I guess that’s what it takes to make her shut up.
Returning to my bedroom, I change into some workout clothes before leaving the apartment and making my way to the gym.
When I get there, Aspen and Quinton are already waiting.
“It’s about time, old man,” Quinton jokes. “Did you have to clean your dentures or something?”
“Watch it, boy. I’m not too old to kick your ass.”
“Calm down. You need to watch your blood pressure at your age.”
“You need to watch your mouth before you lose some teeth.”
“Okay, okay. That’s enough.” Aspen waves her hands between us. “You go workout,” she tells her husband before turning toward me. “And you need to show me some new ninja moves.”
“All right, let’s start with something easy.” We square off on the mat, and I run through some simple techniques on how to unarm an assailant. She uses what I taught her before and defends herself with ease.
After that, I show her a few ways to take someone down. Aspen is quick on her feet, but I’m still quicker. She shoves at my arm and steps back, but I slide my foot behind her, making her trip.
Falling backward, she lands on her butt with a huff. Quinton glares at me from across the gym, yelling something about breaking my hip. I shake my head at him and hold my hand out to Aspen. She grabs it, and I pull her back to her feet.
“That wasn’t bad. Just need a bit more practice.”
“If you say so.”
“I know so. It’s in your blood…” The words hang in the air between us uncomfortably, and I regret saying them.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to avoid the topic. Just don’t expect me to call you dad any time soon.” She smirks.
I know she is trying to make a joke, but now I can’t help wondering what it would feel like if she did call me dad one day. Do I even deserve to be called that? I’ve never done anything to earn that title.
“I wasn’t planning on it.” My throat is suddenly dry. “Let’s get some water.”
Aspen nods, and we each grab a water bottle and sit on the bench. I use the time it takes me to unscrew the cap and take a sip to think about what I could ask her without intruding too much or making her upset.
“You don’t have to answer this if you don’t feel like it. But I was wondering…”
Why is this so fucking hard to ask? “Did you have a happy childhood?”
“I did, yes.” Aspen nods. Her eyes turn soft, and her lips curl up in a smile like she recalls the past with great contentment. “I guess I grew up pretty normally. My parents seemed normal. I had no idea my dad was into anything illegal until I was older. They kept me out of that part of their life.”
“That’s not a bad thing.”
“It was just a shock. I always had a better relationship with my dad. I don’t know who decided to adopt me, but looking back on it now, I think he wanted me more than she did. Especially when I got older, I noticed how she distanced herself from me. I never understood why.”
“You still haven’t heard anything from her, have you?”
“No, the last time I talked to her was months ago. Do you think something happened to her?”
“I don’t know, Aspen. It’s just as likely that she is hiding. I’ll ask Nic to look for her if that’s what you want.”
“Thank you for offering. Xander made the same offer. I just don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.”
“I understand. If you ever change your mind, you know where I am.”
“I do. Speaking of where people are… where is Delilah? I haven’t seen her anywhere.”
At the mention of her name, my mood goes from bad to worse. I don’t want to lie to Aspen, but how the fuck am I going to tell her I have Delilah locked up in my apartment.
“She has been spending most of the time in her room. I check in with her a few times a day.”
“Oh… that’s nice of you. Where is her room? I haven’t seen her in the dorms or the cafeteria.”
“She is staying away from the dorms for now. I’ve been making sure she has food and everything she needs. In a few days, she’ll be ready to start classes and move into the dorm.” Just not sure if I’m going to be ready.
Of course, Aspen is not satisfied with my answer. Getting up from her seat, she props her hands on her hips and gives me a stern look. “Where is she? You didn’t make her stay in that room I was in before, did you?”
“No.” I glance past her at Quinton, who is offering no help at all. “She is in my apartment. My guest room, to be exact.”