Page 30 of The Only Thing That's Real
Ryan
Family, relationships, love, suspense... I’ve outlined countless stories.
Knox
Why haven’t u written them?
Ryan
Time or lack thereof.
Knox
If u want it bad enough you’ll make it happen.
Knox
You’re a talented writer.
Her eyes go big. Her cheeks turn that shade of pink I love to see on her.
Once again, Trevor interrupts, informing us it’s time to leave for the airport. Of course, I don’t get a reply.
Chapter Sixteen
Ryan
We ride in separate vehicles to the airport and I’m not sure why, but I didn’t reply after his last text. I think I was stunned he was familiar with my work. That and the fact that the car ride was a riot, what with Sean, Marie, and Trevor, all buzzed from their sake. They had me in stitches. It was a delightful distraction from the chaos dancing deep in my belly. Knox askingmeaboutmewas unexpected. His compliment even more so.
Boarding the plane, I nervously rub the worry stone in my pocket in anticipation of seeing him. Having the stone on my person is like putting on a piece of jewelry I never leave home without. It calms me. More importantly, it reminds me of my grandma.
Knox is already on the plane, eyes closed, headphones on.He was so affable at the restaurant, but between there and the plane, he seems to have closed back in on himself.
The kids are already here, too. They were hanging with their grandparents while the adults had a night out. It’s cool how involved the families are. The band families and their actual families are seamless. It’s proof it really does take a village. And they have a pretty wonderful village.
It’s close to midnight, when we check into our hotel rooms and call it a night.
Scanning my key on the door, I lazily push my way into my room, surprised to find a stuffed animal and a card waiting on the counter of my suite’s small kitchenette. On closer inspection, it’s a little floppy brown horse with a white nose. It’s adorable. I haven’t had a new stuffed animal in at least two decades.
Who in the world sent me this? I open the envelope to the card leaning against Bullseye. Yes, I’ve already named it. So what?
Horse girl,
Thought this little guy might fill the void of what you’re missing back home and keep you company on the road.
How in the world did she get this delivered to my room before we even checked in. I tell myself to remember to call Marie and thank her when I wake up, because it’s late and I know they’re trying to get the kids to bed.
When my alarm went off far too early this morning my first thought was which Knox would I find in the gym today? Would things be different now that the ice seemed to be broken? Or would he be closed off again?
There was a pep in my step as I dressed in my favorite workout attire. Taking in every angle of my body in the bathroom mirror. Even though my ass and thighs are prominent, no amount of working out will dissolve them, I liked what I saw. Stupidly, I hoped Knox would too.
Unfortunately, Knox was a no-show. I lingered, stretching longer than necessary, hoping he might turn up but no such luck. Now, I’m moping in the shower with none of the pep that accompanied me at the start of my day.
Turning off the water, I dry myself off then make my way back to the bedroom. When I yank my towel from my head I’m greeted by my new floppy friend. I giggle, thinking back to last night when Marie called me horse girl at dinner. It was sweet of her to call ahead and have Bullseye waiting for me. I need to say thank you.
Grabbing my phone, I video call her only to be met with the adorable face of her youngest, Megan.
“Hi, Ryan. Watcha doin’?”
