Page 20 of Ryder

Ignoring his observant comment, I asked, “Speaking of, why didn’t you go home last night?” I knew things had been rough between him and Edana. Ever since she’d been attacked, she’d been having some nasty nightmares, pulling away from Hawke which in turn strained their already tumultuous relationship.

“I can’t help her. She doesn’t wanna talk about it, and every time I even try to touch her she freaks out and starts cryin’.” He ran his hands over his face. “I don’t know what to do. She wants to go stay with her sister in Florida.”

“Maybe it’s the best thing right now,” I suggested. Even as the words left my lips I knew I would’ve never followed my own advice if I were in his shoes. I’d be fighting to keep my woman close.

“Well, apparently I don’t get a say. She’s already packed a fuckin’ bag.” He plopped down in a nearby chair and hung his head. “I just don’t know what to do,” he mumbled.

I’d never seen Hawke so despondent. Normally, he was taunting the guys, crossing lines to where they’d retaliate and put him in his place. Or at least try to if Tripp wasn’t there to interject.

After a few minutes of him wallowing and me feeding the rest of the scraps to the puppy, we both acknowledged our conversation was over with a simple nod, then proceeded to walk out into the common room.

Sitting on the sofa with a beer in hand and the puppy next to me, I welcomed the sweet arms of numbness. I needed one last ride to oblivion before I had to man up and deal with my shit with Braylen. I had to decide if I wanted to let her all the way in or let her go. It wasn’t fair to string her along and I knew it. We’d both be worse in the end if I didn’t make a decision once and for all.

Braylen

I saw him kill my mom. How do I ever get over something like that?Those words kept me awake for an hour after I’d left Ryder on the couch. Who did he see? How did his mother die? What happened to the man who did it? How old was he?

I wanted so desperately to push him to tell me more, but I knew in his state he’d either refuse or ignore me completely. Much like he’d do if he was sober. The only difference between him being intoxicated or lucid, however, was that in his oblivion, he’d let something personal slip through. I wasn’t even sure if he knew he’d said anything out loud.

His statement explained a lot, like the nightmares. Hell, even when he’d unknowingly attacked me in his sleep. In his dreams, was he trying to protect his mother? Had he tried when it happened for real? I was riddled with questions, but I knew enough about Ryder that no amount of persuasion would make him open up. Irritatingly, he had to come to that step all on his own; the more I pushed him, the more he’d shut down and distance himself.

Ryder was gone when I woke up. I tried his cell to make sure he was okay but it went straight to voice mail. Apparently, he’d stolen Jagger’s keys while he was sleeping and took off at God knew what hour of the morning. I prayed he had at least sobered up before he left.

Kena was off from work, so I gave Jagger a ride home before heading to work. He asked me to wait until one of the guys could pick him up so they could follow me to the salon, but I insisted I was fine. It was the middle of the day; what could possibly happen? He tried Ryder on his cell, and he also got his voice mail. After some reluctance, Jagger agreed to let me leave.

How gracious.

It was noon when I finally arrived, and since my first client of the day was waiting for me, I wasted no time diving right in. I could certainly use the much-needed distraction from all things Ryder.

“I’m sorry if I caused any kind of tension between you and your boyfriend,” George said, flashing me an apologetic smile while I worked on his hair later that afternoon.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I blurted, slamming my mouth closed as soon as I’d spoken. It was the truth, but George didn’t need to know anything more about my personal business.

“Oh, I thought—”

“It’s complicated.” I kept my eyes down, pretending I was focusing on what I was doing, but the truth was I didn’t want to talk about Ryder with him. Or anyone for that matter. The topic only served to upset me.

“If you ever want to uncomplicate things, just let me know. I’ll be the first in line to take you out.” He chuckled, trying his best to lighten the mood. Too bad for him mine was already soured.

Five minutes later I was done. He came in so often it didn’t take long to shape up his hair. “All finished,” I announced, unsnapping the cape from behind his neck. “Did you want to make an appointment for next time or just call?”

“Just book me in two weeks.”

I should’ve known.

“Sure thing.” After he paid and left me a large tip as usual, Sia strolled out from the office, looking exhausted and a little unwell.

“Are you feeling okay?” She’d changed her hair from pink to light purple, and I swore she was one of the few women who could pull off the look.

“My stomach’s a little upset. I think I may be coming down with something. Do you mind closing up for me?”

“Not at all. Tammy and Michelle left already, and I don’t have any more clients. Do you mind if I finish what I’m doing, then close up early?”Please say yes.The last thing I wanted to do was wait around for another hour just in case someone decided to pop in.

“Of course,” Sia agreed. She slung her purse over her shoulder, gave me a weakened smile and walked out to her car.

Music was what I needed in order to make the mundane task of sweeping not so bad, so I flicked the switch for the sound system and got to work. Both Tammy and Michelle were great stylists, but when they were done for the day, they were done. Which meant that sometimes they didn’t sweep up their stations or put their used towels in the back room to be washed. And since I told my friend I would close up, I wanted to ensure the salon looked its best when opened the following day.

Ten minutes into my task, I heard the bell over the door ring, alerting me that someone had walked in. “I’m sorry but we’re closing early for the evening,” I called out over my shoulder.

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