AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It might be Corey’s best chance. He’s got the support system now.”
Ryan lifted his glass. “To Annapolis and my best chance.”
When I lifted mine, I said, “My best chance,” because I was starting to wonder if Ryan was my best chance at a relationship. He wasn’t what I should be looking for, but something about Ryan and Corey grabbed on to my heart and held tight.
I couldn’t shake them, and I didn’t want to. It looked like I was all-in, riding the wave until it crashed on shore. When it was over, or if nothing ever came of it, I’d be splintered into pieces like the sand. I knew if that happened, I’d have to pick up the pieces and bottle it up. This time with Ryan and Corey would be a pleasant memory because the thought of them finding someone else who fit into their little family hurt too much to think about.
Ryan slid over so Corey could sit next to him.
“You ready to go?” Ryan asked Corey.
His expression guilt-ridden, he asked, “Can we get a pizza to go? I’m hungry.”
“Again?” Ryan asked incredulously.
Corey nodded.
“I think I forgot what it’s like to be a growing boy.” Ryan flagged down the waitress and ordered a pizza to go.
On the way out, Corey grabbed the to-go box, and I walked out between them. It felt like we were a happy unit. It was a dangerous feeling because I knew better than anyone that not even family stuck by you.
Stepping outside, I remembered the feeling I had waiting by the window in Nana’s house, praying Mom would come back for me. The thought she wouldn’t was inconceivable. I needed the tightening in my chest and the difficulty breathing. I needed the reminder that nothing was permanent. Relationships were fleeting. I loved the people who stayed in my life, and that list was short.
Ryan pulled up to my rented home, and I turned to face Corey. “Thank you for inviting me. I had fun.”
Corey nodded, clearly uncomfortable with my words.
“You’re welcome anytime,” Ryan said quietly.
I couldn’t see him in the dim lighting. We’d spent the whole day together, and I couldn’t remember having a better time.
“Is that Uncle Jake?” Corey asked.
I looked out the window. Sure enough, Jake was pacing the sidewalk outside my door. My stomach dropped. “I’d better see what he wants.”
Ryan touched my forearm. “Wait—”
I didn’t wait for whatever he had to say. I needed to deal with Jake. Climbing out of the truck, I said, “See you,” over my shoulder.
The window rolled down, and Ryan leaned over to say, “Hey, man.”
Jake’s eyes widened, his tone full of accusation. “You were with Ryan?”
“Yeah, she went to my game.” Corey climbed from the back to the front seat.
Thankfully, he seemed oblivious to Jake’s irritation.
Jake’s fierce expression softened slightly. “You win?”
“Sure did,” Ryan said before Corey ran through the highlights of the game.
The entire time, I worried that Jake would sense something happening between me and Ryan.
Jake leaned a hand on the passenger side window. “I hope I can make a game.”
“Thanks for manning the garage so I could go,” Ryan said.
“Anytime. Corey comes first,” Jake assured him.
