Tim ignores me and moves towards Ryan.No fucking way.I step forward and place myself between them.
The tension in the room is palpable, but I refuse to let things escalate any further. “Tim,” I say firmly, my voice unwavering, “it’s time for you to leave. Ryan doesn’t want to talk to you right now.”
“Fine!” Tim snaps, his anger flaring one last time before he storms out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.
I immediately turn to Ryan. “Are you okay?”
Ryan bites his lip and nods. It breaks my heart to see him so upset. “Tim just showed up out of nowhere, started yelling at me…he wouldn’t listen to a word I said,” Ryan says, his voice shaky. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“Let’s sit down and talk about it,” I suggest gently, guiding him to the couch. “Or we don’t have to talk about it at all. It’s up to you.”
As we settle in, I prepare to listen and offer whatever advice I can, determined to help him through this difficult time. He’s fidgeting with the frayed hem of his T-shirt. I hate seeing him so distressed.
“Hey,” I say softly, resting a hand on his shoulder. “You don’t have to go through this alone, okay? I’m here for you.”
His body tenses briefly under my touch, then relaxes as he looks up at me, eyes soft. “Thanks, Derek.” He attempts a small smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
We sit in silence for a while before he speaks again. “Can I ask you something?” Ryan’s voice is quiet, almost hesitant, as if he’s afraid of what my answer might be.
“Of course.” I try to keep my tone steady, despite the growing tightness in my chest.
“How can he treat me like I meant nothing? To toss me aside like…like garbage?” His voice breaks, and it takes all my willpower not to drag him into my arms.
“Ryan, no,” I reply firmly, forcing myself to maintain eye contact. “You’re an incredible person. You’re kind, compassionate, and so giving. What Tim did to you, that’s on him, not you. Don’t ever think you’re anything less than amazing.”
I see a glimmer of belief in his eyes as he slowly nods. He’s silent for a moment, then he speaks. “I’m not upset because I still have feelings for him. I guess I’m pissed that he still has the power to upset me. Fuck! The way he spoke to me, the things he said—”
“Did…did he hurt you?” I hesitate to ask the question, but if he’s laid a fucking hand on Ryan there’ll be hell to pay.
Ryan shakes his head again. “Not in the way you mean. He’s lethal with his words, but he’s never been physical.”
I sag with relief.
Ryan pats my hand as if I’m the one who needs comforting. “Like I said the other day, there’s this new side to Tim that wasn’t there before. Or if it was, I didn’t see it. He’s nasty and mean. I don’t know why I let him get to me.”
Ryan always sees the best in people, overlooks the flaws. I can see why Tim’s behavior would come as a shock, and I’ve no doubt a man like Tim would know how to verbally hit where ithurts—to target Ryan’s insecurities. “You’re well rid of him,” I say.
“I know.” Ryan’s voice is soft and he offers a small smile.
I want to pull him to me, to wrap him in my arms and protect him from the hurt, but I hold myself back. “Hey. Do you want a tea or something else to drink?”
“Yeah, tea would be nice. Thanks, Derek.”
I push myself up and head to the kitchen, my thoughts racing and emotions in overdrive. I hate the feelings that want to push free. It’s harder and harder to hide how I feel, and to be honest, I’m not sure I want to. I fill the kettle and flick it on, focusing on the familiar task of making the hot drink. By the time I’ve brewed the tea, I’m back under control. I’m here to give Ryan support—this isn’t about me.
“Here you go.” I hand him a steaming mug, our fingers brushing briefly as he takes it from me. “Careful, it’s hot.”
“Thanks,” he murmurs, cradling it in his hands. He throws me a smile and this time I can see some of the tension has gone.
“So,” I ask, “are we still on for tonight?”
Ryan’s smile reaches his eyes. “Absolutely.”
Chapter Four
Ryan
It only takes twenty minutes to drive to Derek’s house. I sing along to the radio the whole way, my mood lifted by the knowledge we’ll be spending the afternoon together. It’s only been a week since our movie night. I don’t want to read too much into it, but my imagination runs wild, and I’ve been smiling ever since Derek texted me earlier in the week about getting together again.
