Ugh, I feel as if I just went through a war.
“Okay,” I say, my mic back on. “Make sure you put your shoes on and get your things. Have a great day.”
I put the microphone away, watch everyone leave, and then Lexi and I wipe down all the equipment.
“That was dirty of them to throw this at you,” she groans.
“So dirty,” I agree, blowing out a breath. “I’m throwing in mani/pedis due to extenuating conditions.”
I’m not dramatic enough to call a bunch of toddlers traumatizing, but it’s a near thing.
“Fuck yes,” Lexi hisses, happily finishing the rest of the equipment.
Putting everything away, we walk out of the gym and I barely manage to say goodbye to Kyra on the way out. She’s not on my shit list, but Carrie definitely is. I think I’m going to need to break up with the toddler gym time for awhile.
I leave my vehicle parked where it is, and walk with Lexi to the sandwich shop.
“Want to get them to go to eat in the park?” she suggests. The tiny toddler terrors will be napping, which means it should be pretty empty outside of the chess warriors.
They’re adorable grifters who are very serious about their games and in their sixties. When people come to live here, they sometimes bring their older parents. Most of them are betas looking for a peaceful place to spend their lives, and we definitely provide that.
“I think that’ll be nice,” I agree.
The sandwich shop isn’t super busy yet, despite their special today, and we easily procure our food and lemonades.
“Do you feel like we just survived a war zone?” Lexi asks as we walk to the park.
“Yes,” I snort. “No one helped us. What the hell is that about? At least when Tara or Lyra run that class, there are eyes on the kids at all times. I feel like I just got run over by a train.”
Finding an open picnic table is easy, and we sit down to devour our very well earned lunch.
“Ugh, I love you and food, but I don’t think I’ll be able to put myself through that again,” she groans.
“Through what?” Syrus asks, walking up to us with his hands in his pockets.
“Toddler dominion,” Lexi complains, taking a bite of her sandwich.
“What?” he asks, chuckling.
“I helped out at the community center, but it was rough today,” I explain. “I’m going to need a long bath tonight after work.”
“Please don’t drown,” Lexi says unhelpfully. “You may need to supervise her, Syrus.”
“Oh my God, Lexi!” I groan. “I only fell asleep once.”
“Three times,” she snorts.
Syrus appears amused as he watches us before he shrugs. “I guess you and I have a date with your bathtub after you’re done at the club, Spitfire,” he says.
Leaning over, his fingers press on my chin to tilt my head back so he can kiss me.
“You know what the real problem with watching a bunch of kids is?” he asks, his blue gray eyes sparkling.
“What?” I breathe, unable to stop looking at him. He’s dressed in uniform and is really fucking gorgeous.
“It’s psychological birth control,” he says with a wink. “I’ll see you later.”
I’m speechless as he strolls away, and very aware that people saw him kiss me.
