Page 239 of Well Played

“Does he do that often?”

“Any time he gets the chance,” Ryan chuckled.

“Why do you hang about with him? I mean, you seem so much… I don’t know the right word, but well, you aren’t like him.”

“Sam’s not as bad as he pretends to be. Besides, he’s my cousin.”

“Cousin?”

“Yeah, didn’t you know?”

“That explains a lot.” Ryan offered her a quiet, amused smile.

“Well, this is me.” Alice stopped in front of a small blue ridge tent.

“I guess that’s my job done.” He bent and placed a delicate kiss on Alice’s cheek. The gentle touch of his lips sent flutters through her body.

“I’ll see you in the morning, Alice. Keep your chin up.”

Alice shuffled into the pretty nest she’d built. In the past, she had shared her brother’s tent with Grace. Of course, this year, the lure of Jake’s camper van proved too much. In fact, any chance to be with Jake and Grace took it, and who could blame her? The loss of time with her best friend stung that little bit more because of it coming so close to Tom dumping her.And all thoughts come back to Bloody Tom.She smiled at remembering Ryan’s tone when he called him Tom Cat.Does that name mean Tom has always been playing around?Alice turned over, the cold running up her back. Another reminder that she was alone.

Images of the last few weeks swam through her head. The break with Tom felt more painful because of the questions she still had. There hadn’t been a big row, no reasons offered, just that damn piece of paper. Alice shivered as she pulled up the quilt. Thinking back, he’d been acting strangely for a while, although try as she might, Alice couldn’t pinpoint when that had started. Grace couldn’t help. She’d simply said he was always strange and that it wasn’t new.

Has Tom been having an affair? Is that why he left?She needed answers.

At least the rest of her club seemed supportive, and Ryan had been so sweet. She chuckled at the memory of Sam’s first hug of Grace and how quickly he’d covered it. Sam, then Ryan hugging her, made her realise how much she wanted to be held. It felt comforting. It had been wonderfully reassuring to hold Ryan’s hand.But it’s Sam Shepherd and Ryan Fields! You know theyare never serious. I like it, though. And kind … walking me back was kind… and that kiss …

The hard ground pushed into Alice’s hip as she turned over once more. It had been a long day, and yet Alice’s eyes didn’t want to close.Bloody Tom.She wrapped the quilt tightly around her body, tugging it up over her shoulder.Why can’t I sleep? What does any of it matter now? It’s over, and it’s time for me.

4

Ryan

Ryan scratched his head,trying to figure out how to find Sam. He started by sending him a text.

Ryan: Hey mate, where are you?

Ryan: Sam, I want to get to bed. Where are you?

A deep breath left his body when no response came from his cousin.Why am I not surprised?

People were still hanging around in groups, talking outside their camp spots. Unlike him, they weren’t ready for the night to end. A longer day at work, followed by the drive down, started to hang heavily on his shoulders.Come on, Sam, I want to go to bed.

Ryan: I’m going to my truck.

Ryan listened to the voices and scanned faces, hoping that Sam would appear. He tried to estimate how much of his typicalweek he spent trying to work out where Sam had disappeared to. At work, they called Sam ‘Houdini’. Luckily, they were both employed by his dad, who knew they both worked hard.

Over the years, Ryan had developed the skill of finding him. At three years old, Sam would hide in small spaces, cupboards and under beds. Ryan’s mum made it his task to find him. Knowing how scared Sam could be, it became Ryan’s life mission to protect him.

In the dark, Ryan moved away from the crowds. He stumbled and found himself sitting on the grass. A vision of Alice’s troubled face tonight flashed through his mind. Tom Clark clearly hurt her. He had never seen her so withdrawn. He couldn’t help laughing at Tom ending up with Christa.If Tom weren’t such a giant prick, I’d warn him about Christa Marx. Actually, they probably deserved each other.Then, in a surreal moment, Christa herself walked over and held out her hand to help him up.

“Fancy seeing you here.” She smiled. Ryan’s famous smile had disappeared.

“What at a volleyball tournament? Because I’ve never shown any interest in the sport before,” he sneered. “Don’t make me laugh. Why are you here, Christa? Camping and sport aren’t your thing.”

“Tom hired this cute camper for the weekend. He’s such a darling.”Why is she smiling?“What were you doing with that mousy girl? Hardly your style, is she?” Ryan didn’t reply; he simply stared up at Christa. “I see you’re on your own now … were you looking for me, Ryan?” She trailed a finger down his face.

Ryan’s stomach clenched as he swiped her hand away.

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