“Hmm…” Kendra leaned forward to get a decent look.
He turned quickly, removing his entire shirt. Kendra took a step back as she inspected him.
“And this one,” he said.
On his chest there were the bones of a frog. It seemed to be creeping up his chest. “What’s that one?” Madi asked.
“It’s a tribute for my own, lost in battle.”
Kendra studied it for a moment then lowered her gaze to his impressive six-pack. “Not bad, soldier boy.”
“Thank you,Ms. Parker.”
Kendra sighed. “Rob.”
“Kendra,” he nodded.
Madi bit her lip as she watched their short interaction.
Rob tugged his shirt back on.
“Why’d you do that?” Kendra asked. “It was the only thing I don’t hate about you.”
“Let’s focus, shall we?” he responded. “The first step in protecting yourself is to always be aware of your surroundings. Madi, without looking, tell me how many exits there are in this room and where they are in relation to you.”
“Umm, there’s the one behind you and I think there’s an emergency exit.”
“Where is it?” he asked
“Behind me, to my right?” she stated in the form of a question.
Kendra made a buzzing sound. “I’m sorry, Madison, but you’ve just failed round one of Name Your Favorite Exit.”
Rob glared at Kendra disapprovingly. “This isn’t a game show, Kendra.” He turned to Madi, pointing. “You’ll notice there’s one to the left of the storage room as well.”
“Kendra, what would be the first thing you would do if I approached you?” he asked.
“Before or after you hit on me?” she replied with a smirk.
Rob crossed his arms.
“Ken, please,” Madi pleaded.
Kendra sighed. “I’d look you right in the eye, like this, and maintain eye contact so you would know not only that I clearly saw your face, but also that I wasn’t intimidated by you.”
Rob nodded. “Very good.”
“Do I get a star for my chart?” she asked sarcastically, snapping her gum loudly and purposefully.
Rob placed his hand out in front of her. “Spit it out.”
Kendra crossed her arms and blew a bubble.
Madi sighed. She loved Kendra, but she was really trying to push Rob’s buttons.
“I’m not done with it yet. Get your own piece,” Kendra replied.
Rob’s hand remained in front of her. “Your smart mouth doesn’t impress me, Kendra. Now spit out your gum. In a minute, I’m going to have you face down on the floor. I don’t want you to have anything to choke on besides your pride.”
