Never thought I’d see the day, but here I was, getting off on it.
I picked up my phone and tapped Ryder’s name. He answered a moment later.
“You fucking my wife yet, Romano?” I asked the moment he answered.
“Good morning to you, too,” he replied with a sigh. “And no. I’m not fucking your wife.”
“Are you going to? Because tick tock, little mouse.”
“Man, I said I wasn’t going to say shit. I meant that.”
I settled back in my seat, looked out at Los Angeles, and let out a breath.
“You’re a fool. You know that, right?”
He was quiet for a moment before speaking. “Klaus, I’m not used to being in these situations. I’m not. Usually, if I want a girl, I take her, and they love it, but Rosalie is different, OK? She’s not like the other girls I’ve been with. If I fuck this up?—”
“Ryder, let me give you some advice. If you want her, take her. Stop pussy-footing around the subject. If you wait too long, you’ll be an old man living with regrets. Do you want to continue to torture yourself with regrets? Because if you don’t say something, you will. Imagine that if you make a move by this evening, tomorrow morning you could wake with her in your arms, and we can start planning our futures with you. The ball is in your court, brother. Make a move.”
He was quiet again. “How? I don’t know how to do it. I always know how to get women, but with her… fuck, man. How?”
I chuckled softly. “I struggled as well, my friend. And finally, I just went for it. It worked for me. Anson played the long game. Both ways work, but in your case, I’m thinking your long game is too long. Just go for it. Grab her and kiss her. Spontaneous. Then call me after.”
He scoffed. “Call you after? I can’t believe I’m discussing with one of her husbands how to seduce her. What the fuck.” He sighed.
“So you’re going to?” I smiled.
“I don’t know. Maybe,” he mumbled. “She fucking terrifies me, man. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Like… what the fuck do I even have to offer her? Anson is the talent. Evan is the best friend. You’re the protector. What the fuck am I? You all are loaded and could give her the world. I’m just a regular guy with a few dollars in the bank.”
“Is this you asking for a pay raise?”
He laughed softly. “No, man. It’s not. It’s me asking why she’d even want me when she has everyone else. And that’s just you guys. Fucking Cole Scott is some prodigy doctor and mafia enforcer; Ethan is a doctor and sugar maker; and Enzo… that man is a mafia don-billionaire who owns the world’s largest weapons company. And me? I’m just Ryder Romano, some kid from the streets who isn’t bad with his fists. I can’t compare.”
“Can’t you?” I asked gently. “You’re the one who is always there for her. Ride or die, you’re there, Ryder. You’ve proven your loyalty. When was the last time you were with a woman?”
He was quiet. “I don’t know.”
“It’s been months, hasn’t it?”
“Yeah,” he mumbled. “Almost a year.”
“And why is that?”
More silence.
“We both know why. You want her. She’s right there. We’ve given our blessing. What are you waiting for?” I probed softly. “Do it.”
“OK,” he finally said. “OK. I-I’ll do it.”
“Fuck. Finally,” I said, sitting forward. “I’ll let the guys know. We’ll be waiting to hear back.”
“You all are nuts,” he muttered.
“A good woman does that to a man,” I said, smiling. “You’ll see.”
“Guess I will. I’ll let you know how shit goes.”
“Good luck.”
