Chapter 28 #2
This is what we do for the next hour. We move from game to game, but Ryder slides to the side as I pause for autographs and pictures, only intervening when someone gets a little too close. She subtly moves in to remove their hand or to create space between us.
I pull her to a stop in front of the Ferris wheel.
Ryder peers up at the massive revolving ride. “Uh, no.”
“Really? This is a no for you,” I tease.
She turns to face me. “This is a no for you.”
Her eyes coast around us as they have been non-stop since we entered.
She steps a little closer, pushing her sunglasses into her hair as her face tips up to mine. “You would be a rotating target high in the air.”
The sun hits her face just right, and her eyes sparkle like the ocean. I have the urge to inch closer and link my arms around her back, but I know I can’t. Not yet.
I force my gaze to stay put, not dropping to the place it really wants to go. She doesn’t move. Her eyes remain locked on mine, searching for something or some kind of understanding.
Everything slows, and for a moment, it’s only us. Here. Together. I remain still, giving her time to find whatever she’s seeking. I’ll stay right here with her as long as she needs me to.
“Cole.”
Ryder’s head snaps ninety degrees.
I turn at my name, and Marla Jenkins, Will’s wife, strides toward us. Ryder shifts her body in front of me as Marla approaches, and just like that, she’s gone and has returned to full protection mode.
Shit.
Marla holds out her arms, offering a hug. I lean around Ryder to hug her.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” Marla squeezes me tightly. “Thank you so much for the items and the donation. It’s incredible.”
“I’ve been keeping an eye out for Rachel, but haven’t caught up with her,” I say, and Marla’s smile fades.
“She’s still in the hospital. She’s not strong enough to make it today. She’s struggling to kick the infection.”
“I’m really sorry.” It sounds stupid, and sorry helps absolutely nothing, but it’s all I have. “Is there anything I can do?”
She shakes her head. “Will and I are splitting our time. He’ll be here a little later.” She squeezes my forearm, but Ryder doesn’t remove her hand.
Although she stiffens as if she’s restraining herself.
“I’m so grateful he has this team and you guys. He’d be so lost in all of this without it.”
She eyes Ryder and sticks out her hand. “I’m Marla. Thank you so much for coming.”
Ryder offers her hand in return. “This is amazing. She must be a very special little girl.”
Marla nods as her attention moves to passing friends.
“Thank you so much for having us,” I say. “I’m honored to get to be a part of this.”
She smiles and hugs me again. “Oh, I told Mindy I’d send you her way if I found you. There’s a line forming specifically for you so. . . ” She smiles, turning toward friends. “And don’t forget to enter the drawing for this year’s art piece. It’s beautiful. He did an amazing job.”
“I’ll be sure to.”
Ryder and I head toward the Stingrays’ booth, and even from a distance, I can see the line.
“Well, this might take the rest of the day,” Ryder says, and I can’t stop the disappointment from rolling through me, knowing she’s right.
I want to go back to having fun.
“Let’s enter the drawing for the mural before I tackle the line.”
She nods and follows me to a large painted canvas of the stadium.
“This is. . .unique,” Ryder says, eyeing the piece as I hand over my credit card to a teen who gives me a handful of little paper tickets to fill out.
Her head falls to the side, studying it. “I’ve never seen anything like that look so. . .elegant and clear. I mean. . . ” She spins, looking at the stadium and then back at the canvas. “It looks like the real deal.”
“Yeah. Jenkins was an art major. He’s crazy talented. You should see some of the other pieces he’s painted in previous years.”
I finish filling out tickets, and we head toward the long line waiting for me.
“Cole,” Mindy rushes forward, and Ryder casually steps in her path, preventing her from making physical contact. “We’ve got to get you started. The line is getting out of control, and if they’re waiting, they aren’t spending money, which means less will be raised.”
She spins frantically, leading us toward the signing area.
I glance at Ryder, whose eyes are already moving down the line of people, looking for anything suspicious.
Mindy stops in front of the roped-off corner and turns to Ryder. “Sorry, there isn’t room for you in the greeting area. You can wait over here or—”
“She’s with me.” I take Ryder’s hand, and Mindy appears as if I’ve struck her. “There’s plenty of room.” I push by her and around the barriers, ignoring her directions.
I greet fans as Mindy ushers them forward one by one to sign merch and take pictures. Ryder sticks close, evaluating every interaction and only casually intervening when a fan gets touchy.
About a quarter of the way through the line, Rodney, my number one fan, as Ryder calls him, steps forward, holding his usual football and jersey for me to sign.
“Hey, man,” I reach for the ball and scribble my name on the side.
Ryder inches closer as Mindy takes Rodney’s phone.
“I got here early and rode all the rides so I could get in line,” he says, quickly rocking from one foot to the other.
“What do you do with all these?” I’m genuinely curious. I’ve probably signed at least a few dozen for him.
“I keep them or give them to my friends. I have all your jerseys. Even the one from your freshman year. I have a few of The Rockets, too. I loved to watch him play. Still do sometimes.”
“Ok, guys. Smile,” Mindy says, and we turn toward the phone.
She snaps a few pictures, then returns his phone to usher him out, but he resists. He reaches behind him, and in a flash, Ryder’s shoulder slams into my chest, her body becoming my shield, while whatever was in Rodney’s hand soars in the air like a rogue missile.
I stumble back, gripping Ryder’s hips to steady myself, and Mindy huffs in irritation as she does the same.
“Seriously!” Mindy whines in annoyance.
Rodney stands slack-jawed and wide-eyed, his focus on Ryder. “You’re like Cat Woman. I didn’t even see that coming.” His eyebrows slowly retreat to a normal level. “Are posters not allowed?” he asks as if he’s been scolded for bringing inappropriate material to school.
Ryder’s body sags against mine as Mindy retrieves the rolled paper and hands it to him.
Rodney unravels a worn picture of my dad and me. “Can he sign this?” he asks innocently, looking to Ryder for approval.
It’s one of the last few pictures taken before he retired. I’m in my high school jersey, and he’s in the last one he ever wore.
Ryder lifts her chin, her eyes flicking between mine. “You ok?”
I nod, and she steps to the side, leaving no space between us this time.
I sign the picture, and Mindy escorts Rodney away, then waves the next fan forward.
I shake hands, scribble my name, and smile, but the reality of Ryder throwing herself in front of me at the hint of danger reminds me of what we’re doing here. She’s doing her job, but the thought of her taking any kind of hit for me has my body breaking out in a fiery ball of fury.
Whatever I’m quickly sailing into with Ryder is uncharted waters, but I don’t know if I can have her putting herself in harm’s way for me. I couldn’t stand it if something happened.
I glance at her as she resumes duty.
But what if this is truly only a job for her? I’m still just the person she’s supposed to protect.
I told her the truth earlier. I’ve never been more terrified in my life.
What if all I am is a temporary assignment, and when there’s no more potential danger, she disappears, too?