Chapter 34
Thirty-Four
By the time I finish talking to Mason, someone has swept up the glass and washed away the paint. The only evidence that remains is a puddle on the concrete and the heavy feeling in my chest.
Carson has already packed up and left, needing to get back to his day. I’ll have to call him later.
Mason thanks me and lets me know he will be in touch before stepping away to talk to Banks, leaving me alone with Logan and Ryan.
“How did it go?” Logan asks, rubbing the back of his neck.
I’m sure this was the last thing he wanted to walk into this morning. I feel guilty that his schedule was affected as well.
“Okay. He wanted to know when I last talked to Braden. Stuff like that,” I say, glancing towards Mason. “He’s going to track him down again and see where he was last night.”
“He knows it was him, right? That fucker has been harassing you for months.” A worried expression crosses his face. “I lost count of how many times he’s called the shop, and April wouldn’t connect the call. It’s been a while, but I’ve kicked him out three times since I started working here.”
“Who else would it be?” I ask. “Hopefully, there isn’t more than one person calling me a whore in town.”
“What do you want to do now?” I shiver when Ryan runs his hand gently up and down my back. “Do you want to go home?”
“I don’t know,” I say, ducking my head. “Yes? I think.”
The conversation with Mason keeps replaying in my head, stirring up feelings I don’t have the energy to sort through yet. I would love to just go to bed and hibernate for a day or two.
“I’m going to head over to the gallery and see Hannah. I’m sure she can put me to work,” Logan says. “You should call her before she hears about this from someone else.”
I should, but I’m talked out. I need a few minutes to think.
“I’ll send a message to the group chat so they can all hear it at the same time.”
Raising an eyebrow, he says, “Make sure you do.”
With a quick wave, he gets in his truck, leaving Ryan and me alone for the first time.
“Do you want me to drop you off at work?” I ask, looking down at my boots, shoving my hands in my pockets.
“No.” He shakes his head. “I called in and rescheduled my appointments.”
My head jerks up. “Why would you do that?” I say, louder than necessary.
“Because I want to be with you,” he says firmly.
I shake my head. I don’t understand. “Why, Ryan? Why do you want to be a part of this?” I step away and throw my arm out, gesturing towards the wall.
“Why do you think I don’t?” he shoots back. “Beck, you know I care about you. You know I want to be a part of your life. That means the good stuff and the hard parts. My feelings aren’t conditional.”
I don’t know what to say. Thankfully, he doesn’t wait for a response and just pulls me into a hug. Closing my eyes, I rest my head on his chest and breathe in his citrus scent. I feel him place a gentle kiss on top of my head. He lingers for a moment, then lets me go.
“Come on,” he says gently.
Swiping away the tears that have gathered in my eyes, I follow him towards the car.
Girls Group Chat
Hannah
I just heard. Why didn’t you call?
I’m sorry. I was going to and got sidetracked.
Claire
Fill me in.
My morning has been crazy.
Ben lost a shoe and refused to pick a different pair. I had to call Riot so he could convince him it was okay.
I still haven’t found it.
Braden spray-painted the back door at work. All my favourite words.
I had to talk to Mason.
Megan
Wow.
I don’t know what to say.
Claire
And I rambled on about a missing shoe. Sorry B. What’s going on with him?!
I wish I knew
Hannah
What did Mason say?
He’s going to talk to him. Told me not to engage.
Claire
I’d like to engage with the fucker.
I have a few things to say.
Don’t. He’s not worth your time.
Meg
Are you okay?
Do you want me to come over?
I’m okay
Ryan’s here
Hannah
If you need me, I can come after work.
Thanks
Maybe later this week we can get together for book club.
I’ll let you know if I hear anything from Mason
Hannah
Love you xo
“So, what do you think?” Ryan asks between bites of pad Thai.
“About what?” I look up, setting my phone on the table. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.” I nudge the rice noodles around my plate with my fork, appetite nowhere to be found.
“Heading to my grandfather’s for the weekend,” he says. “He would love to meet you.”
“I don’t know.” I hesitate. “There’s a lot going on here.” My words trail off because I don’t know how to explain the weight of what I am feeling without sounding overwhelmed.
After leaving Inkfluence, we drove over to Dillon’s and picked up the truck.
I planned on dropping Ryan off and going home to wallow for a while, but he had other ideas.
I barely had the chance to change into some comfy clothes before he showed up at my back door with takeout.
I hadn’t eaten or even finished my coffee this morning, so I didn’t argue.
Now, staring at my plate, I realize I have barely touched my food.
“Exactly. Maybe a night away would be a nice break from reality. We could leave Saturday morning and come back Sunday.”
“Your grandfather won’t mind my coming? I know you only see him twice a month.”
“Trust me. He’ll love it.”
April offered me a reality break not that long ago. That night shifted how I see Ryan and changed everything thing about our relationship. Maybe he’s right; a night away may be what I need to forget about the chaos Braden is causing in my life.