Page 22 of Faking it with My Boss' Son

My thoughts, my mind, my feelings, everything was disoriented, and I wanted to be away from Ryan for a while to figure things out. I couldn’t think straight with him around. I wanted to be away from him and seeing him date other girls. I was sure that Leah wouldn’t mind if I stayed with her for a little while until I went home to see my parents. In fact, she’d probably be thrilled to have me stay with her. The only way to come out of this taxing situation was to take a breather.

For the rest of the day, I didn’t see Ryan. He left while I was on the phone and texted to say that he had a couple of lessons today and that he’d be home before dinner. For a bit, I kept staring at my phone’s screen without replying to him. I held my head in my hands and sent him a short text after a while.

Okay.

***

‘‘The food smells delicious,’’ Ryan rubbed his hands as he sat beside me at the dining table. ‘‘ This is my favorite: baked chicken, eggplant, and long-grained rice. Oh my, my stomach is rumbling.”

He turned to me. “Did you get to talk to your mom?’’ Ryan asked as he took a mouthful of steaming long-grained white rice. “What about your dad? How is he?’’

‘‘He’s not doing that well. Mom wants me to visit them.’’

‘‘ I’m sure you can take a few days off from the office and visit your parents,’’ Ryan continued to chew on the food, relishing every morsel.

‘‘I will do that. But, before that, I need to go stay with Leah for a bit.’’ I said while taking a bite of food.

Ryan stopped chewing for a moment and looked at me, his eyebrows raised, ‘‘Leah, you mean Lucas’s cousin?’’ He put down the spoon on the plate and gulped down some water.

‘‘No… I mean Leah, my friend.’’ I said with a slight attitude.

‘‘Isn’t she also Lucas’s cousin?’’ He asked.

‘‘She certainly is Lucas’s cousin, but first and foremost, she is my friend,’’ I argued.

He lifted his hands and smiled, ‘‘Well, that's the same thing. When are you leaving?”

‘‘Friday. I need to have time to tie things up at work for when I am off and turn in my time off request.” I said with sadness in my voice.

“Will you need a ride?” He asked.

“No. I’ll take the tram or taxi.’’ I answered.

‘‘Ah, come on Michelle, it’ll be quicker if I drive you… and it’ll be free nonetheless.’’

‘‘That’s so nice of you to offer your help, but I’ll manage.’’ I got up from the table to start cleaning up our plates.

Ryan didn’t reply to that but asked another question, ‘‘How long are you going to be staying with her?’’ he bit his lip.

‘‘Maybe a week or so,’’ I answered, wondering if he would miss me.

He huffed. ‘‘Fine. I'll make sure to keep my schedule free, and I will take you Friday morning. We can leave around 11 am. Will that work?”

‘‘Perfect.’’

‘‘Great then. I'm going to hit the sack. Good night!’’ He got up from the table.

‘‘But you haven’t finished your dinner,’’ I said, concerned.

‘‘My stomach is full. The food was great. I’m going to miss you—your cooking.’’ He stumbled over his words.

It made my heart beat faster and faster. He was only going to miss my cooking, but I was going to miss him.

Chapter nine

Ryan

The week passed with Michelle and I going out to dinner one night with my dad and going out on the town shopping and enjoying each other's time as we acted as if we were truly dating. Holding hands and sitting close, which I am kind of getting used to. I like how this feels, dating Michelle.

---