Pulling up to her apartment, I shut off the engine. I told Ryker I’d most likely spend the night, so he shouldn’t expect me backuntil morning. He’s not working tonight and I can’t help but wonder what he does in his free time or for fun.
He made me promise to text him when I got here. Said it made him feel better knowing I’m safe and it makes my insides feel mushy knowing he worries about me.
Me:I made it to Wrin’s. I’ll see you tomorrow!
His response is immediate.
R:Glad you made it safe and sound. Don’t do anything you know I won’t approve of sweet girl. I’m here if you need me.
I can’t help the smile that forms as I read his message. Sweet girl. I like that more than I should. Chuckling, I pop open the car door and grab my things, heading towards my best friend, who’s already waiting for me, excitedly, at the door. When I finally get to her, we squeeze each other tightly in the best hug ever. It’s everything my soul needs, despite the tear that creeps down my cheek.
“What the fuck are you crying for, woman?” Wrinley questions, confusion contorting her face.
“I don’t even know. I think I’ve just missed you. It feels like so much has happened since we last hung out, just the two of us. I think I was going through withdrawal,” I admit, knowing she’s the last person who would judge me for feeling this way.
“Well, you’re here now. Let’s get comfy and order food so you can give me all the juicy details about what’s new with you and why you were at Gravity with Ryker the other night.” Biting my lip, I grin and feel a warmth creep up my neck as my thoughts briefly drift back to Ryker and what we did that night.
“Wait–what about you? What was that, with the unknown sender text?”
“My stuff is not exciting. I’m way more interested in finding out about this new glow you’re rocking.”
“Okay. If you say so,” I respond, still skeptical that she’s not telling the truth. “Where are the menus?”
A couple hours and an entire pizza later, we seem to be caught up and ready to move on to current events. Sometimes I forget how much my best friend can talk. She’s finally gone to pee and we discussed picking a movie, but I know she’s not going to rest until she has all the info about Ryker and I.
I feel my phone vibrate on the couch, and a warm sensation floods my core when I pick it up to see a text from the man himself.
R:I hope you’re being good, sweet girl.
My thighs clench just a little and then I imagine him saying it with his body pressed to mine. I definitely like when he calls me that, but he needs to stop. I didn’t bring enough panties for this.
Me:Of course I am, Sir.
I can’t help but tease him a little as I follow up with a selfie, pulling the most innocent face I can muster. If I could bat my eyelashes in a picture to drive the point home, I would.
“Excuuuuuuuse me, who are you sending selfies to?” Wrinley whines on her way back from the bathroom. “Is thatDaddyRyker? Tell him this is my time and he can have you back in the morning.”
Shoving my phone in my bag, I purse my lips. “Don’t worry, he was just checking on me. He worries about me after all the Brad bullshit.”
“I bet he does,” she eyes me suspiciously, handing me a glass. “Here, I made you a frozen margarita.”
“Ohhhhh no. That’s not a good idea,” I protest as I try to hand it back to her. “How the fuck did you make margaritas so fast, anyway? I didn’t even hear the blender.”
“I’m a magician, bitch–or maybe you were just too engrossed in your phone to hear it.” Her eyebrow raises waiting for me to argue, but she’s forgotten how well I know her. I don’t bother responding, but I do stare into her blackened soul until she relents.
“Fine–have it your way. I bought them pre-frozen and I added extra alcohol, because isn’t 5%, like nothing these days?”
I shake my head, “Wait, don’t those have tequila in them? And you added vodka? Are you trying to get us fucked up?”
It’s gotta be bad to mix tequila and vodka, right? I feel like that’s totally a thing. I do want to drink with her, but if I get drunk, Ryker will hypothetically schmurder me–or worse, he’ll glare at me with those icy blues of his and bathe me in disappointment. That should be enough to keep anyone from making bad decisions.
Shoving the cup back in my face, she whines, “It tastes fine to me. Just have one. Pleaaaaase.”
“Jesus, Wrin. You’re such a bad influence,” I accuse. “You realize, every time I’ve ever been in a messy situation, that you’re at the helm of it or at the very least directly involved right?”
Her face morphs into one of shock, mouth gaping. “Hey, that may be true, but you can’t deny I’ve also been the reason you’ve had some of your most fun. This is our thing, Ari. Don’t act like you’re new. You’re the good girl whose parents didn’t hold hertight enough and I’m the wild one whose parents held on a little too tight. Opposites attract. Yin and yang.”
As much as her brutal honesty stings, I know she’s right. We balance each other out. I bring her back down to earth and she helps me not feel so weighed down. Except, she makes it sound like she’s notgood. She may not want people to see that side of her, so I keep it to myself. But I see her. I’ll always see her.
