Page 35 of Ryder

Bring your boyfriend

The gray bubble appears, then disappears. This happens a few times over the course of the next few minutes and I have a moment of slight satisfaction over the idea that she’s nervous about this.

Crystal

He’s going to be out of town that weekend

Me

Bummer

Me

Probably best. I know where you live, just in case

Crystal

In case what?

Me

Should’ve told me

Crystal

I’m sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose. I knew you’d be mad

Me

That you got a boyfriend?

Crystal

Our history makes this complicated

I want to fucking dial her number and scream, not that it’ll do much good. She’s completely ghosted me because of this jerk? Way to make a guy feel like he wasn’t just a quick roll in the hay. I never thought I’d ever feel that way. It’s what I do for the most part. But this? This just feels sneaky.

Me

I’ll text you the details. If not for me, do it for Luca. He really wants to see you

Crystal

I’ll be there x

I don’t think too closely on the x because I know it doesn’t mean shit.

I’ve tried to get it out of my mind, but this week has been a drag. Throwing myself into working longer hours isn’t a problem, and I’m ready for time away from the club by Saturday. When I collect Luca from the airport, he pulls me into a hug and slaps me on the back.

“Long time no see, asshat,” he laughs.

I grin. “Did you get shorter?” It’s not true. He’s taller than me, but I always used to give him shit just to keep him on his toes.

“Funny fucker.”

We get to the car, discussing everything from the Saints to the new episodes ofDexter. By the time we get to his hotel, it’s like no time has passed at all.

“Speakin’ of which, where the fuck is Torin?” Luca asks as I park my truck. It’s not the greatest of vehicles, but Luca looks past all of that. She’s old but sturdy.

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