“I’m gonna head to Ryder’s and make sure Miles is okay,” I said. “If all goes well, should I tell them to head to his parents’ place or the venue?”
“Not sure, man. But I’d say have one, or both of them, call their mother.” Jason said before heading to the parking lot.
Lena hugged me, then followed them. A smile crept across my face as I walked in the other direction toward my car. I was going to see him. Miles needed me, and I’d be there for him until the end, but I was going to see Ryder. And talk to him. And maybe even hug him if all went well.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Finn
Miles answered the door to Ryder’s apartment. The ride over was both the quickest and the longest journey of my life. The sensation in my gut remained, but kept flipping from excitement to nervousness. Miles looked better than I had expected. Not good, but better, and I hugged him as hard as I could.
“So fucking proud of you, bro,” I said.
“Thanks, man.” Miles tried to keep his voice steady, but failed. “C’mon in.”
It was weird being welcomed into Ryder’s apartment like a guest. I had no right to the place, but it felt like I should be ushering Miles in instead.
Ryder looked hungover in his rumpled, oversized tee, and gym shorts. His hair was a mess, his face was puffy, and eyes were glassy. But he was the hottest human being I’d ever laid eyes on. My urge to lunge at him and stick my tongue as far downhis throat as I could get it wasn’t stopped by his brother standing there, but by the things I needed to say.
“How’d it go?” Miles asked. “She’s been blowing up my phone and threatening me. I had to turn it off.”
I wasn't listening to him. “Hey.”
A small grin curled the side of Ryder’s mouth. “Hey.”
It was silent for a few seconds. Miles sprawled out on the small sofa, leaving the only seat next to Ryder. I had thought about this moment, hanging out with them, the two people I loved most in the world, and how awesome it would be. Maybe one day, but that day, of all days, it was awkward as fuck.
Miles said, “Sit down, man. You’re making me nervous.”
My eyes never left Ryder’s. Nor his mine. He moved to one side of the couch, and I took the other.
“So, how’d it go?” Miles asked again.
One of Ryder’s brows lifted as the curl deepened into a smile. “You came out to my parents? And told them we’re together?”
My cheeks heated. I didn’t know what to say. At no point during the last twelve-plus hours had I thought about telling Ryder that I came out to his parents. I looked over at Miles. “You told him?”
“Yeah. Of course.” Miles shifted in his seat. “I’m thrilled for you guys. But, dude, what thefuckhappened? Should I enter witness protection or what?”
I couldn’t understand how light-hearted he sounded. But then, he wasn’t. He was putting on a brave face. He could try to mask it, but I heard the fear quivering his voice and saw his eyes tense.
“It was… a nightmare, bro. Witness protection might be a good idea. She wasn't happy. You know she’s really mean to her friends and sister? They pulled their phones out to record right along with Lena.”
“Record what?” Ryder asked.
I turned my head and got butterflies. Ryder’s gaze brought me back years, but I wasn’t nervous. Just a look could still make me tremble for him, even after everything.
“Telling Bree that Miles wasn’t coming. Lena said she didn’t want to miss it, and yup. Kinda glad she didn’t. Bree has a mouth on her. Threw stuff. Cursed us all out. Had a few nice nicknames for you, Ry.”
“I fucking bet she did.” Ryder laughed.
I met his eyes with a soft smile. “I also told her that the best man was gonna be a cocksucker either way.”
“You what?” Ryder’s eyes bulged. “What did she say!? Why’d you do that?!”
“You weren’t there.” I shrugged. “Someone had to. That’s what you wanted, right? That was the whole reason for… everything?”
Ryder’s face fell. “No. Not everything. Not by a mile. Or a light year. Or a whole fucking galaxy.”
