I opened the door and stepped out of the car.
“Hey, man.” Kirk greeted.
“Hey Kirk.” I nodded in return. “She know I’m here?”
Kirk shook his head. “Nah, she’s at work for another two hours. It's just Sadie and I. Do you want to come in?”
I thought about it for a second. “Does she want to see me?”
He smiled. “Maybe not, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t need too.”
I laughed. “What about Sadie?”
Kirk glanced back at the house. "That's an entirely different question.”
We both laughed.
“She still hates me that much, huh?”
He shook his head. “Nah, she is just insanely protective of Ryder. She doesn’t think you will stick around.” He paused, as if assessing me, and my intentions. “Is she right?”
“It’s not really up to me.” I admitted.
He contemplated my answer for a moment, before changing the subject. “Nice car.” He gestured for me to follow him in.
“Thanks, it’s a rental.”
I followed him in.
“Probably a good idea. Now she won't notice the car and bail.”
I smirked. Kirk’s dry sense of humor was growing on me.
When he opened the door to their place, I instantly locked eyes with Sadie. She was standing at the window near the door. She’d probably been watching us the entire time.
“Hey, Sadie.”
“Hey, Asshole.” Her tone offered no hint of playful banter, or anger. One might have been convinced that, it was my actual name.
“It's good to see you too.” I offered my best grin, and I caught her demeanor alter a bit.
She smirked. “Break her heart again, and I won't forgive you.” She warned.
“Sadie, enough with the dramatics. The guy is here, isn’t he?” Kirk defended me and she punched him in the arm. “Ow!” He glared.
I laughed. “What if she breaks mine?”
Sadie opened her arms up for a hug, one that was long overdue and I wrapped my arms around my old friend.
“Then you two will be even.” She winked.
I’d forgotten how much I missed Sadie too. She’d been such a thorn in my side all those years meddling in my friendship with Ryder. However, she’d actually become a good friend of mine over the years as well.
I squeezed her tightly in a hug then let her go. “I kinda missed you.”
She smiled. “I guess I missed you too.”
Kirk rolled his eyes. “Poor guy, you’re stuck with both of them now. I should’ve told you to run.”
I laughed before Sadie elbowed him again.
“Ow! What is it with you two!” He growled rubbing his side in pain.
Chapter 22
Ryder
When I pulled up to my place after work there was a car already parked in my spot. So, by the time I reached the front door, I was already annoyed.
“Who's in my spot?” I drilled them both as I closed the door behind me.
Kirk and Sadie barely acknowledged me, other than with a shrug to my question. I eyed them both suspiciously, knowing something was off.
“You guys!” I muttered in annoyance. “Who’s here?” I pressed.
Sadie smiled. “Some cute guy stopped by looking for you, he’s upstairs.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. It wasn’t uncommon for Sadie to encourage me to move on quickly from Tyler, but it had only been a week and the thought of another guy in my room made me uneasy.
“Is she serious?” I aimed my question to Kirk.
It was hard to believe Kirk wouldn’t have stopped her. He was usually the voice of reason when she had bad ideas, with good intentions.
“Yeah, and for once I have to agree with her on this one.
“You two are unbelievable!” I growled out in anger before I stomped off upstairs. “Next time do me a favor and butt out of my life!” I grumbled back at them before I finished my way up the stairs.
I hesitated outside my bedroom door as I considered who it might be, and how I’d get them to leave.
Damn it, Sadie.
After a few minutes I took a deep breath and opened the door
“Hey.” Tyler smiled.
It took me a second to register that it was really him in my room, sitting on my bed.
“Why are you here?” I sounded cold, unintentionally. His presence had just caught me off guard and left me overwhelmed.
He just stared at me, his smile fading.
“I’m sorry, I can go.”
He stood to leave and I didn’t stop him as he passed by me, heading towards the stairs.
I saw him stall at the first step, and he turned to face me. “I don’t understand.” He said in an emotionally strained voice.
The sound of it threatened the very strength I was using to let him walk away. I didn’t want him to be angry at me, and I didn’t want to hurt him. I just didn’t know how to be his friend anymore.
“Understand what?” I asked, trying to sound disconnected.
His eyes caught mine. “I thought you loved me.”
His words struck my heart so harshly, that I remained silent in fear of breaking down if I spoke.
“I love you, Ry.” He said with a genuine conviction, leaving no doubt in my mind that he meant every word. “Do you love me?”
I looked away from him. The pain I saw in his own gaze was just too much for me to bare.
“Ryder! Look at me.” He demanded.
I returned my gaze to his and I felt my eyes well up instantly.
I nodded.
“Say it, Ry.” He urged me; his eyes still locked with mine.
“I love you.” I admitted softly, a tear slowly breaking free and gliding down my cheek.
He took a step closer to me.
“Then why does it feel like I’m the only one who suffers every time you cut
