52
Chris
“Well well, look who’s here,” Vic says, gesturing behind me.
I turn around suddenly to see Ryan walking into the café.
“I’ve seen him around a lot lately…has he been over to yours, too?”
“Not now, Vic.”
“You never tell me anything about him…”
“Hey,” Ryan says, filling the whole café with his stunning smile.
“Hey.”
“Hey, Ryan,” Vic interjects.
“There are some tables over there that still need to be cleared,” I tell her moodily. I don’t want Ryan to become our next topic of discussion – I’ve learnt from experience. Vic is one of my closest friends, but when it comes to my love life, she can be really cynical.
She raises her hands and walks away in a huff. It’s fine, I’ll apologise later, probably with a glass of wine or two.
“Are you busy?”
“Always.”
“I just came by to see if you wanted to give me a hand with…something.”
I look at him quizzically.
“I have to get a present for Riley. Well, actually, it’s for the baby…”
“Oh…sure.”
“And I have no fucking clue about babies.”
I smile at him. “I’m sure I can take a break.”
“Good. I’d feel better knowing you were there.”
My heart fills in an instant.
“I’ll wait for you outside. Your friend is…really staring at me.”
I turn around to see Vic shamelessly ogling Ryan. She’ll need more than just that glass of wine to sort her out.
“I’ll be right there.”
A few minutes later, I step out of the café with two takeaway coffees.
“Is this for me?” he asks, taking one.
“I never go out without caffeine.”
“Is that why you’re always so energetic?”
“Maybe…”
