I studied his face for a moment. He wore an expensive suit like the hundreds of other men I’d seen in my father’s company through the years, but his face wasn’t familiar.
I tried to be polite. “I-I don’t think I do, sir. I’m not sure I could help you.”
Mr. Dawson took a step toward me and Ryan did the same.
“I’ve been trying to get in touch with your father for some time, now. It’s come to my attention that he’s passed away.”
I worked to separate my lips long enough to form the words. “That’s correct.”
“Your father had agreed to sign over some property to me, and I was wondering if you were at all familiar with our transaction?”
Kim spoke up. “Nina, this is probably not the appropriate time to—,”
“I think you’d rather speak to my father’s attorney, Thomas Rosen,” I interrupted. “He is with Rosen and Barnes in Kennedy Plaza. I’m sure he will be able to assist you.” I turned to get into the car, but the man took several quick steps to thwart my efforts. He held my door and his face turned grave.
“It’s of the utmost importance, Nina. I’ve exhausted all of my options, and I’m asking for your help.” His eyes darted to Ryan and then back to me. Mr. Dawson kept his voice low, “Jack has a safe. Maybe you’ve seen it? My papers are there in that safe and I need to obtain them right away.”
The already uncomfortable feeling that I was experiencing grew as the man inched closer to me. I heard Kim make wide strides to intercede, but Ryan beat her to it, stepping between me and the stranger. I slid into my seat and shut the door while Kim wheeled around, hurrying to start the car. Ryan paused for a moment, eyeing the man, and then joined Beth in the back seat. I saw Ryan’s arm slide between my shoulder and the door, reaching to press down the lock.
Mr. Dawson leaned down to peer at me through the glass. “I need those papers, Nina. It would be wise of you to help me.” He pulled out a card and held it against the window with his palm. I scanned it quickly and attempted to smile.
No one spoke until we were almost back to the school parking lot.
“Does anyone else think that was completely creepy?” Beth shrieked.
“Beth! You scared the crap outta me!” Kim said.
“What are you going to do?” Ryan asked.
“I’m going to call Mr. Rosen tomorrow, and then I’m going to call my mother,” I said, fidgeting.
Beth nodded with wide eyes. “Your mom is gonna freak.”
“I know,” I grumbled.
Kim waved and set off to Andrews while Beth and I said our goodbyes to Ryan.
Beth patted Ryan’s shoulder. “I’m glad you were there, Ryan. That guy was…I don’t think he would have let Nina in the car had you not been there.”
“Yes, thank you,” I said, hugging him.
Ryan pulled back to look at me, still keeping me enveloped in his arms. “I’d do anything for you,” he said, brushing my bangs away from my eyes.
I took a step back and glanced at Beth, whose eyes were bouncing back and forth between Ryan and me. He scratched the back of his head nervously. “Yeah, well…guess I better head back to the dorm. I’ll see you ladies at our next study group.”
“See ya!” Beth chirped.
I smiled and waved to him as he turned to walk away.
Beth grabbed my arm and pulled me along with her as she walked. “Neeenah! What are you going to do about him? He’s in love with you!”
“He is not,” I said, glowering at her. “He just hasn’t accepted our strictly platonic relationship, yet.”
“And you think he will?”
“Yes,” I said, nodding once.
“Or you hope he will?”
“He will.”
“Because you’re in love with Jared?” she grinned.
“I barely know Jared!” I said, irritated. “Beth, you have to hear how ridiculous you sound right now. Ryan loves me, I love Jared. I’ve known them both for about two seconds.”
“You are in denial.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m going to see my mother tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?”
“No, I have a meeting.”
I raised one eyebrow. “What kind of meeting?”
“I’m not talking about it, you’ll laugh at me.”
“Tell me, Beth. I won’t laugh,” I said, hooking my arm around hers.
She pressed her lips together and then sighed in resignation. “We’re starting a group for students from Oklahoma.”
“How many are there?” My words were involuntarily tinged with disbelief.
“A few!” she said defensively.
I fought a grin. “Are you going to have square dances and fight with the Native American Club?”
“You’re not funny.”
I chuckled and looked away. “That was pretty funny.”
“You know the parking meter was invented in Oklahoma? And the shopping cart…? Invented in Oklahoma, too! The yield sign, the autopilot, voicemail! All because of Oklahomans. Bill Gates was inspired by an article penned by Ed Roberts, an Oklahoman. We have affordable housing, natural gas, Will Rogers, and the Sooners!