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During one of our casual conversations, Ryan opens up about his creative side. "You know, Emma, I used to dabble in photography back in college. It feels like a lifetime ago."
"Really? That's amazing. Why did you stop?" I inquire, genuinely curious.
Life got busy, and priorities shifted," he explains with a hint of nostalgia. "But who knows, maybe one day I'll pick up the camera again."
I encourage him, "You should. It's never too late to rediscover your passions."
As the weeks unfold, I learn more about the layers that make up Ryan. Beneath the successful businessman persona, there's a person with dreams, memories, and a shared love for the creative realms.
***
The sun begins to dip below the horizon as Ryan and I sit in my cozy living room, surrounded by the remnants of a productive day of planning for the charity project. The air is filled with a sense of accomplishment and a growing camaraderie that has become a hallmark of our collaboration.
"Chess?" Ryan suggests, pointing to the antique chess set sitting on the coffee table.
I nod, "Sure, why not? But be warned, I'm a formidable opponent."
He chuckles, "We'll see about that."
As we engage in a friendly battle of wits over the chessboard, the atmosphere shifts into one of relaxed camaraderie. The sound of pieces being moved and the occasional laughter create a comforting backdrop to our evening.
Midway through the game, my phone rings, interrupting the strategic dance of chess pieces. I glance at the screen – Damian's calling.
"Hey, bro!" I answer, putting the call on speaker so Ryan can hear.
"Emma, how's it going?" Damian's voice comes through, and I can sense a certain curiosity in his tone.
"It's good. Ryan and I are just winding down after a productive day. What's up?"
Damian hesitates for a moment, then asks, "You guys are at your place?"
I nod, forgetting he can't see me. "Yeah, we thought it'd be more convenient to wrap things up here."
There's a brief pause before Damian speaks again, and I can sense a shift in his tone, "Why not just meet in a restaurant or something? Why at your place?"
I exchange a puzzled look with Ryan before responding, "It's just more comfortable here, and we had a lot to discuss. Plus, I've got snacks."
Damian's next words carry a hint of skepticism, "Snacks? Emma? Couldn't you have picked a neutral place?"
I can feel a mild annoyance bubbling within me. "Damian, it's not a big deal. We're just working on the project, and Ryan's been a huge help."
He sighs, and there's a distinct note of disapproval in his voice, "Alright, alright. I just don't want you to get distracted. You know how these things can sometimes—"
I interrupt, slightly exasperated, "Distractions? Damian, seriously, it's nothing like that. We're just focused on the project."
Ryan, sensing the tension, gives me a reassuring smile. I continue, "And we're playing chess, for goodness' sake. It's hardly a romantic evening."
Damian's voice softens, "Okay, okay. I trust you. Just be careful, Em."
"I will, Damian. Trust me, there's nothing to worry about. I'll talk to you later," I say, ending the call.
I turn to Ryan, frustration evident in my expression. "Sorry about that. Damian can be a bit overprotective."
Ryan chuckles, "No problem. Siblings, right?"
I nod, "Tell me about it."
We resume our game, but the incident with Damian lingers in the air. As the chess pieces make their calculated moves, I can't shake off the feeling that there might be more to Damian's concern than just overprotectiveness.
