MAGGIE: Um. Excuse me. Is there something you need to tell me?
ME: No. Why?
MAGGIE: Liar.
MAGGIE: *Picture attached of Cole and Ryder at the game.*
MAGGIE: Who is she?
MAGGIE: Cole, I’ll hire a PI if you don’t give me the goods.
MAGGIE: NOW!
ME: Calm down. She’s a friend. JUST a friend.
MAGGIE: A friend, my ass. Since when do you have GIRL friends?
MAGGIE: I want details. I’ll expect her at Thanksgiving because you and I both know there is nothing FRIENDLY going on. She was at your GAME! In the FAMILY area!
ME: It’s a friends and family area.
ME: I can’t make Thanksgiving. I have a game.
MAGGIE: Bye week. We’ll have it then.
MAGGIE: I hope you’re never hauled in for questioning. I’ll make sure to smuggle in some sudoku to help pass the time while your ass sits behind bars.
______
I glance out the rear window. “Are you sure this is a goodidea?” I face forward as Ryder makes another right turn.
“Why? Are you nervous?” There’s a hint of amusement in her tone, and in ordinary circumstances, whatever that is these days, I’d like it. Probably more than I should.
“Hell, yes, I’m nervous.”
She laughs, barely, but I caught it. Ryder Jones can laugh. I wonder what it would sound like if it were the real deal—the hold your belly kind. I want to hear her laugh like that.
I glance over my shoulder again. “How long do we have to do this?”
We’ve been in the car for fifteen minutes, driving in circles to ensure no one is tracking us.
“Just keep your panties on. We’ll be there in a few.”
Great.
I don’t know why I agreed to this. Maybe it’s because letting Ryder see how sad and pathetic my life really is might be worse than having dinner with Tracker and his wife.
We spent all day in the apartment. I rested, icing my bruised ribs while Ryder worked out and spent hours in her room. I imagine she researched because that seems to be what she does.
I rub my jaw, hoping to loosen it. “And he’s like your. . .dad?”
She side-eyes me as we finally hit a straightaway. Her voice is soft. “I moved in with them when I was thirteen.”
I keep my gaze on the road ahead, playing it so damn cool. She just gave me something. Something personal.
“Just you, then?” I ask, treading very lightly.
She rolls her lips, and I suspect it’s to hide a smile.
