He gave it some thought. "Maybe. But it's still true."
As the open door yawned between us, I asked, "So, are you gonna say it?"
"Say what?"
"Whatever you've already decided."
He gave me a curious look. "You want me to?"
My chin lifted. "I'd rather have you say it than just stand there, acting all weird."
"So, you're looking for what? Closure?"
Something in my throat tightened.If only it were that simple.
Sure, closure would be better thanthis. But what I truly wanted was for him to gather me in his arms and explain away the weirdness with a story that actually made sense.
I wanted the old Ryder back. I wanted him to laugh and joke and charm me out of my senses. And I wanted to makehimlaugh in return.
Finally, I said, "If nothing else, an explanation would be nice." I gave him an exasperated look. "Seriously, what exactly changed?"
"Nothing."
"Well, obviouslysomethingchanged, or you wouldn't be acting like a total stranger."
His mouth tightened. "I know the feeling."
"No, youdon'tknow the feeling, because I'm the same person I always was. Butyou'rethe complete opposite."
"Or maybe we're just seeing each other more clearly."
"What are you saying? This is the real you?"
He shrugged. "It's close enough."
"Terrific," I muttered.
But it wasn't actually.And now, I didn't know what to do.Should I demand the book and leave? Or challenge him to dump me and be done?
It would hurt like crazy to hear, but for some twisted reason, I wanted to make him say it. I braced myself and waited.
But all he said was, "I'm curious."
"About what?"
"Those liquor bottles… why'd you take them?"
I stared, incredulous."That'swhat you want to talk about?"
"I mean, you're not a big drinker, so I don't get why you'd grab a bunch of booze on your way out. Was it just because it was there?"
And that's when it hit me. "That video – you saw it." My eyes narrowed. "And recently, too."
"You could say that."
I felt like screaming. "Sothat'sthe problem?"
Just then, I heard a door open behind me. I whirled to look and saw a heavyset man in wrinkled pajamas, glaring like I'd been yodeling in the hall. Heat flooded my face, and I felt absolutely terrible for like two seconds – until he said, "This is a hallway, not a pickup spot. Try somewhere else, will ya?"
