Ryan follows me through the lobby. As soon as the door opens, I look to my left and then right. I don’t see any cameras, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there, lurking in the shadows and behind brick walls. I slide into the car, followed by Ryan. Once the driver has shut the door, I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
I search for Ryan’s hand while watching out the windows as the driver takes off. We’re sitting too far apart due to the lack of privacy glass. At least the windows are tinted. Alex will have to be more specific when she orders cars, especially when I’m with Ryan. I don’t want to hold back if I don’t have to.
Our conversation stills and, believe it or not, we discuss the weather. I never thought I’d be that type of person, apparently I am. Ryan tells me that the temperature here stays fairly warm through the winter, but they do get a lot of rain. He asks me about Christmas in New York City, so I tell him. I watch as his features change, much like you’d assume a little boy on Christmas morning would look. I may have to kidnap him and take him to New York. There is no way I’m not going to try and recreate this image again.
When we pull into the church parking lot, people stop and stare. I wasn’t thinking. I should’ve rented a car and drove us. This black town car is a sore thumb, a blinking light screaming ‘look at me’! I lean my head back and close my eyes, wanting it all to go away just for two hours so I can meet my boyfriend’s mother without any disruptions. Somehow I doubt that’s going to happen.
I slip on my dark glasses and large hat just as my door opens. I’m being treated like the celebrity that I am. I should’ve asked for no special treatment. I seem to stop thinking rationally when I’m with Ryan. He clouds my judgment. This isn’t what his mom needs to see. I look like some rich snob, too lazy to open my own door.
Ryan nudges me. I look at him briefly and smile before sliding out of the car. He follows, reaching for my hand once the car door shuts. I try to pull away, to save him from the onslaught of what’s about to happen, but he holds on tighter.
The last time I was here, we snuck in. That was the smart thing to do. This time, I’m out in the wide open and people staring. Funny enough, these are the same people that saw me in the basement and paid no attention to me, but now, they can’t get enough of an eyeful.
Ryan walks us by a small group of people. A few of them whisper, one of them points. I should be used to this, but I feel like I’m under a microscope. I’m being scrutinized and I hate it.
His mom walks up to us. Her dress is green and looks new. She beams when she looks at her son. The expression on her face is infectious and I can’t help but grin.
“Mom, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Hadley. Hadley, this is my mom, Sally Stone.” Ryan repeats the same words he said last time he introduced us, only adding girlfriend this time. I extend my hand and am warmly met by Sally Stone’s hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hadley.” Her hand is cold in mine. She doesn’t have a strong grip.
“Believe me, Mrs. Stone, the pleasure’s all mine.”
“Please, call me Sally.”
I look at Ryan, who looks pleased, if not sitting on the edge of excited. “Thank you for inviting me today.”
“Well, I know you’re busy so I’m glad you could join us.”
Ryan leans in and gives his mom a kiss on the cheek. Her face lights up, like this is the first time he’s done something so sweet. Somehow I doubt that.
We follow his mom into church. I try to ignore the stares and whispers and wonder if Ryan is listening. If he is, does he care? I pray that he doesn’t, because this is peanuts compared to what things will be like if we were to be seen in someplace like New York.
We stop short when his friend, Dylan, steps in front of us. She looks upset. Her hands are resting on her hips and her eyes are red. It looks as if she’s been crying.
“I can’t believe you brought her here after you told me yes.”
CHAPTER 21
Ryan
I freeze when Dylan stops in front of us. I never got a chance to tell Hadley about the stupid dance. No, that’s not right. I had many chances, but couldn’t bring myself to say the words. Deep down I have a feeling I’ve done something wrong. Every time the words were ready to come out, my heart feels as if it’s squeezing, cutting off my circulation. I don’t know what’s going to happen when I tell Hadley, but my gut is telling me that she’s going to be hurt.
Dylan stands in front of us. She looks stiff, nothing like the Dylan I’m used to. Her eyes are dark, heavy with make-up. She tried this look once before and I told her it made her look scary, only I can tell she’s been crying. She looks at Hadley and back to me, her eyes becoming wet.
I look at Hadley as she pulls away, joining my mom in a pew. My mom nods to Dylan and looks at the side door. I suppose that means I need to talk to Dylan, but what do I say? I’d rather sit with Hadley through the sermon and deal with Dylan later. I turn around and walk back down the aisle toward the side door with Dylan following.