11
“You two can stay the night here if you’d like,” said Gertie, motioning at me once the pitiful fire burned low and everyone made their way back inside.
It was getting cold early this year, and though things were rather cozy between me and Ryan under our shared quilt, which neither of us commented on, everyone was ready to make their way back home or into the house with their lack of layers.
“Guests are always welcome. Not that you’re a guest, darling,” Gertie made sure to add. She waved me off as she focused on Ryan, who was still making sure he didn’t have any apple crumbles left on his face.
It was honestly shocking how easily he had been able to consume nearly half of a pie.
I wrapped my arms around the woman, shaking my head for the two of us. Ryan had managed to do well. He had somehow been able to win over most of the ladies with his boyish humor and constant smile, which I was beginning to realize seemed to be always genuine.
“No, we’re good tonight. Thanks, Gertie.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’ll check in tomorrow.”
“You’d better.” She leaned and poked me in the chest. “More of this.”
“More of what?”
“Less of this.” She shoved the entire palm of her hand against my forehead before leaning in close. “Don’t think I didn’t see what happened out there.”
Very nice. Not knowing which part she was referring to, however, I rolled my eyes.
“I did,” she insisted quietly so that only I could hear. “You might not listen to me. But you should listen to what the goddess and the stars were reaching out to tell you.”
“You’re telling me that the goddess thinks with her dick?”
Gertie laughed, loud and proud.
The final few people left in the house turned their heads at the sound, including Ryan. His eyes widened between the two of us from a few steps away.
“Then think with yours, Lu, if that’s what it takes.” She gave me a squeeze before she looked back at Ryan. “I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week if I don’t see you, Ryan. Please know this home is open to you whenever you’d like to come back. I have a feeling this old place likes you.”
“The house likes me?”
“It compliments a few people I know. It makes its opinions on who walks inside rather clear, I think,” she agreed, looking up and around.
“Well, okay then.” Ryan smiled as if it was the best of compliments. “Thanks so much for having me.”
“Yes, thanks,” I repeated with much less gratitude as I headed out the door, shutting it behind us.
Ryan was quiet in the car. The two of us both were. We drove the road back up to campus. A few cars were out, and their bright headlights flashed as they turned down the side streets to home. The parking spot along the curb Ryan had left was still open, and he slid in before pulling out the key. Then, it was just us, shutting the car doors to the murmured sounds of others in the distance, the air on campus never fully settled or without noise, especially not on the Row.
Ryan took an easy step up onto the sidewalk in front of the sports house. I watched the way he had one leg flexed, still used to taking the weight of the other.
“You doing all right there?”
Ryan looked down to where my eyes were, a slight concern in his own eyes until he seemed to realize what I meant. “Oh, yeah. It’s a mind thing for a while, getting used to having two fully functioning knees to hold me up. It was nice to get out. Good thing Mabon wasn’t more strenuous.”
I pressed my lips together, trying not to smile as I tipped my head. “Sometimes, we run around the fire and scream out our impositions of life instead of writing them down on paper. You got the calm version.”
“Oh?” he said, pleased and disappointed, all at the same time. “Maybe next time.”
Next time.
“It was really cool to hang out with you more. I like hanging out with you,” he added, giving a little shrug.
