Page 37 of Unbreak Me
“Yeah, we did. It was one of the best nights of my life,” I say, repeating what I told him that night. I hold his gaze and try to take in everything he is showing me right now in those greys. He breaks away far too soon, and I hide my disappointment as I turn back to Sophia.
“I bet you two were such a beautiful couple that night. What color was your dress?”
“Blue,” I hear Ryder say. “The same color as her eyes.” Surprised that he joined in on the conversation, I turn to look at him but he’s back to looking out the window.
Sophia gives me an encouraging smile and winks at me before focusing her attention on Travis for the rest of the drive there.
By the time we get to the restaurant, I’m in desperate need of a drink. I’m determined to put everything aside for the night and just enjoy the moment. It’s been so long since I’ve been out and truly allowed myself to have fun.
Sophia must have read my mind because as soon as we sit down, she orders us two margaritas and a round of tequila shots for our table. The outdoor sitting area is packed tonight as I glance around at all the people eating and drinking.
Captain Jack’s has always been the local’s go-to place for good music and fresh seafood. The restaurant sits right on the water, and people love to gather around sunset and watch the boats come in with their catches of the day. I’ve been here a few times with Ryder and his family and have always loved the laid-back atmosphere of the place.
I spot Miles setting up his drum set and speakers with his band. He looks up and meets my eyes. Grinning, he gets Seth and Link’s attention, and they walk over to us.
“Our favorite groupie is back!” I laugh as Link picks me up in a big hug. Whenever Ryder wasn’t working, we would spend a lot of time in the garage watching them practice their new songs on us.
“I better be your favorite groupie.” I smile into his bright blue eyes. His dark hair is longer now, and his curls peek out from under his ball cap. “I earned that title with all the chocolate chip cookies and brownies I would make for all your practices.”
“God, I miss those,” Link closes his eyes on a groan.
“Not as much as we missed you, though,” Seth grins, pulling me in for a hug. “It’s good to have you back, Evie.” His green eyes hold mine with a smile.
“It’s good to be back. I can’t wait to hear you guys play tonight. I’m so proud of the three of you,” I beam at them.
Miles throws his arm around my shoulder and gives me a squeeze. “Thanks for coming tonight.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.”
The waitress comes back with our drinks, and Sophia hands out the tequila shots to everyone.
“To Evie being back with us!” Miles holds up his shot glass, and everyone raises with his. I glance around at all the faces I’ve missed and end on Ryder. His intense greys hold mine as I lift up my glass.
“To family,” I say quietly.
“To family,” I hear everyone say before knocking back the tequila. Ryder lifts his in my direction, and we both shoot it back. The burn slides down my throat as his eyes never leave mine.
“We’ll be back during our break. Try to have a little fun tonight, will you? It’s long overdue.” Miles’s question pulls me away from Ryder’s intense energy that wants to wrap around me.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she has a good time.” Sophia scoots my margarita closer to me, and I laugh before taking a sip.
“Damn, those are good. I can’t even taste the tequila.” I take another sip and hear Miles laugh.
“Drink up, Evie girl. I better see your ass on the dancefloor later,” he grins before walking back over with Seth and Link to finish setting up.
I sit back down at the table and try to ignore the body next to me. He can continue brooding all he wants, but I need a night to forget. I’m going to have fun tonight whether he joins in or not.
I down the rest of my drink and look over at Sophia.
“You ready for another one? I’m not drinking alone tonight.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she grins and downs her drink too.
Travis chuckles beside her and stands up. “I’ll get you girls another.”
“You’re the best.” Sophia tilts back to look at him, and he doesn’t hesitate to press his lips to hers. A pang of jealousy hits me when I see the way they look at each other. Travis whispers something in her ear, and she giggles. Her bright green eyes shine with the kind of love I once had.
“Need anything, Ryder?” Travis asks.
