Page 78 of Myself

She turns to face me. “And tomorrow night?” I open my mouth, but she continues. “And the next? How long until I give up on him like he did me?”

“You’ve already given up,” I say simply. “You haven’t tried to call him or tried to text him. You’ve let him win. He thinks you cheated, and you’re okay with that.”

“I’m not,” she snaps.

“Then do something about it,” I say angrily. “Do it for you. Not him.”

She falls back into the couch and lets out a long sigh. I try to hide my smile with the realization that I just got through to her.

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JAYCENT

I hold Ryder up with my right arm under his shoulders as we stand in the elevator of his office building. He wanted to go to his office, and I didn’t argue. I figured winning one battle tonight was enough. But I was afraid if I just dropped him off at the front door, he would never make it up to his office.

The doors open, and we shuffle out into the dark office. Opening his office door, I place him on his couch by the wall. He throws his arm over his face as I turn on his light. “Do you need anything?” I ask before I leave him.

“No,” he mumbles.

“Okay. Do I need to bring you anything from your place? That you will need in the morning?” Tomorrow is Monday, so I’m not sure if he has another suit here in his closet or not.

“Nooo,” he slurs, turning onto his side and giving me his back. He kicks off his shoes, and they fall to the floor with a thud.

I run a hand through my hair. I feel bad just leaving him here like this. But he’s a grown man. He’ll be fine. Better off here than at the bar.

A phone rings, and he digs into his pocket. He looks up and looks at it. Then lets out a groan as he tosses it to the floor. It lands face up, and I see it’s Ashlyn. I hate to leave her hanging. I can at least let her know that he is okay.

I reach down and pick it up, pressing answer.

“Ryder,” comes her soft voice. “I’m sorry.” She sniffs. “I know I messed up, but it wasn’t what you think. I swear I didn’t sleep with him.” I hold the phone not sure what to say. I hate to interrupt her now. And then she says the words that make my chest tighten. “I ... I love you. Please know that I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.” As I think of something to say, the line goes dead.

I look over at him, his back still facing me as I hold his phone. “Ryder?” I ask confused and shocked at what she just said. I shouldn’t have answered his phone. I should have said something to her. Let her know it wasn’t him. “Ryder?” I say a little louder. He still doesn’t respond.

I reach down and shove him. “Ryder?” I snap.

“What?” he asks, turning on his back. I toss his phone onto his chest. “Ashlyn called you.”

“Dooon’t annnswerrr,” he slurs.

“I already did,” I say, and he says nothing. “She said she was sorry.”

“Yeah? I am too.” His eyes are closed, and his arms are crossed over his chest. “Sorry I ever met her,” he adds angrily.

“She said she messed up, and that it wasn’t what you thought. She didn’t sleep with him.” He snorts. “She also said that she loves you.”

His eyes spring open, and he looks up at me. He doesn’t say anything, just stares. Like he’s trying to decide if he believes me or not. His green eyes bloodshot from all the alcohol and lips parted. “And I know you love her. So fix it,” I say, and he just continues to stare at me. “She’s giving you the chance to fix it. Take it.” And then I turn around and walk out, shutting his door behind me.

My phone goes off as I exit the elevator at the lobby, and it’s a text from Becca.

Becca: Did you make it home safely?

I smile and respond.

Me: Just dropped Ryder off at his office.

Becca: Wanna come over and cuddle?

Me: Cuddle?

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