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“I figured,” she says, standing next to me.
“Ava–”
“Don’t.” She interrupts me. “I don’t want to hear it. I’ll play along with whatever game you want to play in front of Barbara and Ryder, but I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want your pity.”
“Pity? Is that what you think this is?”
“I can see it written all over your face,” she says as Ryder’s blue BMW pulls up in front of the house. “Or maybe it’s guilt? Either way, your secret is safe with me.” She runs down to meet Ryder.
“Ava! Thank goodness you’re ok! I cannot believe that guy. I knew he was shady, but I never would have guessed he was downright dangerous.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I never should have gotten mixed up with him.”
“No, I’m sorry. I never should have let him work for me for so long. I always had a weird feeling about him–but his stories were so good. Never again. I’m so sorry.”
“Ryder, it’s ok. There’s no way you could have known. And you sent me up here, which probably saved my life. What if I had been alone in my apartment? Who knows what he would have done? Travis kept me safe. And by sending me here, so did you.” I hug him. I hate that he still worries about me so much.
“We are going to head down to the station. You should probably come, then I’ll take you home,” Ryder says.
“Oh no, I can’t go home today. Today is the big horseback ride, and the bonfire party will be tonight.”
“I don’t know. I’m sure we could write something up about the ranch together in the office on Monday.”
“No, I don’t think so. Ryder, this place is special. You have no idea. I need to stay. You have to let me finish this,” she pleads.
“Yeah, I’d love to have her stay. She’s great with the ladies and with Mia. And the bonfire is really something to experience. I’d love to have you stay, too!” I’m not ready to say goodbye to Ava.
“I’ll think about it while we’re at the station. Come on, let’s go. Ava, I guess you don’t have to come to the station.”
“Great, thanks,” she says dryly.
“Keep Mia company. She knows what to do to prepare for the ride. And Roberta is getting the picnic lunch ready. I’ll be back,” Travis says.
“I sent her here to write a story, not work for you.” Ryder laughs, punching my arm. “Get in. I’ll drive.”
Before I can protest, he’s jumping into the driver’s seat of his BMW. I opened the passenger door and looked back at Ava. She looks incredible standing there on my front porch. Like she belongs. I wave and then get in the car just in time for Ryder to speed off, leaving a trail of dust. I’m a goner.
21
AVA
I’m trying not to be bitter and hurt, but I am bitter and hurt! I’m more than just Ryder’s little sister. I’ve been that my whole life. At work, in the community, and now here. I’ve never even so much as looked at one of his friends.
I should get to have a say in this, too. It’s not just up to Travis. I get that he values his friendship and all, but come on. Can’t he value me too?
“Oh hey, I was looking for you!” Mia steps out onto the porch, holding a plate full of fruit and a muffin.
“Hey! Good morning!”
“After breakfast, want to go down to the stable with me? I told Dad I’d check in with Manny and the horses.”
“Sure.” I take a sip of my coffee. It’s cold. “I’m going to get more coffee and join you for breakfast.”
I go inside and get a fresh cup of coffee, a muffin, and some grapes, although I don’t feel hungry. I know I have to eat something.
“Oh good, you’re back. Guess what?!” Mia says excitedly.
“What?”
