Page 32 of What Are the Chances
If I made a big deal about Will being here, it would basically end Ryan and Parker’s non-date before it began. Will clearly had no aversions to coming over. He could have bailed when he pulled up to my house, then again when he stood on the doorstep, and then finally before I came back from my run. But he hadn’t. He’d stayed.
I took a calming breath. Parker had always come through for me. I needed to come through for her.
I gritted my teeth. “What movie are we watching?”
Parker ignored my trepidation. She jumped up and down, squealing excitedly.
“You’re the best, Riley. I love you.” She pulled me in for a quick hug before scrunching up her nose. “But you also stink.”
I lifted one arm in the air. She was right. I reeked.
“I’ll have a shower and meet you downstairs.”
She shot me a warning glare. “Don’t take too long.”
I wasn’t making any promises.
CHAPTER TWENTY
That will nevereverhappen
WILL
Riley padded down the stairs barefoot, dressed in athletic shorts and an oversized sweater. Her wet hair was brushed over her shoulder.
Had I expected her to march down here and demand I leave? Kind of.
Was I glad she hadn’t? Same answer.
Earlier Ryan had given directions while I drove over. When I’d pulled up to Riley’s house, I should’ve bailed then, but curiosity had prevailed. I’d followed Ryan up the front steps, waited nervously while he knocked on the front door, then walked into Riley’s house for the first time in three years. It looked different. The kitchen had been redone and most of the furniture had changed. It was fresher and more modern.
Parker glanced up at Riley, grinning fondly. Parker was a smoke show. Her deep complexion offset her bright eyes, and her dark hair was currently in an array of plaits. She wasn’t Ryan’s usual type, but I saw the appeal. She was a refreshing taste from the blonde Barbies he generally surrounded himself with. Then again, he did give brown-haired-Ken-vibes. He was a pretty boy.
Parker and Ryan were sharing one couch, and I was on the other. Riley perched on the arm of it, as far from me as possible.
“We’ve picked a movie,” Parker announced. “Ghost Slayer.”
I eagerly studied Riley’s reaction. She used to hate horror movies. Did she still?
She groaned. “You’re evil. I’ve only just started sleeping through the night since you made me watch Zombie Apocalypse.”
Ryan winked. “Don’t stress, Dover. Will and I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Keep that advice for yourself,” Parker rebutted. “Last horror night Riley jumped so hard she launched the remote at the wall.”
Parker gestured to a mark above the TV. Sure enough, there was a dent in the plaster. In a similar situation, Riley had once managed to clock me in the face attempting to hide from a vampire on screen. I’d sported a black eye for three days afterwards. At least she’d kissed it better.
Riley stood. “Fine. But I’m going to need snacks. I’m starving. Do we have any popcorn?”
When Parker shook her head, Ryan jumped on the opportunity.
“Maybe you could take Riley on a food run, Will?”
His suggestion wasn’t a bid to get me alone with Riley, it was a bid to get himself alone with Parker.
I subtly looked Riley’s way. It appeared as though her and Parker were having the same silent conversation. One which had Riley sighing and standing up.
“Whatever. You’re driving, Caufield.” She headed for the doorway. “I need to find some shoes. I’ll meet you outside.”
