The night before the end-of-year party—the one Bettany roped Ryder into hosting at the fun farm—I cave. I’m on the couch, staring at my phone, desperate for any clue about what to expect tomorrow. What version of him I’ll find waiting.
Faye
Hi! Just checking if everything is set for tomorrow’s party. Let me know if you need any last-minute help with the setup
I hit send and instantly cringe. It sounds too eager. What could I even do at eight in the evening the night before?
It’s too transparent. He’ll see right through it.
My phone buzzes.
Ryder Evans (Rhys’s father)
All set. Bettany has been extremely hands-on with the organization
He’s put “extremely” in bold. A smile pulls at my lips despite the disappointment that the message isn’t especially personal. I reply in the same tone.
Faye
You must appreciate having such a dedicated room parent
His response comes quickly.
Ryder Evans (Rhys’s father)
Sure do
Two words. Giving nothing away. As usual.
I toss the phone aside, frustration bubbling inside my chest. If he wants to be precious, fine. I will not beg for his attention.
A new ping reels back my gloom.
I snatch the phone so fast it jumps out of my hands like a fish before I catch it again.
Ryder Evans (Rhys’s father)
Looking forward to tomorrow
My heart does a stupid little flip. Then another as a follow-up message arrives right after.
Ryder Evans (Rhys’s father)
Been counting the days until the school year is over
The smile that splits my face is embarrassingly wide.
My fingers hover over the keyboard. I should play it cool. Be casual. Not reveal that I’ve spent two weeks spiraling into madness over him.
Faye
Any particular reason why?
The three dots appear. Disappear. Reappear.
Ryder Evans (Rhys’s father)
Yes. One, very specific
