39
Ryan
“Ryan?” Riley’s shocked to see me at their front door. “What are you doing here?”
I run a hand nervously through my hair.
“I wanted to see Ian.”
“Weren’t you just with him?”
“Not exactly.”
“He’s gone out for a beer with the guys.”
“Okay,” I say through my teeth.
“Do you want to come in? You could wait for him here.”
“No, it doesn’t matter.”
“Ryan,” Riley lightly grabs my arm. “Come inside,” she smiles kindly, stepping aside to let me in. “Can I get you a beer?”
I nod and drop onto the sofa. She comes back and hands me the bottle, then sits down next to me.
“Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s great,” I say, taking a few sips.
“I saw the match on TV. You were amazing.”
I force a smile.
“I’d have loved to come, but I felt really ill today.”
I look at her as she places a cushion against her back. It’s not long now until she has the baby.
“How’s it going?” I ask suddenly.
“Mmm?”
“The baby.”
I’m not good at making conversation, but Riley doesn’t push me. She never does. I always wonder how the hell Ian found a woman like her.
“She’s good.”
“And you?”
A smile lights up her whole face.
“I am, too. Thanks for asking.”
“I don’t do it enough, do I?” I ask, feeling like a piece of shit.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does, though.”
