Page 75 of Perfect Boy

Ryann smiles, counting down right along with the rest of the town, like she’s done this forever, just like everyone else here has. She sways back and forth as she counts, her ass grazing against my cock and making me curse that we’re in a public place. And when the countdown stops and the entire tree lights up, her mouth hangs open as she stares up at it.

“Wow,” she whispers, and I swear I see tears in her eyes. “It’s so beautiful.”

I take for granted how good I have it. How good I’ve always had it. And when I’m around Ryann, I realize that I had it really fucking easy, growing up. I’ve seen things like a town coming out to celebrate together. That’s something I’m sure her mom never did with her and her sister.

That makes my heart hurt, and I nuzzle my nose into her shoulder.

Spinning her slowly, I nod my head toward the sidewalk, where a line is forming fast in front of Jackie’s Doughnut Stand.

“You know what would make you feel better? Mini doughnuts.” I wink.

Taking her hand, we head toward the stand. But when we get closer, I see Rosie standing in the same line, making me instantly wish we had waited.

Ryann must notice her, too, because I feel her steps begin to slow as I tug her along.

“Will this cause issues? You and me walking over there where she is?” Ryann mutters. “I made a mess of everything at your mom’s by being here. I don’t want to make issues here too. Especially when everyone here is having such a good time.”

“Nah, she isn’t like that,” I assure her because I’ve known Rosie long enough to know that she isn’t someone who goes out of her way to make waves. At least, she never was when we were together.

As we get in the line, I’m thankful Rosie and a few others I went to high school with don’t spot us right away. I have no doubt they’d all come over, and the last thing I want to do is make Ryann feel uncomfortable. Well, more so than she already probably is. When we came down here, I forgot that my entire fucking graduating class would likely be here too.

Rosie and her friends order, and when the lady hands them their boxes, they all turn. Spotting me and Ryann instantly.

“Here we go,” Ryann mutters, but I give her hand a squeeze.

Rosie’s eyes float from Ryann’s to me. I know instantly that she’s uneasy, but she plasters on her usual pageant queen smile. Just like her mom has always trained her to do.

“Wow, I don’t see you for over a year, Watson, and then, bam, twice in one day! Now, this is a record,” she says sweetly, but I know she’s trying to make a point of making sure Ryann knows she’s already seen me today.

“Yep, I’d say.” I nod before tipping my chin up at Gavin, another classmate, who stands next to her. “How’s it going in Alabama?”

“Oh, it’s going.” He grins. “You know how it is. Always on the go.”

Gavin went to Alabama to play baseball. And from what I hear, he’s a pretty big deal there.

“This is Ryann.” I pull Ryann closer to me. “Ryann, this is Rosie, Gavin, and Sylvie.”

Sylvie has always been Rosie’s best friend, but I’ve never cared for her too much. She’s always acted like a spoiled brat. Truth be told, Rosie did too.

“Hey, Ryann.” Rosie waves, tensing up just enough for me to notice.

“Sup?” Gavin nods, taking a bite of his doughnut. “What’s a pretty girl like you doing, slumming it with this guy?” he jokes.

Ryann laughs, wrapping her arm around mine. “You know, I’m not quite sure.” She beams up at me, giving me a wink. “But I suppose it could be a lot worse.”

“That’s funny,” Sylvie says, hiccupping. “Not long ago, it was Rosie slumming it with good ol’ Watty boy. Now, it’s this chick with a boy’s name.” She giggles, and the way she sways around on her feet, I know right away that she’s been drinking.

Rosie’s eyes widen. “Sylvie, stop.” She turns her attention to Ryann. “Sorry. My friend had one too many glasses of wine with dinner tonight.”

“It’s fine.” Ryann gives her a tight-lipped smile.

“Not too many to forget you telling me how delicious Watson looked at the mall earlier,” Sylvie squawks. “And I have to tell you, I don’t blame you for wanting to hook up with him tonight.” She looks me up and down, blinking slowly. “You, sir, are like a fine wine.” She snorts. “And as you can see, I’m a lover of all wine.”

“Sylvie, I’m begging you to stop,” Rosie hisses in warning just as I start to step around them.

“This has been fun and all, but, uh, we’re next to order.” I nod. “Have a good night, guys.”

“See ya, Gentry,” Gavin says, taking Sylvie’s hand to steady her before walking off.

---