Page 37 of Ryder

“Company’s paying.” Luca wiggles his eyebrows. “Room service included.”

“Wish you’d told me earlier, would’ve packed a bag.” Though, I do have an emergency duffel in my truck, that’ll suffice.

We move through the apartment and sure enough, there are three huge bedrooms, and each have their own bathroom.

“Any jobs goin’ at your firm?” I smirk. “I’m sure I could fit in somewhere.”

“Trust me when I say they make you work for it.”

A few minutes later, the doorbell rings, and Luca lets in the bellhop with his luggage. After Luca tips the dude, I point at his bags. “How long are you here for again?”

He laughs. “I have a conference on Monday, meetings Tuesday, then I fly home Wednesday.”

“You legit packed for a month.”

“You know I can’t pack light.”

Of course, Luca takes eons to get ready, so I make myself comfortable on the couch. Since I have the rest of today off, thank fuck, I can enjoy a little down time before dinner. I did bring another jacket because I’m not a total Neanderthal, and I figured Luca might be embarrassed if I wore my cut to one of the ritzy restaurants we’re probably going to. I don’t give a shit, but I wouldn’t want to cause a scene. As long as I don’t do anything to embarrass the club — not that I plan on doing that — we’ll be sweet. And unless they dine out at New Orleans’ finest eatery in town, then I should be good to go as I am.

I also know I’m distracting myself from what’s going to happen tonight, that’s if Crystal shows up. She said she would, but Luca mentioned in the car he isn’t happy about her boyfriend suddenly being away this weekend. It’s excuse after excuse every time he’s in town, and I get it. It’s like Crystal really is hiding something.

I know she’s been avoiding me all week, little does she know, I haven’t avoided her.

I found out where she works. I watched her all week, and then I followed her home.

If she thinks that I won’t go to the ends of the earth to check on her, then she doesn’t know me very well. Trouble is, I haven’t seen the fucking boyfriend yet, and I’m starting to wonder if he even exists. She wouldn’t have any reason to lie, but where the fuck is he? Maybe Luca got it wrong and they’re not living together. It’s a nice area of town, and her apartment has security; at least that made me feel a little better.

I just wish I could find out more about this asshole, then we’d all be able to sleep at night. Well, I may never be able to sleep again knowing she’s sharing her bed with another man. Regretis something I deal with day to day, and it definitely doesn’t help my anxiety any, but here we are.

I wring my hands, unable to get comfortable on the couch.Breathe. Just fucking breathe.I can’t lose it in the first five minutes of Luca being here, and if I admit it’s about Crystal, he’ll get really suspicious. I don’t like keeping things from him, but I remind myself we’re grown adults, and Luca lives in California. I sometimes wonder if he’d honestly be okay with it if me and Crystal had gotten together. We’re like brothers.

I stop pacing when my cell chimes in my back pocket. I reach for it, my heart rate accelerating when I see it’s Crystal.

Crystal

Hey. How is he?

I breathe a sigh of relief, thinking she was about to blow us off.

Me

Ask him yourself at dinner

Crystal

Don’t be mean - clearly you’re still mad at me

Me

Why on earth would I be mad at you?

Crystal

Bc I moved here and didn’t tell you

Me

You also kept that pissant boyfriend from me, too

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