7. Ryder
7
RYDER
One year later
“Luca, to what do I owe the pleasure?” I haven’t heard from my friend in a few months, but we call each other every now and then.
“Hey, Ryd, I’m gonna be in town next weekend,” he says. “I thought we could catch up?”
“They finally lettin’ you outta Cali?”
“Something like that.”
“Sounds good. You still studin’ to take the bar?”
“Yep, hence the reason I need to get outta town, and it’ll be good to catch up with Crystal.”
I stop, thinking for a second if I heard that right. “Crystal’s comin’ with you?”
He pauses for a second. “Didn’t she tell you? She moved to New Orleans a few months ago.”
I scratch my head. “Nope.”
“Huh. Well, I guess she’s been busy finishing up with school and working, probably hasn’t left much time to catch up on old friends, that is if you’re still talking to one another?”
Luca never found out about that night we had a year ago, and he never will. But he does know we touch base every now and then and I check in on her. Why wouldn’t she tell me she was moving?
We’ve shared text messages, but not frequently, and it’s always ‘how ya doin’ or ‘what’s new?’
“We are, not that I get any free time myself. Shit’s been busy around here lately.” That’s an excuse. I’d always make time for her. I’m just floored that she didn’t say anything.
“Anyway, she moved in with her boyfriend, so that’s probably why she hasn’t called you. She’s probably afraid you’ll hunt him down.”
I hear the words, but they don’t register. Boyfriend? Of course, I’m not stupid enough to think she wouldn’t have moved on. We had one night together. We’ve been on friendly terms, but we haven’t shared anything deep. In fact, this last year she’s kept pretty quiet. Now I know why. She met some other guy.
I barely choke out my next words. “What’s he like?”
“I have no clue. I’ll probably meet him next weekend. She’s been pretty cagey about him, to be honest. As far as I know, they met a while ago, but things only just got serious.”
Serious? How serious?
“What does he do?”
“Some kind of businessman.”
So she got herself a suit? Would I really expect anything less?
“I see.”
“Don’t worry. I thought the same thing. Mom and Dad aren’t happy about the whole situation, and she’s making out she’s living with a friend, but I know she got an apartment and he’s living there with her.”
Fuck. It’s worse than I thought.
The idea that my sweet, innocent — or maybe not so innocent — Crystal is shacked up with some dude in the very city I live in causes a new kind of pain in my chest.
“Why would he do that if he’s a businessman? Surely he’d have his own apartment?”
“You’re asking the wrong person,” Luca sighs. “And you know my sister, when she has her sights set on something, she just goes for it.”
Don’t I know it.
“Text me when you get in. If you want, I can pick you up from the airport.”
“Thanks man, that’d be great. Look, I’ve gotta run, but we’ll hang out.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
We hang up and I stare at my phone.
I can’t help myself. I dial Crystal immediately. It rings out and I hang up.
I shoot her a text.
Me
Heard you moved. How come you kept a low profile?
She doesn’t read the message right away, and a few hours later a text bounces back.
Crystal
Hey. I’ve been busy. I’ve been meaning to call you. How are things?
I stare at the words. She’s been meaning to call me? Clearly I wasn’t on any kind of priority list.
Are we really gonna do this? How are things? Pretty fucking shit now that I heard you moved to my city and have a boyfriend.
Me
I’m fine
I contemplate my next words, but I know if I aggravate her, she won’t come to dinner, and I really want to see her. Even if, clearly, she doesn’t want to see me.
Me
I’m having dinner with your brother next weekend
Crystal
He called and left a message. It’d be fun catching up
Fun?
I’ve been in fucking hell for a year over here, and it’d be fun?
I roll my neck and do not let my mind wander to Crystal sharing her bed with another man. What is he like? Does he treat her well? Is she happy?
What I want to do is drive over to her apartment and check things out.
Me
Text me your address, I can pick you up
Crystal
That’s ok. I can meet you both at the restaurant
I hover my thumbs over my screen, wanting to say so much more, but I’d rather do it in person. And she doesn’t want me going over because she’ll have her boyfriend there.
Me
Bring your boyfriend
The gray bubble appears, then disappears. This happens a few times over the course of the next few minutes and I have a moment of slight satisfaction over the idea that she’s nervous about this.
Crystal
He’s going to be out of town that weekend
Me
Bummer
Me
Probably best. I know where you live, just in case
Crystal
In case what?
Me
Should’ve told me
Crystal
I’m sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose. I knew you’d be mad
Me
That you got a boyfriend?
Crystal
Our history makes this complicated
I want to fucking dial her number and scream, not that it’ll do much good. She’s completely ghosted me because of this jerk? Way to make a guy feel like he wasn’t just a quick roll in the hay. I never thought I’d ever feel that way. It’s what I do for the most part. But this? This just feels sneaky.
