“We’re just happy that you’re home, Ryan.” Her smile was kind. “Right, I really could do with a walk around the block, get my exercise in. You can come with me, kiddo.”
With neither of them giving me anything, I sighed and gave up. I expected I’d find out what their game was eventually. For now, I’d enjoy the reprieve and try not to let my guard down. These women were too scheming for that.
CHAPTER15
NATE
I sippedat the coffee I’d brought with me when I’d headed to the store. For the past ten minutes I’d been telling Dad and Patrick a little about my visit to the States. Still in awe of watching Ryan’s final game of the season, it was easy to waffle on about the whole experience and just how shit-hot Ryan was on the court.
“And his team didn’t make it to the playoffs?”
I shook my head at Dad’s question. “Honestly, I’m still not a hundred percent sure how the playoffs, let alone things like drafting, work, but I know his team didn’t do especially well over the year. He said a heap of injuries or something didn’t help. But the game I watched, I swear, Dad, he was magic.” Just thinking about the injuries, though, reminded me Ryan still limped. It wasn’t as noticeable as after the game—or the night of dancing—but it still wasn’t completely healed.
Dad bobbed his head. “Maybe with things how they are now, your mum and I can take a trip out there the next season. Take in a game.”
My smile was swift. “Yeah, I think he’d love that.” I swallowed back the rush of emotion, aware that in four short weeks he’d be leaving again.
This time would be different, though. The last couple of days pretty much confirmed that. Sure, it would be awful when he returned to Minnesota after everything we’d shared, but Ryan Broadwater belonged on the court.
“How’s everything been here?” I cast a cursory glance around the store, wanting to focus on something else. Everything looked exactly as I’d left it. I grinned, sure Dad would have itched to change a couple of things back to how they were when he’d run the place. It seemed like he’d held himself back, though.
“All good. I’ve already told your mum I’ll be working more over the next month too.” He eyed me speculatively, and heat hit my cheeks.
Dad knowing I’d be eager for as much time as possible with Ryan shouldn’t have been surprising. If anything, I was grateful he’d anticipated my request and was confident that once Ryan and I were back together again, we’d be inseparable.
I wondered if I’d ever get the opportunity to say Ryan and I were more than friends. Fuck, I hoped so, but for the time being, I’d be patient.
“Thanks, Dad. I was going to talk to you about that today but wasn’t sure if I’d be pushing my luck or not.”
“Pfft. As if. Just enjoy him being here.”
I nodded and concentrated on my coffee as if it was the most interesting drink in the world. After the last couple of days, I worried I wouldn’t be able to hide my feelings for Ryan anymore.
“You want to sit down now and sort out a schedule with me before you head to see your mum?”
“Yeah, that’d be great, thanks.”
“Come on then, kiddo. Let’s get you sorted so you can get back to that hotshot friend of yours.”
I smirked as I followed Dad into my office, thinking how just last year I’d easily considered Ryan to be a hotshot with the ego to match. Almost six months on, I knew different and figured the past eight years hadn’t always been easy for my friend. It was crap that was the case. The knowledge sat heavily on my chest. Regardless, happiness vied for attention that we’d reconnected in a way I’d spent countless years dreaming about.
After catching up with Dad and then Mum, I was sent to Gran’s with cake and a message for Ryan and Gran that we were expected at a barbie around their place on Saturday afternoon.
Mum had gushed over the photos I’d shown her from my visit. On the flight over, I’d spent time putting all the holiday photos in an album on my phone, carefully filing away the few pictures of me and Ryan that would tell everyone that he was much more to me than my old best friend.
We sat around the table eating the chili Gran had made, chuckling about being kids and some events Ryan had missed out on. The slight tension in Ryan’s shoulders that had been there this morning had entirely disappeared since I’d returned. At ease, he laughed, joked, and spent time fussing over his niece.
We sat opposite each other, and despite the temptation to reach out and play footsy, I held myself back. Already there’d been too many lingering looks between us. At least till bedtime, I could wait, relieved I was still staying with Amber and Gran.
“Next time you go to that bar with the drag queen night, I’m so there.”
Amber’s statement pulled my wide-eyed stare at her. “Uhm, okay,” I said, not risking a look at Ryan. When Ryan and I did go, I’d hoped it would be a safe place for us to be together. I swallowed my disappointment, knowing that Amber needed some time out too, and I expected going to a queer bar would offer her a safe place away from being hit on by blokes. Not only that, the drag nights at Bar QK were legit entertaining.
“I thought Ryan and I would perhaps head there this Friday night.”
The last time we’d danced was before everything between us had changed. The heat had been explosive, and I wanted the opportunity to do so again. This time without the restraints of watchful eyes.
Ryan’s gaze was full of heat when I peered at him. I flicked my attention away, saying to Amber, “There’s no drag show this weekend.” I’d already checked when I’d started planning some of my and Ryan’s time together. “The weekend after, on Saturday, Lady Bra Ga is on.”
