Page 44 of The Grinch who Loved Me
CHAPTER7
RYLAND
After they had the talk in Aria’s shop, he drove her and Raegan to his house and his dad was sitting on the front porch, with Cheeto in his lap.
Ryland grinned and helped Aria out of the car and then helped Raegan out as well.
Aria smiled when she saw his dad and Rick stood, holding Cheeto to his chest.
“Hey there Aria.”
Aria waved at him and Ryland loved that she walked up to his dad and kissed his cheek and pet Cheeto.
Raegan walked up the steps and Rick lifted an eyebrow, “Who is this?”
Aria answered, “This is my best friend Raegan. She has been out of town, but I’m glad she is back now.”
Rick tilted his head to acknowledge Raegan and Raegan waved like Aria had.
“I like your cat.” She said as she got close to them.
Ryland pet Cheeto on her head like Aria had and told Raegan and his dad about the cat and Raegan grinned.
“That’s sweet of you to keep her.”
Ryland shrugged, “It’s what you do. She is a good cat.”
Aria leaned into his side and Ryland said, “Did you get dinner started dad?”
Rick nodded, “I sure did. It feels good to be back home.”
Ryland nodded, “It feels good having you back home.”
Rick and the girls followed him in the house and Ryland went to the kitchen to check on dinner.
Aria walked into the kitchen and he pointed to one of the chairs, “Have a seat beauty. I will finish this up and we can eat.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
Ryland shook his head, “Nope. Just let me look at you while I cook. Best view ever.”
Aria chuckled and sat down at the bar and he watched her as she put her crutches against her leg.
Rick and Raegan walked into the kitchen a few seconds and Cheeto was perched on Raegan’s shoulder.
Ryland chuckled, “She does that. It’s really funny when she falls asleep draped across your shoulders like a purring scarf.”
Raegan laughed and Cheeto rubbed her face against Raegan’s.
When Ryland finished up the food, he and his dad set the small table and they all sat down.
Ryland held Aria’s hand under the table, but when she needed it, he put his hand on her thigh.
He rubbed it up and down her thigh and Aria leaned into him a little.
Ryland kissed the side of her head and they ate.
“I asked Ryland if he wants to go with us to meet my family and I would love it if you could join us, Rick.”
