I suddenly push Martin’s arms away, but it’s already too late.
Ryan is frozen just a few paces away from us, and he has a face like thunder. Not that his face could ever be ugly at all – but let’s just say that I don’t like his expression. One eyebrow is slightly raised, his jaw is clenched, and the tension on his face spreads down through his body. Awkwardness descends onto the room. I’m completely incapable of saying anything.
“We meet again…” Martin says, his tone menacing. His arm is still wrapped around my shoulder.
“I guess we do,” Ryan responds, taking a few steps towards us. His tone isn’t exactly light and cheery.
“So…what brings you here?” The sentence doesn’t quite come out right.
Ryan clears his throat. “I brought Evan home.”
“I thought Nick was bringing him home.”
He grinds his teeth.
“Maybe we should be properly introduced,” Martin interrupts.
“Maybe,” Ryan responds through gritted teeth.
“I’m Martin,” he says, his hand outstretched.
“Ryan,” he says, shaking Martin’s hand so hard that you can see the veins popping out. He might actually break it.
He lets go, slowly, never breaking eye contact.
Am I wrong, or do I see a hint of jealousy?
“So…how did it go?” I ask Evan, trying to shift the attention onto him.
“Oh, it was awesome! Ryan’s so good. He played for the whole match – he even scored a try and the crowd went mad and…”
“Okay, that’s enough, kid,” Ryan stops him, ruffling his hair, clearly embarrassed.
“So you had fun?”
“Hell, yeah! I didn’t expect it to be so…hard. For real men.”
“Listen to him,” Martin interjects. “Forreal men.”
Evan shrugs, missing his father’s point. I understand it completely. There’s a clear fight brewing here to establish who’s the Alpha male. And I don’t like it at all.
“I even went into the changing rooms with the team. Nick took me.”
“I’m glad you had fun.”
“Do you want something to drink, Ryan?” Evan asks suddenly.
“No, thanks. I should get going.”
“Sure? Not even a beer?” Martin opens the fridge and takes one, as if it were his beer, his fridge. His house.
He’s doing it on purpose and it’s pissing me off.
“Maybe another time,” Ryan says, flatly.
“Okay. Well, thanks for bringing our son home. Feel free to come visit us whenever you like.”
Why does he have to be like this?
