“I’m fine,” I wave her off.
“I’m going to head back inside now.”
Very subtle Hales.
I wait until she closes the sliding door. I feel awkward, then sad, then mad.
“Where have you been? Unless your phone was abducted by aliens, you’ve been ignoring me for days.”
“I know. I needed some space.”
“Ryder, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. Please forgive me.”
“No. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have hit Jay. That was a despicable thing for me to do in front of you. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
Ryder looks terrified that I might say yes.
“No, no,” I assure him. “I’m fine. I’m worried about you though. Please don’t hate me.”
“I don’t. I won’t. He, um, actually came by today and apologized.”
“He did?”
“Yeah. He did. I can’t promise that Jay and I will ever be friends like we used to be.”
I frown.
“But I can promise that I’m not going anywhere. You still have me if you want me, I mean, as a friend.”
“Absolutely! Yes! Best friend?”
“Best friend.” Joy floods me.
I’m so happy to hear those words from him that I leap off my lounger into his arms. He’s still for a moment, unsure of what to do, but within seconds his arms band tight around me and he hugs me back fiercely.
“Thank you, Ryder.”
“You’ll always have me, Elizabeth.”
A throat clears behind us, distinctly male.
Shit!
Without turning around, I know it’s Jayson. What must he think seeing Ryder and I hugging? Before I can get words to tumble out of my mouth, Ryder releases me and holds out his hand to Jayson. They shake briefly like they are business partners at a meeting.
“I was just leaving,” Ryder tells him.
Ryder brings his hand to my cheek, gently cupping it, his thumb a whisper across my cheekbone.
“I’ll see you around, Elizabeth.”
All I can do is nod.
I watch Ryder walk down the back patio steps and disappear around the corner of the house.
“So,” Jayson says.
“So,” I smile at him. “Thank you for keeping your promise.”
