Page 56 of Sins of the Father

“I think it’s time you experienced Chicago,” he says.

“Where are we going?”

“I’m hungry. Are you?”

“I could eat.”

“Are you picky?”

“Nope. Feed me.”

“Let’s go be tourists.”

“Tourists?”

“Yep. Since I grew up here, I’ve never done it before.”

“What about your legs?”

“Don’t worry.”

“But—”

“I’ll take an ice bath tonight if they’re bad and skip my workout tomorrow morning.”

“Oh, such a rebel,” I tease.

He kisses me again and leads me to the street. The fall air is crisp, and the sun shines bright. I put my hand over my eyes.

“Think we need sunglasses today.”

“Mine are at Jamison’s. Should we go back and get yours? I can run up if you want to save your legs?”

“Nope.” He opens the door to a shop and motions for me to go in.

We spend several minutes picking out a pair of sunglasses and then he guides me to a section of hats. “I think we want a hat for later today.”

“What for?”

“You’ll see.” He grabs a gray hat with Chicago embroidered on it in pink and puts it over my head. “Looks good. What do you think?”

“Fits nice, but I think I might die in New York if I ever wear it there.”

Something passes in his eyes, but I don’t know what to make of it. He chooses a similar cap for himself in red in black. He puts it on then removes it.

“Hey, you look hot in that! You should get it.”

“I am.” He takes my hat off my head and sunglasses out of my hand. He goes to the counter and pays for our items.

Guilt I’m out again and don’t even have a penny on me spreads quick.

He’s going to think you’re a total gold digger.

Steven has the cashier remove the tags and labels, and as soon as we step outside, I say, “Thanks. I’ll pay you back when we get to Jamison’s tonight.”

“Why would I want you to do that?”

My chest tightens. “It’s not fair to you. I didn’t have money when we were at Club D the other night, either.”

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