Is there any chance you can watch Mia tonight?”she asked, her tone casual.Toocasual.
“What’s going on?”I ask.I need to keep this as casual as possible.
“Just going out with some friends.”
Friends.Right.I knew a lie when I heard one, but I didn’t press.“Sure,” I said.“Drop her off whenever.”
We hung up, and I turned back to the screen just in time to see Jiro crouch in front of the stroller, buckle Mia in with practiced hands, then stand and take Taylor’s hand.He kissed it—slow, deliberate, his eyes on hers the whole time.Taylor smiled.Smitten.
My jaw flexed.I leaned back in my chair, fingers drumming against the armrest.
Jiro wasn’t some random tenant.We’d crossed paths before.Not friends, not enemies—mutual awareness with a side of caution.But the way he was looking at Taylor?The way Mia giggled when he tapped her nose?
Yeah.That was going to be a problem.
