Ryder says nothing and jumps in his car and drives off.
Julien takes the coffee and scone from me so I can drive. “Liz must be devastated. What has gotten into Maria? How could she say those things to Liz?”
“Who are you texting?”
“Elijah. He and Liz are close. I’m rallying the troops. She’s going to need us.”
“Good idea. See if he can come over tonight. I’ll pick up Liz from work and bring her to the house. We can order pizza or something and watch a movie. All of us.”
“E says yes, he’ll be there. I told him to drop by at seven.”
We arrive at school and park next to Liz and Hailey’s car. Liz is sitting in the passenger seat, eyes closed. Ryder’s car is already there but he’s nowhere in sight. Hopefully that means he’s gone inside to talk to Maria.
I run around the car and open Liz’s door. “Hey, baby doll.” I reach out and caress her face. Her eyes are a bit puffy and red from crying but she’s still the most beautiful girl in the world.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she rasps and turns her face into my hand.
“Come here, princess. It’s going to be alright.” I pick her up and sit down with her on the parking lot gravel. I cup her neck and wrap my other arm around her back and hold her. I whisper how much I love her over and over again into her ear as I kiss the side of her face. Once I feel her relax and her breathing even out, I pull back to assess her. “Better?”
“Yes, much better. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” This time I bring her in for a real kiss, a slow kiss, one that is gentle and soothing.
“I’m so sorry she yelled at you. Ryder is taking care of things now. She shouldn’t have said what she did.”
“I just feel like it’s my fault. Perhaps I wasn't as a good a friend as I should've been to her.”
“No baby. You were a great friend. She should be ashamed of herself. I hope for your sake she apologizes. I know how much you love her. My first concern right now is taking care of you. If she wasn’t a girl, I would've already found her and punched the crap out of her.”
Liz gives a slight chuckle. “What is it with boys thinking everything can be solved with their fists?”
“They can’t? News to me.” I tighten my grip on her. “Hold on, baby. This ride’s about to get bumpy.” I stand up with Liz still wrapped around me and start walking toward school.
“What are you doing? Jayson, put me down before someone sees us.” Julien and Hailey are following behind us, Hailey’s carrying Liz’s shoulder bag.
“Would you prefer caveman style?”
“Absolutely not. I think one video with me in it is enough for today.”
“Oh, these motherfuckers ain’t seen nothing yet.” I start kissing the shit out of her as I walk us into the school building. There are catcalls and whistles going up all around us. Liz giggles and smiles against my mouth but doesn’t protest me carrying her anymore. I’m glad I could put a smile on her face. Julien hands her the coffee we brought from Ruby’s.
“You can put me down now. Caffeine comes before kisses.”
I kiss her, hard. “Keep telling yourself that, princess.”
I thank Hailey for watching out for Liz and we head to our first period class, still no Ryder in sight. He rushes in at the last second before the tardy bell, so I don’t get to ask him what happened with Maria. I shoot off a quick text to him and Julien.
Me: We’re rallying the troops for Liz. Our house tonight at 7.
Ryder: Will be there.
Julien: E’s coming too. Let’s get Hailey and Brea in on it.
Ryder: Will text Brea later.
Me: Don’t want Liz upset anymore so no talking about Maria in front of her. R, did you talk to her?
Ryder: Yeah. Didn't go well. Will tell u about it later when Elizabeth isn’t around.
