And then, like an overly curious cat, I'd decided to test out the recliner – just for a minute or two – to see what it was like. And yeah, it was surprisingly comfy – too comfy, apparently.
Now, here I was, comfy but cranky, wondering what Ryder had called to say. I checked for a voicemail, but found nothing at all, which meant…what exactly?
Maybe it was a pocket-dial?If so, it was a good thing I hadn't answered.I might've looked like a fool.
Fine. Whatever.It's not like I had anything intelligent to say.
But then, the phone vibrated again.
I sucked in a nervous breath, wondering what to do. But my finger had a mind of its own. It hit the answer button, and I heard myself say, "Hello?"
Ryder's voice was warm in the shadows. "Okay, before you hang up, you should know, the fridge made me do it."
The fridge?In spite of everything, I smiled. "Oh, great. Now I feel cheated."
He paused. "Why's that?"
"Becausemyfridge only stores food."
"Notonlyfood," he said. "Rumor has it, you've got a thousand tiny bottles."
My lips twitched. "Which I store in my suitcase, thank you very much."
"Why there?"
I considered the suitcase, packed not only with booze, but with clothing, because I hadn't made use of the dressers.But why not?Maisie had told me to make myself at home. And yet, I hadn't. Slowly, I said, "You know…that's a really good question."
With a low chuckle, he asked, "Wanna know where I storemywhiskey?"
"Where?"
"My stomach."
I laughed, even as it hit me that he wasn't completely joking. He wasn't slurring, exactly, but if I really listened, I could hear the buzz in his voice, like he'd had a drink or two.
Or five.
Suddenly curious, I asked, "Howmuchwhiskey?"
His voice softened. "Enough to know I should've replied to your messages." He exhaled softly through the line. "If I were in a better mood, I would've laughed my ass off."
My chest tightened, because I knew what he meant. Both messages had been memes, using images from the movieAirplane!While sending them, I would've laughed too, except…well, they weren't half as funny without Ryder. Quietly, I asked, "Did you at least smile?"
"A little," he admitted. "But it wasn't the same without you."
My heart warmed at his words. "Honestly, I can kind of relate."
"Onlykind of,"he teased.
A wistful smile tugged at my lips. "Well, it's not like we actually saw the movie together."
"Right, becausesomeonewon't go on a date."
"But that's not true," I protested. "I just won't go on a datenow. Or at least, not in public." I hated to say it, but I had to. He deserved the truth, even if it wasn't what he wanted to hear.
After a long moment, he asked, "Wanna know what the fridge thinks?"
I almost sighed with relief.He was joking. That was a good sign, right?With my heart in my throat, I replied, "I don't know. Do I?"
