“There’s always a way. And we’ll help you find it.”
“W-we?” I ask, panicking now.
Ryan squeezes my hand, then turns to me and flashes me one of his dazzling smiles.
“All of us.”
* * *
That afternoon,we go to pick up Evan from school, and then we head over to the café. Ryan parks on the street outside and we get out of the car, walking to the entrance. I look through the glass to see my colleagues, working away to clear away the worst of the wreckage.
I go in, confused, and Vic comes straight over to me, throwing her arms around my neck.
“Oh my God Chris. I am so sorry, it’s all my fault. If I hadn’t just walked off like that, if I hadn’t left you alone…”
I pull away from her.
“You know it wasn’t your fault.”
“I shouldn’t have said those things. I’m such a bad friend.”
“And I shouldn’t have hurt you like that. I’m sorry.”
“You were right, though – I’m exactly like you said, and I honestly have no idea how you put up with me.”
I smile at her. “We put up with each other – that’s the secret to our friendship.”
“We’re here to give you a hand. Ryan called us.”
“R-Ryan?”
“Don’t let this one get away, honey,” she whispers to me, before getting back to work.
I walk slowly around the café, trying to take in just how much damage was done, as Ryan, Nick and Evan are in the back, working out whether anything can still be used.
It’s a strange situation. I’m not used to all these people helping me, involving themselves in my life just to give me a hand. I can’t be annoyed, can’t tell them all to mind their own business. It’s terrifyingly reassuring, having someone who wants to help you, who stands by you when you’re too tired and run-down to stand on your own two feet. I don’t know the O’Connors all that well – to be honest, I don’t really know much at all about Ryan – but it’s easy to see that they’re wonderful people, united and ready to help anyone who needs it. And, this time, I wouldn’t know what to do on my own. I run this place – at least, I try my best – but I’ve always been rubbish with paperwork. And now I’m paying the price for it.
When I can’t take it anymore, we all head home. Ryan drops Nick off at his apartment, then we all go back to mine.
I get out of the car and open the front door, Evan shooting past me inside.
“I’ll grab some leftovers from the fridge and eat them in my room. I have homework due tomorrow.”
I let myself fall onto the sofa, exhausted, as I hear Ryan shuffling about in the kitchen.
“I don’t think I’ve ever eaten out of a Tupperware, but after eating straight out of a casserole dish, I think I want to give it a go.”
He sits down next to me on the sofa, passing me a plastic container of leftovers, two forks resting on top.
“How do you feel?” he asks gingerly.
“Tired. Shocked.”
“My mum says that there’s something that can be done, we just have to wait a few weeks. Luckily, she found a clause in the insurance form about acts of vandalism. You know, the small print that no one ever notices – nothing gets past her. You’ll be able to get back almost everything.”
“Your mother is terrifying.”
“Sometimes. Don’t be fooled by her sweetness – she can be a real badass when she wants to be.”
