Page 95 of Come Break My Heart Again

And when Ryder’s eyes land on me, I’m certain Tuck didn’t mention I’d be here. He looks startled and unsure to see me, the ice I thought we’d broken through reappearing, even more so when he spots Prescott’s hand resting casually on my lower back.

Thankfully, the bartender chooses this moment to return with the drinks, providing a distraction from all of us watching Tucker and Ryder approach.

I down half my martini in one gulp, but it does nothing to settle my stomach.

I knew I’d see Ryder again, obviously.

He’ll be at Keira and Tucker’s wedding. He’s the best man. But that’s not until September. The rest of my summer was supposed to be Ryder-free.

I’m uneasy about how we left things, about how quickly he broke through walls of resentment that had taken years to build.

Suddenly, I’m self-conscious of everything I wasn’t a second ago—my hair, my outfit, my lipstick, my choice of drink even. Wondering what Ryder sees when he looks at me.

Because … Icare.

I care what Ryder thinks of me. His opinion is the one that mattersmostto me.

That should have changed, but it hasn’t. I please my parents because I love them and want to make them happy. Our relationship was irrevocably changed after Rose passed away. It simplifies my life to go along with what they want for me. To let the current sweep me where it thinks I should go rather than fight to swim in the opposite direction.

But I meant what I told Ryder on the beach. If I’d had a different dream, I would have chosen it, no matter what my parents thought of that choice.

If he’d let me choose him, I would have.

“Hey, man. I’m Tucker.”

The guys have reached us.

“Prescott,” Prescott replies, smiling at Tucker. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too. Congrats on graduating.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you working at the same firm as Elle?” Tucker asks him.

“Nope,” I answer, smiling. Standing silent isn’t an option, not with Ryder a few feet away. I desperately need a distraction.

Prescott shakes his head. “I’m working at one of Gray’s main competitors. We might have to go up against each other at some point.”

“My money’s on Elle,” Keira says from her spot tucked under Tuck’s arm. “No offense, Prescott.”

“None taken,” he replies, glancing at me. “My money’s on Elle too.”

“This is my best friend, Ryder,” Tucker says.

I hold my breath, for some reason, when Ryder and Prescott shake hands.

“Nice to meet you, man,” Prescott says.

Ryder nods, not saying anything.

I think Pres interprets his silence as shyness because he asks, “You live in Boston?” like he’s trying to coax Ryder out of his shell.

“No. Fernwood.”

“James is my best main contractor,” Tucker boasts.

“I’m youronlymain contractor,” Ryder replies. “It’s a stupid title you made up to annoy me.”

---