“I really like Ava. Please don’t do anything to hurt her.”
My entire world felt as if it had stopped. “Do you really think she was hurt by that? I mean, I didn’t say or do anything. I honestly didn’t think it was a big deal for Vanessa to be in the house.”
“Let’s put it this way. If you showed up at Ava’s place and a guy she grew up with showed up and Ava gushed all over him and then allowed that guy to go into Ava’s apartment and show you all around … how would that make you feel?”
I closed my eyes and shook my head. “I don’t understand women.”
“Ryder! Be honest. Would you like it?”
Filling the vase up with water, I thought about it. “No, I don’t guess I would like it.”
“Okay. There ya go. That’s how Ava felt because I know men and I’m sure both you and Nate gave Vanessa that googly eye thing guys do when a pretty girl shows up.”
“Googly eye thing?” I asked.
“Yes. Flirting.”
“I didn’t flirt with her!”
With a frustrated sigh, Jennifer whispered, “Just make it up to her with this lunch. I’ve got to go! Love you.”
The line went dead as I pulled my cell out to look at it. “I wasn’t flirting!”
Sinking down onto the island stool, I blew out a frustrated breath. “Lord, help me to better understand women. Please!”
I walked around the house while I waited for the food. Stepping into the sitting room, I walked over to the small library in the corner. New and old books were mixed together in no real layout. I wasn’t sure what I was searching for. Maybe a tell-all book on how not to fuck up with the woman you loved.
The old desk in the corner was original to the house. I sat down and pulled out a drawer. The only thing in the drawer was a box. Pulling it out, I slowly took the rubber band off and opened the note attached to it.
Frowning, I looked at the signature and wondered who G was.
When I opened the box, it was filled with letters. Surely my mother had seen these already.
I opened one letter and began reading it.
I folded up the letter and put it in the box. “I feel ya, dude. Nice to see women haven’t changed in over a hundred years.”
The doorbell rang and I jumped up, setting the box on the desk as I made my way to the front door.
When I opened it, I was stunned to see two women standing before me with brown bags in each of their arms.
“We’re here with your delivery from Fusion Grill.”
Opening the door to let them in, I smiled and said, “Awesome! Follow me to the kitchen.”
Each one of them put a bag on the counter and began unpacking it.
“We have two BLTA’s with french fries and two bowls of tortilla soup.”
My stomach picked that moment to growl. “Sounds good. What do I owe you?”
“It’s already been paid for, sir.”
Reaching for my wallet, I took out a two twenty’s and handed each girl one.
“Thank you so very much, sir.”
“No problem. Thank you, ladies. Let me show you out.”
By the time I got the plates made up, I was sure Ava had to have cooled down.
At least I prayed with every stair I took that was the case.
AFTER RYDER HAD helped me up the stairs and into the most beautiful room I’d ever seen, I settled in and listened to the crackling of the fire he had made. I was so mad at myself for acting like a child. I had no reason to be jealous and really Ryder didn’t do anything wrong but be shocked by an old friend. Regardless of if something had happened between them or not, it was the past and I needed to leave it there.
Kate’s journal sat on my lap as I opened it up and read the next entry.
June 2
Jackson stopped by today and we went for a long walk. It was nice to spend time with him alone. When we’re in school each of us is pulled in so many different directions.
I don’t think Ryder likes Jackson all that much. Or he’s just playing the big brother role. At any rate, if he knew what was going on, he would really not like Jackson.
He took the news of me being pregnant pretty well. We’re both scared and not sure how to tell our parents. I’m only six weeks along from what the doctor said. I still have time to figure things out. At least I know Jackson is right there with me. He told me he loved me more than I could ever imagine.
I love him too. And I’ll love our baby.
I dropped my hands to my lap and stared straight ahead.
“Oh, holy shit. The secret had nothing to do with Lizzy and everything to do with Kate.”
The knock on the door caused me to jump as I quickly shut the journal and slid it under the pillow.
“Hey,” Ryder said softly as he walked in carrying a tray full of food. I’d never seen anyone walk so slow and with so much concentration.