Lukas & The Lion

Chapter 6- Be a Good Boy

"Oh no!... Yeah I'll head down there today... Jeez!" Dad got an early morning phone call on Thursday. He was pacing around the kitchen while I ate my oatmeal.

He'd talked to Mr. Allen on Tuesday and arranged for me to get a uniform that wasn't super tight and also keep me from doing private training.

Mr. Allen actually said he felt bad about the uniform and had just forgotten about it since I'm not a complainer. He had them express a set from the main office that same day.

Ari must have talked to him as well because the tank top turned into a long sleeved t-shirt and the shorts grew a few inches longer. He looked pleased when he saw it.

"Bad news, kid. I gotta head back out to the dealership in Desert Springs. Dale left over a hundred thousand dollars worth of tools in the old garage! Mr. Sarkisian wants them collected and delivered to a buyer out in Imperial. Dale skipped off to Arizona after he got his last paycheck. Lazy ass! The dealership is paying me mileage and a bonus if I can get it done today," Dad said.

"I have work today," I said. "I can stay here alone. It's fine."

"No. No you can't stay alone! But... maybe Ari would... Just let me make a call," dad said.

"Yes! Please!" I lit up. He dialed his phone and disappeared into his bedroom.

"Ok, good news, Luk!" he said when he came back out. I was washing the breakfast dishes. "Ari'll be by the club to work out and then you're spending the night with him. I won't be back until early morning so you be sure to text me when you get up tomorrow. I know you'll be ok with him."

"Really? That's awesome! I have tomorrow off too!" I bounced excitedly.

"You'll be on your BEST behavior and don't give him any trouble. I really should take you with me, but he seemed happy to help out. I'm trusting you," Dad said with a stern look.

"I promise, best behavior! No worry, no cry!" I nodded and held up my hand like taking a solemn vow.

"I know you will! Maybe I'll get a hotel for the night and have a mini vacation. They're giving me a paid day off tomorrow if I get it done tonight! I could use a fun day." Dad looked proud of himself.

+++

Ari showed up at 3 at the gym. He gave me a wink when he checked in. He did his workout while I was chained to the front desk. I was so nervous about what would happen that night.

He seemed to eye me with a little more respect since I'd stood up to him about interfering with my dad. I was worried he wouldn't like me as much, but it seemed to make him try harder.

At 4, I was off the clock and went to grab my stuff. I realized that I'd packed nothing for my night with Ari. This occurred to me when he followed me to my locker and commented that my bag was light.

"I didn't bring anything! Like nothing! I was so excited when I left for work that I forgot to pack a bag. I have to go home and get stuff!" I groaned.

"Mmmm, no," Ari laughed. "Your father entrust you to my care. I promise full service baby sitter. I have things you will borrow."

His smile told me he had plans for us. He took my bag, put his hand on my shoulder, and guided me out of the gym. We walked down the block to his apartment tower.

I'd only seen his place in the video chats, the building was at least ten stories of glass and steel. There was a security guard at the front desk who greeted him happily and waived us through an expansive lobby with marble floors and gigantic art on the walls.

"My home is at your service," Ari said when he opened his front door. "The cleaning lady comes this morning so everything shall be perfect."

"It's huge," I noted. It was just a one bedroom, but it was larger than our two bedroom apartment. Everything was brand new and high end.