Page 74 of Perfect

Whilst Nate searched for spare chairs, Tom introduced the other guy as Ryan, Nathan’s brother.

So,thiswas the ‘Ryan’ that Connor had fleetingly mentioned. The one who ‘had a brain’. The boys were similar in appearance and carried that same brooding vibe but Ryan appeared much older and more serious. He was a good-looking man, with dark hair and brown eyes and he was tanned, which gave him a Mediterranean appearance. He also looked tired.

I had been elected to write the answers down as Nate said that Tom’s writing was illegible and halfway through the quiz, I managed to ignore that churning feeling in my stomach. The banter around the table flowed and I didn’t feel at all uncomfortable being the only girl in our group.

Ryan had a dry sense of humour and at almost twenty-six years old, knew stuff. He had more suggestions for possible answers than any of us.

I saw a totally different side to Nathan. He acted differently in front of his brother, more grown up, and balanced. He still drank fast though.

I took a sip of coke as Tom and Nathan went back to the bar, leaving me alone with Ryan and the gnome we had won as a booby prize for coming last in the quiz. We took it in good spirits of course.

I watched him with a hint of a smile.

“So, what do you do Ryan? I’m guessing it's farm related.”

He checked his watch and then returned my smile. There were dark shadows beneath his eyes.

“I sell farm equipment and machinery and so I should have got the one right about when the seasons fall, but to be honest, I’m not really with it tonight. I literallyjustgot back.” That explained the shadows.

“Do you work away a lot?”

“Yeah, I travel all over the country. How about you? Nate says you’re staying with your dad at Two Oaks Farm. How are you finding country living?” He was quick to deflect the conversation onto me which was interesting. I noted he looked anxious. Like there was somewhere he needed to be.

“It’s OK. It’s a bit cut off but I’m getting used to it. I might end up here more permanently next year if I get into Uni. There’s a course I’m interested in at Scarborough. Save on the cost of halls and all that.” Plus, I’d be nearer to Connor, my subconscious mind added.

Ryan’s head tilted as he digested my words and he suddenly seemed genuinely interested. Our chat must have given him a second wind.

“What course are you thinking about?”

I leaned my elbows on the table which brought our faces slightly closer. The pub was now quite busy and loud.

“It’s just an Early Years course. I think I quite fancy teaching.”

“Teaching kids? You are brave.” He puffed, knocking back the last of his beer.

I embellished, saying. “Little ones anyway. Not sure about teenagers.”

He placed the empty bottle on the table, looking thoughtful.

“Absolutely. That’d be myworstnightmare. It’s hard enough looking after Nathan.”

He paused to check his phone and I turned away and finished my drink.

After thumbing in what I assumed would be a text, Ryan pocketed the phone and asked. “What makes you want to be a teacher?”

“I don’t know really. I’ve been told I’m good with my nieces and nephews. But it’s hard isn’t it, making that decision now. Sometimes I don’t feel like I have any direction in my life at all.”

Ryan pursed his lips and leaned back in his seat.

“You’re young, that’s the way it’ssupposedto be. That’s why youshouldgo to college, but stay in the halls instead of at home. It would give you more freedom to go wild and do crazy shit, you know, make mistakes. That’s what girls your ageshouldbe doing, not getting all serious about life and its many burdens.”

I chuckled, he was very assertive but I totally wasn’t the wild child type, I was much too boring.

“Not sure about the going wild element but I’m definitely a pro at making mistakes.”

“Tell me about it,” Ryan put in, suddenly looking gloomy.

I arched an eyebrow, latching on to his change in mood. Here wasanotherboy with secrets.

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