Chapter 14
14
Alice
On the drive home, Alice was more than happy for Jake and Grace to chatter in the front and let her sit with her thoughts in the back. She wasn’t ready for questions, especially about Ryan. Last night had been so special, and she wanted to keep that to herself.
Alice looked out of the window, watching the countryside change as they pulled onto the motorway. If only the timing were better. Is there ever a suitable time to start seeing someone with his sort of reputation?
She longed for the distraction of her phone that sat charging in the front of the car. Jake’s eyes caught hers in the rearview mirror.
“You’re quiet back there, Alice. Did Ryan keep you awake?” he teased, and Grace laughed.
“Yes.” The two in front laughed louder. “I mean, we were talking. It’s crazy how long I’ve known him and how little I knew about him.” He knew a lot about you, though. Is that good or creepy?
“Did you realise he went out with Christa?”
“Tom’s Christa?”
“Yes. Well, that’s another thing. Ryan said she left last night with some other guy.” Grace turned in her seat to look at a flushed Alice.
“Oh! How do you feel about that?”
“It’s funny, I don’t feel anything. I’m not angry with Tom anymore, but I’m not sorry for him.”
“And what about Ryan’s magic touch, we’ve all heard so much about?”
Alice blushed again. “What have you heard? Who do we know that’s been out with him?”
Grace turned back around and looked at Jake. Alice pushed.
“I need to know. I can’t wait until it’s over, like last time. Grace, you owe me.”
“I didn’t say anything because I can’t think of anyone. I mean, we’ve seen Ryan and Sam talking to plenty of girls over the years, but I don’t know anyone he has been with.”
“No, I agree. There is a lot of noise, and yet I haven’t got any names for you,” Jake confirmed.
“We always see him with Sam. Right?” Alice asked.
“I guess so.”
“And Sam Shepherd is … well, who he is. But what about Ryan? Have you ever seen him do any of the silly stunts?”
“No, to be fair, he is usually the one taking Sam home or to A&E.”
The things Ryan had shared last night rang true. They had a date for Wednesday. She didn’t need to think further than that.
“Wednesday,” Alice murmured.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“We’re nearly at your place. Do you want your phone?”
“Please.” As she turned it on, a string of texts bounced in.
Ryan: I’m missing you.
Ryan: You left your sunglasses.
Ryan: What shall I do with them?
Ryan: Are you there?
Ryan: I just remembered your phone is out of charge.
A smile danced across her face as she closed her legs tighter.
The smile disappeared the instant a new message appeared.
Tom: I can’t get into Christa’s flat. I can’t find her.
So now you can text! And that is my problem, is it?
Tom: Is Ryan with you? Or is he with her?
Seriously, try Marcus.
“Shit. I’ve got a text from Tom. Christa has locked him out, and he wants to know if Ryan is with me or her.”
“The man is a complete wazzock,” Grace sighed. “Tom, I mean not Ryan.”
Tom: I’m coming to the flat.
“Now he says he’s coming here!”
“Have you changed the locks yet?” Jake asked.
“No, I planned to move out. I can put the bolts on. I better stay home, or Tom will move in like he moved out.”
“You can’t do that forever. Do you want to come home with us?” Jake offered.
Alice couldn’t answer. Grace’s face twisted as she tried to hide her concern.
“We are nearly at your place. Let’s dump your camping stuff whilst you decide.”
As Jake drove into Alice’s street, she sent a text back to Ryan.
Alice: Thanks, bring them on Wednesday. I miss you too.
Ryan’s absence hurt, and she felt alone again as she struggled with the Tom situation. Jake jumped out and helped her carry the tent, which he dropped on the step.
Ryan: I’m not sure I can wait until Wednesday.
Alice: I know what you mean.
Ryan: I don’t ever want to say goodbye to you again.
Jake’s face darkened when he saw the texts. “Is that Tom? Do you want me to speak to him?”
“No, it’s Ryan. It’s mad, but I miss him already.”
“I think you should turn around then,” Jake smiled.
Behind her stood Ryan, clutching a cat-covered blanket and the wackiest pair of sunglasses.
“I couldn’t wait.”
“Oh, Ryan.”
Alice didn’t have a chance to give him the hug she wanted. They’d all spotted Tom walking towards them. Alice couldn’t speak, but she couldn’t hold back the sigh that left her lungs.
“I’ll speak to him,” Jake stepped forward as Grace reached for his arm.
“No! I think I should.” Ryan shook his shoulders as Alice’s hands formed fists. I can’t keep letting everyone else speak for me.
“Actually, he needs to hear this from me.” Alice walked towards him and away from her friends. She held up her hand to Tom.
“Stop right there. You left, and you stopped paying your share of the rent.”
“But … Alice … I don’t have anywhere…”
“That’s hardly my fault.” She shook her head.
“Alice, this isn’t like you.”
“Isn’t it? My life has changed, Tom,” she lifted her chin. “I’m happy to say it’s changed for the better.” Tom’s stunned face astounded her. “If you want to move back in, that’s fine. I’ll leave. Only not today, Tom.”
“Come on, Tom.” Jake ushered him towards his van.
“I’ll call you tomorrow, Alice.” Tom's steely eyes fixed on Ryan.
“No. I’ll call you … in a couple of days.”
Grace leaned over and whispered to Ryan. He nodded his head as her friends left.
“Call me if you need me,” Grace shouted as she climbed back into Jake’s camper. Alice turned to take in Ryan.
“How did you get here?”
He passed her the cat presents and picked up her bags. All the worry and tension left her body as she unlocked the door.
“I persuaded Victoria to give me a lift.”
“I thought you hated her?”
“It was worth it. I got here. You know, I think she has a softer side.”
“I’m so glad you are here.”
“I hoped you might say that.” Ryan spread his hands across her waist and pulled her in close. “Sorry, I haven’t had a shower.”
“Hmm, I’ll forgive that.” She kissed him. Comfortable with him now, the kiss letting go of all the passion she’d been holding on the way home.
“I’ve missed you,” she hummed.
Ryan’s kiss returned the same passion as his arms held her closer.
“I can’t believe I finally have you all to myself.”
“I can promise you my bed is way comfier than the one we shared last night.”
“Really? And would you like to prove that?”
“Step this way.” Alice took his hand and guided him to her favourite room at the back of the flat.