Me
I’ll text you the details. If not for me, do it for Luca. He really wants to see you
Crystal
I’ll be there x
I don’t think too closely on the x because I know it doesn’t mean shit.
I’ve tried to get it out of my mind, but this week has been a drag. Throwing myself into working longer hours isn’t a problem, and I’m ready for time away from the club by Saturday. When I collect Luca from the airport, he pulls me into a hug and slaps me on the back.
“Long time no see, asshat,” he laughs.
I grin. “Did you get shorter?” It’s not true. He’s taller than me, but I always used to give him shit just to keep him on his toes.
“Funny fucker.”
We get to the car, discussing everything from the Saints to the new episodes of Dexter . By the time we get to his hotel, it’s like no time has passed at all.
“Speakin’ of which, where the fuck is Torin?” Luca asks as I park my truck. It’s not the greatest of vehicles, but Luca looks past all of that. She’s old but sturdy.
“He goes by Bronco now,” I laugh. “I think we’re gonna catch up tomorrow and watch the game. He’s outta town doin’ some club business tonight.”
Luca gives me a look. “That code for illegal shit?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I told you; the club’s legit. We don’t do illegal shit.”
His lips turn up. “If you say so.”
“Want me to hang around or come back later?” I ask, pulling his suitcase out of my trunk.
“Come up. I’ll take a quick shower then we can grab a drink.”
I’ve never stayed in a flashy hotel before; only the best for Luca. Of course, he booked a suite at the JW Marriott on Canal Street and it is swanky.
The foyer is like something out of a magazine, and a little intimidating. Luca doesn’t care about my MC cut, but I get a few funny looks from some of the patrons and staff.
One thing about Luca is he’s never judged me like that. In a world full of critical people ready to throw you under the bus any chance they get, just by looking at you, Luca has proved time and time again that he’s not like that. I dig him for taking that stance, and I still don’t know where he got it from considering his snooty parents.
Luca checks in; the bellhop arranges his luggage, and I follow him across the expansive foyer toward the elevators.
“How much do you think somethin’ like that costs?” I point up to the ceiling at the massive chandelier dangling in the entryway. It’s a statement piece with hundreds, if not thousands, of intricate little crystals that bounce different colors off the walls when the light hits them a certain way. There’s dark cherry wood everywhere you look, with lighter colored leather couches and glass windows that let all the light in.
“Probably as much as this fucking mohair episode which is now all over my suit,” he complains.
I laugh. “Probably.”
“You’re welcome to stay for the weekend,” Luca goes on, scanning his card on the elevator as we make our way inside the car. “The suite has two levels and three bedrooms.”
“Don’t tell your sister that, she’d be over here the first chance she got.”
“Worried about her,” Luca says at the mention of his sister. “She’s been so secretive lately.”
“About the boyfriend?”
“That and everything. We used to talk all the time, now it’s always me who checks in, and when she does call me back, it’s always a quick phone call.” He taps the floor button and the doors close. “I get we all have busy lives, and I admit, I’m not the greatest at keeping in touch, but this is Crystal.”
Yeah. I kinda know what he means. “How’s Casey doin’?”
Luca’s face lights up. “She’s doing great. In her second year of EMT training, then she’s talking about her associates degree which takes about four semesters. Then it’ll be two to three years continuing her education. She may even go into paramedics, but that’s a ways away.”
“Your family and school.” I shake my head. “Never had the stomach for it.”
“But you’re qualified now, right?”
“Yep, I’m only just startin’ to earn decent coin, but a lot of my coffers go back into the club. That’ll change when I get patched in.”
He gives me a side eye. “Sounds like the club has it good.”
I shrug. “They've been more of a family to me than my own. Cash is big on education. He wanted me to finish my training, which was a bitch at the time. But it turns out he was right. It’s a qualification I will always have, and it can take me anywhere. Not that I’m leavin’ town anytime soon.”
Luca smiles and it’s genuine. He grips my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Ryd. I mean that.”
“Appreciate it.” That’s a lot coming from him. Luca has always had my respect, but to hear him say he’s happy for me, and genuinely cares about me, feels good.
When we get to the room, I whistle between my teeth when Luca opens the door. This place is fucking insane. Past the entryway there’s a long, oak dining table which could seat twelve people. Soft mottle grey and burgundy chairs give the room some color, along with the soft blue and gold wallpaper. Beyond that is a lounge with two oversized plum chairs and a long gray L-shaped couch facing the largest TV I’ve ever seen. Thick curtains frame the doors to an outdoor patio that floods in tons of light.
I could definitely call this place home.
“Holy shit,” I breathe.
“Company’s paying.” Luca wiggles his eyebrows. “Room service included.”
“Wish you’d told me earlier, would’ve packed a bag.” Though, I do have an emergency duffel in my truck, that’ll suffice.
