“I like hanging out with you, that’s all,” I say, and she blinks with surprise. “So if you promise to stay close, I’ll take you.”
She breathes out, like she was holding air in her lungs waiting to see what I’d say.
“Thank you.” Callie doesn’t exactly smile at me, but the stormy look fades into cautious relief. “When?”
“They have fights on Friday nights.”
“Okay.” She nods. “So we go this Friday?”
“No. I need more prep time. A week from Friday.”
“Uh—”
“This is my process,” I say firmly. In all honestly, I could be ready for this Friday, but another week won’t hurt. “I’ll continue to monitor security footage from the area, confirm the fight club address, keep an eye on any activity on his cards or his mobile. I’m thorough, Callie.”
“Ohhhhkay.” Her mouth twitches, and I’m glad she finds me amusing instead of annoying.
“I’ll pick you up next Friday afternoon.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “I’m driving myself.”
“Of course you are.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing bad, I promise. It just feels like something you would do.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“I’d like to.” I throw a charming grin at her.
“For fuck’s sake,” Callie murmurs but doesn’t protest. “Now please tell me how you knew I was here.”
“Huh?” I press my lips together and project innocence.
“Is it my phone? Are you tracking me through Find My phone?”
“Oh, Calliope, my sweet summer child.”
“What? Is it something else?”
I have no intention of telling her about the spyware on her phone or in her phone case or the tracker on her car or the cameras in her apartment.
“So you’re not going to tell me.” She scowls.
I shake my head. “Isn’t it enough I’m looking out for you?” I stand and pick up Callie’s pie plate and our empty coffee cups. “Come, let’s go for a walk.” I walk the dish to the counter, toss the cups, then say goodbye to Maris. I swipe my beanie from the table and tug it on my head.
Callie shrugs her jacket on and watches me, stepping through the door that I hold open for her.
“Butwhyare you looking out for me?” Callie asks once I’m standing with her on the sidewalk. I reach over and gently pull the hood of Callie’s pink winter coat over her head.
“This way.” I nod up the road.
“Why do you care if I get robbed on the streets of Portland?” She falls into step next to me.
I side-eye her, then grab her arm as she slips on an icy patch on the sidewalk. “Damn. This needs to be salted again.”
“Is it the paycheck?”
