27
Ryan
I’m sat at the bar with a pint in front of me that I have absolutely no intention of drinking – mainly because of my incessant stomach ache. I’m set apart from the crowd, people-watching. Almost all the guys from the team are here, my brothers, some of Riley’s friends, and obviously the birthday girl.
Everyone’s laughing, dancing, having fun. They’re all happy – it makes me want to go over to them, one by one, and shake them by the shoulders, ask them why the hell they’re so cheerful. Why they’re laughing instead of screaming, pretending that life is one big party, instead of admitting that it’s actually all just shit.
“You not joining in?” Ian appears behind me.
“With what?”
“You’re at a party, Ryan, you could at least make an effort.”
“I’m here, like you wanted. Don’t expect me to jump onto the dancefloor and shout with joy.”
“No, of course not – I wouldn’t ask that much. But you could at least go and talk to someone.”
“I’m fine over here.”
“You’re so…Jesus, I could punch you right in the face sometimes.”
“Go for it.”
“When you act like this, it really makes me want to come at you with a chainsaw.”
“I’m faster than you – you’d never catch me.”
“Let’s test that, shall we?”
“Don’t you have someone to love over there?” I say, pointing to Riley who’s chatting to her friends.
“Idohave someone to love. And I love her. You know something,littleRyan?” he asks, winding me up, although I don’t react – Riley would never forgive me – “We’re really happy.”
He finally leaves me alone, and I can get back to my favourite pastime: watching other people get on my nerves.
I glance over at the stairs up to the exit, considering going out to get some fresh air, when I see a pair of legs coming down slowly.
My stomach ache immediately gets worse.
She places her foot on the last step, standing there for a few moments as she looks around, lost.
I grip my pint tightly – I have to grab hold of something.
She takes a few steps into the room and tucks her hair behind her ears. She’s wearing a black, figure-hugging dress that doesn’t quite reach her knees, and a pair of heels that show off her legs. That damn smile is framed by two deep eyes, illuminated like headlights in the fog.
I’ve drunk half my pint without even realising. I didn’t even want to drink tonight.
When she sees Riley and goes to greet her, I follow the movement of her legs until they stop, my eyes climbing further and further up. When she turns around then, giving me a view of her butt, I don’t know whether to keep my eyes glued there, or move them up to her bare back, left on display by a dress that dips right down to her lower back.
Holy shit.
I stay sat there, staring at her like a hormonal teenager, as she says hi to Riley, Riley’s friends, Ian, and then…him.
Of course. How did I not see this coming?
A few minutes later, after laughing at his jokes, they head to the dancefloor. Together. He brushes against her, touches her, slides his hands all over her: just like the bastard he’s always been.
And she’s okay with it. Man, is she okay with it. Every woman is okay with him.
