On Saturday, during family lunch, Father praised my grades, so fortunately he didn’t nag me further.
The same couldn’t be said for Benjamin; according to my parents, he’s reaching the age where he should be in a serious relationship.
Destiny was still with my brother; she clearly hadn’t taken my warning from months ago seriously.
There was no mention of the wedding for now, so I waited patiently.
The contract was signed, and sooner or later, Destiny is bound to make a mistake.
I rushed home after lunch.
Ginger had finished her workout, so I had her pack her gear and took her to a gym.
My junker only started after she cooed at it again; I’m going to push this piece of crap into a ditch one of these days.
“Why did you bring me here?” she asked as we entered the large, warehouse-like building filled with heavy bags and a boxing ring.
There were few people inside over the weekend, mostly Bob’s retired friends, who knew me and nodded in my direction.
“This is also going to help with your confidence,” I said.
“We’re going to practice a bit.”
Several people glanced our way; newcomers always draw eyes.
“Do you come here often?” she asked.
“There aren’t any women,” she whispered, practically hiding behind me.
“Well, now there’s one—you,” I winked.
“It’ll be fine, let’s get started.” She gave a timid nod and went to change in the single locker room, though she came back out in a long-sleeved shirt and pants, just like always.
I showed her how to hold her hands and how to throw a punch, and slowly had her start hitting a light bag.
“I see you’ve brought some life into my boring gym, Cas,” Bob’s voice boomed behind me.
Ginger shrunk back at the sight of him.
As if she could get any smaller.
I’d told Bob about Ginger beforehand because I didn’t want him to spook her, so he didn’t even offer a handshake when I introduced them.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Bob smiled at Ginger and stepped aside to watch us from a distance.
Ginger began to mimic my movements, and once she found her rhythm, I stepped in front of her with focus mitts.
“Hit it,” I said.
Her punches were weak and awkward.
I tried to show her the form, but since I had to hold the pads, I wasn’t being very effective.
“I’ll hold the pads,” Bob said, taking them from me.
“Let me,” I said, stepping behind Ginger.
She nodded.
I stood behind her and gripped her arms to punch along with her; she didn’t pull away.
“You are incredibly tiny,” I remarked over her head.
“You’re just really tall and broad,” Ginger replied.
“I’m average.” Bob laughed.
I had to grab her waist to help her rotate properly, but she didn’t pull away this time either.
Bob just grinned.
Ginger was practically pressed against my chest and arms as we hit the pads together.
“I think that’s enough for today,” Bob said, and I nodded.
Ginger went to change, and I just swapped out my sweaty shirt.
Bob watched me with a smirk.
“It’s not what you think,” I said dismissively.
“We’re just friends.”
“Yeah, sure,” he laughed.
“And I’m a computer genius.
Don’t be a pussy, Cas—ask her out.”
He left me to my thoughts, and I waited for Ginger to finish changing.
“Thank you for taking me,” she said once we were back in the car.
“You’re welcome,” I said.
“Can I come here again?” she asked.
I nodded.
“Whenever you want.”
Whenever Ginger played the violin, Leo and Mike always joined me.
That was when we’d go over business around town.
“What did you find out about Fred?” I asked.
Leo sighed.
“The guy is studying abroad,” Leo said.
“Has been for several years.”
“What’s his connection to Ginger’s brother?” I asked.
“None,” Leo said.
“Two other guys were locked up for it years ago.”
“Keep looking anyway.
The McCoys are pros at sweeping their dirt under the rug.” I said, and they nodded.
“I have the total for the hospital bill, too,” Mike said, sliding a slip of paper over to me.
“Handle it the usual way,” I said.
“Make it look like a technical error and settle it for three months in advance, too.” Mike nodded.