Page 40 of XO Karma

Gregory

Nice try. I know you talked to Belle last week.

Rage flows through me as I pull up her contact and press call. She answers immediately.

“Belle, what the fuck?” I say.

“Well, hello to you too, Ass,” she replies. “Really earning that nickname today.”

“You gave Dad my new number?”

A sigh comes through the line. “Just talk to him.”

“Why?” I ask, exasperated, leaning my elbow on the desk to rest my face in my hand.

“He misses you,” she says, and frustration boils. I’ve tried so hard to keep her out of this. Held so many secrets. Maybe I should just tell her the truth so he can’t still have his claws in her. The only thing that gives me relief is knowing she’s on the west coast far away from all his bullshit.

“I told you I want nothing to do with him. Can’t you respect that?”

“Just think about it, please. Hear him out. For me?”

I grit my jaw. “No.”

Tossing the phone on the desk with a clank, I lean back in my chair, sighing in frustration.

“Daddy issues?” Diego asks.

“Like you wouldn’t believe.”

14

LILY

“Move those fat asses, ladies!” the spin instructor barks through his stupid little headset, and my legs keep pumping even though I want to take my foot and shove it right up his fat ass. Sweat drips down my spine, and my grip on the handlebars tightens. I’ve done harder things in my life than this. I can endure another twenty minutes. Even though my organs may be failing.

Gritting my jaw, I think back to the Karma request I received last week.

Karma Request #2683

Crime: My spin instructor is a misogynistic asshole

Evidence: (3) videos

Preferred Punishment: Itching powder in his riding shorts

Payment Offered: $150 + class fee

How To Find The Target: [Shown after job is accepted]

I needed to get in a workout anyways, so I figured why not kill two birds with one bike, and attended a class to do some recon. Given the profanities this man shouted for the entire duration of it, I more than agreed with requester #2683 but sent a counterproposal.

Karma Request #2683

Karma’s Suggested Punishment: Laxative in his protein shake during class

Payment Requested: $150 + two class fees

“Kendra!” He chucks an empty water bottle at a girl in the corner. “You agreed to stop downing quarter pounders before class. You’re wheezing like a cow at the slaughterhouse.”