Chapter 5
C harles finished checking his emails and got up from his desk to stretch his legs. He often felt stiff after the drive from Lake George, but he’d taken Ryder on a walk around his neighborhood after lunch, which had been a good stretch of the legs, and he was feeling great.
Ryder seemed to enjoy his favorite local pizza establishment, and it was a gorgeous fall day with plenty of sunshine, so he’d drawn out his little tour to include a few of the places Ryder might have reason to visit—the grocery, the pharmacy, his favorite flower shop, the bagel shop, his dry cleaner.
Unlike at the lake where everything they needed was a drive, here in the city all of those things were within easy walking distance.
Ryder appreciated the walk and even took notes in his phone as he often did when he wanted to remember something.
Charles understood that his attention was simply so Ryder could do his job well, but it was comforting to feel like the things he cared about were important to someone again.
Even if that someone was a paid staff member.
He found Ryder staring out the window, earbuds in, dancing to whatever music was playing. From the back, without the hat on, Charles could see a pattern of scars that the silver hair couldn’t quite hide.
Easy enough to assume that career-ending injury had been a head injury, and he had to believe that Ryder was lucky to be alive and with his wits about him.
“That’s another decent view, right?” From that window, Ryder could see the top half of the tall Midtown buildings and the trees in Central Park. And it was a great view of the blue sky that was hard to get from just anywhere.
Ryder glanced at him, smiled and nodded. “It’s real cool. I took a bunch of pictures. You have an idea what you want me to make you for supper tonight?”
“Something light. I’m still full from that pizza. Maybe a salad?” He stepped in beside Ryder to take in the view as well. “There’s a rooftop garden. If you ever want to take a break, it’s a lovely spot. Just take the elevator up to the top floor and follow the signs to the roof door.”
“Okay. That would be cool. I’ll have to go explore.” Ryder smelled like Ivory soap, and it made him smile. He’d had Ivory soap in the bath when he was a boy. “Do you have a schedule here that’s different than at…home? Is this home? Or just the lake and here?”
That was a good question, which place he considered home.
He’d been splitting his time for so long it was more habit than choice.
“The lake and here…for now.” He was going to give that some thought.
“My schedule here is busier. I just emailed you a link to my calendar a few minutes ago. That seemed to make more sense than having to tell you day to day. Tonight is quiet. Tomorrow, I have some calls in the morning and a board meeting in the afternoon, and then I expect I’ll have a dinner invitation after the board meeting. If so, I’d like you to join me.”
“Of course. You just say whether you want me to wear the white, gray, or black shirt.” Ryder pulled his phone back out and grabbed his email, opening his calendar.
He’d never have guessed a rodeo cowboy would be so tech-savvy.
“Well, let’s see what the invitation is.
” He did like the idea of bringing a cowboy to dinner.
They’d turn a few heads, and he felt as if Ryder would be able to hold his own.
“Black for sushi, white for Italian, and gray if we’re going to someone’s home?
” That made him chuckle. As if there were a formula for such things.
“Only if I don’t eat spaghetti. Red sauce and white is a dangerous combo.”
“I might just make you wear it now on a dare.” He smiled, feeling a little daring himself.
“I’ll be in mourning for my shirt. Poor my shirt!”
Charles laughed gently, and the sound was a little awkward in his ears. It had been a while. “Poor your shirt? I’ll buy you two more.”
“Maybe they’ll have big bibs that I can tie behind my neck.” Ryder was playing with him. Teasing him.
He glanced at Ryder, then back out the window. “Oh, I’m sure. They have hobby horses and little cowboy hats and baby blue lassos on them.”
“Those are my favorite!” Those near-black eyes went wide.
“Ha!” He laughed in earnest this time, he couldn’t help himself. “Your point, cowboy.”
Ryder bowed for him, and that laugh warmed him, all through.
“All right, clever cowboy. I would like some tea, please. Something with caffeine.” He had some reading to do before his meeting tomorrow.
“Yes, sir. I got your back.” Ryder went to the kitchen, and Charles could hear the water running and soft singing starting up.
He enjoyed Ryder’s singing. He’d heard it every so often at the lake house, too, and it relaxed him for some reason. He felt like Ryder was comfortable in his space, and that made him feel good.
He took a seat on the couch and picked up his iPad to look over some documents, which wasn’t at all what he wanted to do. He wanted to keep talking with Ryder. He wanted to ask questions that were none of his business.
He wanted to just…enjoy the company. Ryder was warm, clever, funny. An all-around decent guy, at least so far.
“Ryder,” he said as soon as Ryder appeared with his tea. “I’d like to take you up to the roof after dark so you can see the skyline all lit up. What do you think?”
“That sounds amazing. I’d love that, if you don’t mind.” Ryder didn’t sound like he was faking it.
“Not at all; it’s one of my favorite things to do here, and with a clear day like today it should be spectacular.” And it gave him an excuse to have Ryder’s company.
“Are you a tea drinker?” He felt that was a fair question, not too personal.
“Iced tea, mostly. I’m learning about hot tea. I didn’t have any idea how many different versions of tea there are.”
“Mm. Yes. There is something for just about every taste. I find it relaxing, a warm drink. You should try a green tea. I believe you’d like it.”
“A green tea—you make the water less hot and brew for a shorter time.”
He blinked at Ryder. “You researched tea?”
“Yes, sir. You drink it.”
He gave Ryder a gentle smile and a short nod. “I appreciate that.” There was something remarkable about Ryder, the way he’d taken this role on, making it more than a job in just a few short days.
Ryder nodded once, smiled. “It’s important to take care.”
He understood that. He’d been looking after Tad for years even though it didn’t come naturally to him. It was just what you did for people you loved. People you cared about. Maybe it was his turn now. Not that he could have anticipated someone like Ryder.
“Are you sure you’ve never done this before?”
“Done what? I mean… I’ve always been with Roper, so I’ve always had someone close to take care of, I suppose.”
“I meant worked for an agency like this, but I see your point. No wonder you’re so good at this if you’ve always looked after him.”
“It’s…” Ryder looked a little confused for a moment. “I’m glad that I accepted the position.”
He nodded in complete agreement. “Me too. So. I need to get a look at this agenda and some documents for my meeting tomorrow, but then let’s have an early dinner, and we’ll visit the roof for sunset.”
“Yes, sir. Salad and maybe some garlic knots. I’m on it.” Ryder smiled at him again. “Holler if you need me.”
He didn’t “holler”; that wasn’t his style, but of course he understood what Ryder meant. “I’ll text. Thank you.” He did like garlic though.
He couldn’t explain it, but he felt as if Ryder had been there forever instead of a handful of days.
He missed Tad’s company, but he was used to that; he’d missed it for many years.
Ryder was a different kind of company. One he found he appreciated at this point in his life.
Their rapport was already so easy, friendly even.
Ryder just fit right into his space, quietly and perfectly.
He picked up his tea and sipped it, curious suddenly about how long one steeped a nice decaf black tea.
He’d have to ask Ryder.