Riley huffs and takes her place in front as I take mine behind the wheel and drive us out of the car park.
I try to avoid breathing in the car, and I’m pretty sure Riley’s doing the same. Jamie talks and talks without a break, trying to engage us in conversation but neither of us have any intention of joining in.
Detachment. Indifference. That’s what the situation calls for.
In almost total silence, I leave the city and head towards Ballsbridge, hoping that this nearness doesn’t kill either of us.
* * *
“Thanks a million, Ian,”Jamie says, sitting on the sofa. “God, how can I already be this worn out? I haven’t done anything.”
“It’s been tough on you,” Riley says, setting the bag down. “And you need to take it easy, okay? Try not to do too much for a few days. Do you need anything? Do you want me to stay?”
“Nah, I’m fine. I might be getting a visitor later.”
Riley shakes her head and looks at her watch.
“Alright then, I’ll leave you in the hands of your visitor. I’m going home. If you need something, call me, alright?” she tells him, lowering down to give him a kiss on the cheek.
“Ian can give you a ride,” Jamie announces.
“That’s not necessary.”
“But Ian insists on it,” he continues, raising an eyebrow, daring me to contradict him.
Bastard.
“Of course. It’s no problem.”
Say no, say no, say no.
“Really?” Riley asks, finally looking me in the eyes, “There’s no problem? I thought I was the problem you needed to free yourself from, Ian.”
I deserved that, too.
“What are you talking about?” Jamie asks, curious.
“Oh, a nice conversation we had…”
“It’s not a problem for me to drive you home,” I interrupt her.
“It’s a problem for me. I’d rather call a cab,” she concludes before taking her bag and walking out.
“Move it, you arsehole.” Jamie motions for me to follow her.
I sigh in frustration and go outside.
“Riley,” I call to her. “I’ll take you, come on.”
She turns to me, tilting her head. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
I get on the motorbike and hand her the helmet.
“Get on,” I order her.
“You can’t tell me what to do, and you won’t convince me to get on that damn bike.”
“I’m not going to repeat myself.”