We move through the apartment and sure enough, there are three huge bedrooms, and each have their own bathroom.
“Any jobs goin’ at your firm?” I smirk. “I’m sure I could fit in somewhere.”
“Trust me when I say they make you work for it.”
A few minutes later, the doorbell rings, and Luca lets in the bellhop with his luggage. After Luca tips the dude, I point at his bags. “How long are you here for again?”
He laughs. “I have a conference on Monday, meetings Tuesday, then I fly home Wednesday.”
“You legit packed for a month.”
“You know I can’t pack light.”
Of course, Luca takes eons to get ready, so I make myself comfortable on the couch. Since I have the rest of today off, thank fuck, I can enjoy a little down time before dinner. I did bring another jacket because I’m not a total Neanderthal, and I figured Luca might be embarrassed if I wore my cut to one of the ritzy restaurants we’re probably going to. I don’t give a shit, but I wouldn’t want to cause a scene. As long as I don’t do anything to embarrass the club — not that I plan on doing that — we’ll be sweet. And unless they dine out at New Orleans’ finest eatery in town, then I should be good to go as I am.
I also know I’m distracting myself from what’s going to happen tonight, that’s if Crystal shows up. She said she would, but Luca mentioned in the car he isn’t happy about her boyfriend suddenly being away this weekend. It’s excuse after excuse every time he’s in town, and I get it. It’s like Crystal really is hiding something.
I know she’s been avoiding me all week, little does she know, I haven’t avoided her.
I found out where she works. I watched her all week, and then I followed her home.
If she thinks that I won’t go to the ends of the earth to check on her, then she doesn’t know me very well. Trouble is, I haven’t seen the fucking boyfriend yet, and I’m starting to wonder if he even exists. She wouldn’t have any reason to lie, but where the fuck is he? Maybe Luca got it wrong and they’re not living together. It’s a nice area of town, and her apartment has security; at least that made me feel a little better.
I just wish I could find out more about this asshole, then we’d all be able to sleep at night. Well, I may never be able to sleep again knowing she’s sharing her bed with another man. Regret is something I deal with day to day, and it definitely doesn’t help my anxiety any, but here we are.
I wring my hands, unable to get comfortable on the couch. Breathe. Just fucking breathe. I can’t lose it in the first five minutes of Luca being here, and if I admit it’s about Crystal, he’ll get really suspicious. I don’t like keeping things from him, but I remind myself we’re grown adults, and Luca lives in California. I sometimes wonder if he’d honestly be okay with it if me and Crystal had gotten together. We’re like brothers.
I stop pacing when my cell chimes in my back pocket. I reach for it, my heart rate accelerating when I see it’s Crystal.
Crystal
Hey. How is he?
I breathe a sigh of relief, thinking she was about to blow us off.
Me
Ask him yourself at dinner
Crystal
Don’t be mean - clearly you’re still mad at me
Me
Why on earth would I be mad at you?
Crystal
Bc I moved here and didn’t tell you
Me
You also kept that pissant boyfriend from me, too
Crystal
How do you know he’s a pissant?
Me
Bc he didn’t drop everything to meet your family
I clearly didn't mean me in that equation, but fuck it, I don’t correct myself.
Crystal
He’s working. He would if he could
Me
He’s not good enough for you
Crystal
You don’t even know him
Oh, me and fuck face are gonna get acquainted real soon, Sugar . I really need to get off this subject before I break something. I don’t really want to explain to Luca why I just put my hand through the wall, nor do I have the money to fix shit because I can’t control my temper when it comes to Crystal. I also push away that this is partly my fault for ghosting her for half a year. I’m a selfish bastard, what can I say?
Me
Be nice to your brother, he’s worried about you
Crystal
I’m always nice to him
Me
Later
I click my phone off, running a hand through my hair. I don’t know if Crystal realizes she has me on a string, but that’s exactly how it feels. If she’d had a boyfriend in Arizona, would it have been any different? Maybe. But this is too close. Now I know where she lives and works, it’s right under my nose. It hits a whole lot lower.
One thing is for sure; if she doesn’t start being honest about what the fuck she’s really doing here living this secret life with a non-existent boyfriend, things are gonna get ugly real fast. She might not be mine right this minute, but I’ll always protect her. I’m from the gutter, so when I smell a rat, I really fucking smell one. And this is complete horse shit. Crystal may think she can lie her way out of whatever it is she’s up to, but she can’t lie to me. I can see right through her, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do tonight when I see her.
I just don’t like the feeling in my gut that something isn’t right. What’s more? The helpless feeling that I can’t do anything about it washes over me. Fuck that. I’m about to be patched in. Things are different now. Life is turning around for me, for the better. But if there is one weakness that I have, it’s always going to be Crystal Cartwright.