Page 107 of DadBod

“I’m grabbing my purse. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’ll take an Uber.”

“Good. See you in a few.”

With purse in hand, I race down the steps to the front door. Yanking it open, I jog down concrete steps. I’m about to turn right to get to the busiest corner, when I see someone to my left. A small someone curled up on the top step of my building, next to the door.

“Ryann?” What is she doing here? I take the steps back up two at time. When I get to her, she’s got her arms wrapped around her knees, tears in her eyes. “Honey?”

“D-Don’t leave me.”

Uh. What? “Ryann?” I don’t know what to say.

“D-Don’t leave me too.”

Oh, shit. “Honey…”

“He didn’t mean it. Don’t leave. He’s sorry.”

Kneeling in front of her, I hold my arms out, hoping she’ll take the hint. She does. Oh boy, does she ever. She launches herself into my arms, and I quickly wrap her up. “Please don’t cry. It’s going to be okay. I promise.”

“He was just mad you didn’t tell him. He knows it wasn’t your fault.”

“Your dad and me…”

“He loves you. Calvin loves you.”

I hold my breath, hoping I hear that at least Ryann tolerates me.

“I love them too. I love all of you.”

“I know.” Ryann lifts her head and looks me in the eye. “I’m trying. I really am. It’s j-just hard.”

“I know, sweetheart. I’ve never tried to replace your mom. I wouldn’t. I won’t. I just wanted to be your friend.”

“I can be f-f-friends.” She’s sobbing now. The poor girl. “I’ll do better. Just d-don’t leave us.”

“Even if I’m not hanging around making you go on outings…”

She scoffs.

“I promise I’ll still be your friend. I’ll always be your friend.”

“My stupid dad loves you. He overreacts.”

I know this. “He went too far tonight, though, Ryann. He didn’t give me a chance to explain.” I feel the need to say more. “What happened with my brother is none of his business. His—what happened didn’t involve me. I love my brother and my family. I’m not about to turn on them just to appease a guy.”

“He’s not just a guy; he’s special.”

“He’s special, all right.” That was sarcasm. Ryann must’ve realized it, because she snorts again.

Sitting on the top step, I reach into my purse. “I’m going to text your dad to let him know you’re okay.”

“Why? I don’t want to talk to him right now.”

“He’s worried. Everyone was worried.” With phone in hand, I press Rome’s name. “I can’t believe you remembered where I lived.”

“How could I forget this dump?” I arch my brow, which results in a quick “Just kidding.”

Smart girl.

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