Page 257 of Well Played

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Alice

On the drive home,Alice was more than happy for Jake and Grace to chatter in the front and let her sit with her thoughts in the back. She wasn’t ready for questions, especially about Ryan. Last night had been so special, and she wanted to keep that to herself.

Alice looked out of the window, watching the countryside change as they pulled onto the motorway.If only the timing were better. Is there ever a suitable time to start seeing someone with his sort of reputation?

She longed for the distraction of her phone that sat charging in the front of the car. Jake’s eyes caught hers in the rearview mirror.

“You’re quiet back there, Alice. Did Ryan keep you awake?” he teased, and Grace laughed.

“Yes.” The two in front laughed louder. “I mean, we were talking. It’s crazy how long I’ve known him and how little I knew about him.”He knew a lot about you, though. Is that good or creepy?

“Did you realise he went out with Christa?”

“Tom’s Christa?”

“Yes. Well, that’s another thing. Ryan said she left last night with some other guy.” Grace turned in her seat to look at a flushed Alice.

“Oh! How do you feel about that?”

“It’s funny, I don’t feel anything. I’m not angry with Tom anymore, but I’m not sorry for him.”

“And what about Ryan’s magic touch, we’ve all heard so much about?”

Alice blushed again. “What have you heard? Who do we know that’s been out with him?”

Grace turned back around and looked at Jake. Alice pushed.

“I need to know. I can’t wait until it’s over, like last time. Grace, you owe me.”

“I didn’t say anything because I can’t think of anyone. I mean, we’ve seen Ryan and Sam talking to plenty of girls over the years, but I don’t know anyone he has been with.”

“No, I agree. There is a lot of noise, and yet I haven’t got any names for you,” Jake confirmed.

“We always see him with Sam. Right?” Alice asked.

“I guess so.”

“And Sam Shepherd is … well, who he is. But what about Ryan? Have you ever seen him do any of the silly stunts?”

“No, to be fair, he is usually the one taking Sam home or to A&E.”

The things Ryan had shared last night rang true. They had a date for Wednesday. She didn’t need to think further than that.

“Wednesday,” Alice murmured.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“We’re nearly at your place. Do you want your phone?”

“Please.” As she turned it on, a string of texts bounced in.

Ryan: I’m missing you.

Ryan: You left your sunglasses.

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