Page 51 of Foul Line

“He said it was all a misunderstanding.”

“I’m not saying it wasn’t,” I tell him. “He explained everything to me, and my mom pretty much said the same thing. She kissed him. She kissed him because she misses him.”

Ryan winces. “That’s the only part that I don’t like. Your mom’s nice.”

“My mom’s great,” I tell him, finally pushing the tray away.

“Not many women would let me into their home after what happened.” He pushes my tray back at me. “You should eat. You’re pushing it too much on those runs. I think you’re losing weight.”

My mouth drops. I had actually noticed that there was extra room around the waistband of my shorts earlier, but how the hell could he tell?

“If you’re going to run like that, you have to eat more. Remember, fit doesn’t mean skinny.”

“Are you seriously giving me a talk about diet and exercise? I grew up with the king of diet and exercise.” I’m not exaggerating either. My dad went to school for nutrition. Not only does he have the sports related experience, but he actually knows what he’s talking about academically too.

“I guess he’s rubbing off on me.” He looks back to his plate again with an almost bashful grin. “I hope you didn’t give him too much of a hard time earlier.”

I make an annoyed noise in the back of my throat. “And I hope you did.”

He smirks. “I’m sure my mom gave him enough hell.”

We’re just joking, but I can’t help but be affected by what he just said. My dad being with anyone else is going to take some serious getting used to. Then there’s the whole issue of when my mom starts dating. From what Ryan’s saying, it seems like his life is just starting to turn out right while mine had to crumble for his to get that way.

“I don’t know if I’ve said it before, but I’m really sorry about what happened between your parents, Tessa. Mine divorced when I was little, so I get it.”

Why does he have to be so nice sometimes? It does crazy things to my insides.

I don’t respond because what do you even say to that? I don’t really want to bond with him over the fact that we have broken families. Instead, I pick my fork up and start eating again. At his request, I even go back up and get some more chicken. It’s another fifteen minutes or so before anyone else shows up. Sloan walks in, dropping a kiss on my temple before heading up into the line. Alec, Hayes, Lake, and River are behind him.

I know I should probably leave to give them some time alone, but I can’t help but stare at Lake and wonder if the plan Jacquin came up with would work. I have to admit that it’s better than any plan I have because I don’t have one. I only have two paths to take. Either take Lake down, which I guess could be construed as making this bet with him or let it all go.

I’m not usually one for letting things go though. Once I set my mind on something, I follow through.

When Lake sits, I’m still staring at him. Finally, he looks up. “Take a picture, Dale.”

My cheeks burn. “It’s okay, sweetie,” Sloan says. “You can stare at me all you want.”

Ryan leans over and says something to Lake who nods. Whatever it was he said, Lake doesn’t say much throughout the rest of the meal. When we’re finished, I happily go back to my room all by myself. Sometimes being around all of them is exhausting, and on top of all that, they make me nervous.

It’s like stepping up to the foul line and waiting for the ball to drop.

26

Like one big happy family, my dad wants us to drive to the restaurant together. I get out of it by telling them I need to do some stuff in town before going back to camp, so I delay the inevitable awkwardness for at least another fifteen minutes. The only thing I didn’t plan on happening is Ryan standing next to my car as I’m walking up to it to leave. He has sunglasses on. Aviators, of course, that make my knees wobble as I walk up to him.

“They said you were driving by yourself, so I thought I could hitch a ride with you.”

It’s suddenly a lot hotter outside than the eighty-degree weather would imply. “You’re putting it off, too?”

“No, I just thought they might like some alone time considering what happened.”

I forgot. He’s used to being with my dad and his mom. This is just another day for him. Actually, for all of them, I’m the only extra factor. Damn. Why does this suck so much?

I unlock the car and we both get in. It’s like an oven inside, so I put the top down quickly and blast the AC. It’s been so long since I’ve driven it that the interior has that stale, stagnant air feel. Ryan looks comfortable already though. He’s got his arm outside the door as I reverse from the parking space and drive toward the small town.

When I’m alone with Ryan, sometimes it feels like it’s three years ago all over again. I can almost forget other things have happened between he and I. “How come you don’t let me drive your car?” Ryan asks. “Alec said you let him drive it.”

“Maybe because Alec was nice to me.” I look over and give him a teasing smile. I mean, it’s totally true, but I guess I’m in a forgiving mood right now.

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