Page 100 of The Sound Of Silence

“You know I’ve never had a problem with you, Ryan, and I would have gone to bat for you if you’d wanted to date Pippa and had issues with management. But if Pippa ever getsthatdrunk again because of a fight you’ve had, I won’t hesitate to hurt you.”

Ryan’s eyes widen in shock before he curses. “Goddammit. She told me she was going straight home to bed.”

“Yeah, well, that didn’t happen,” Jesse snaps, crossing his arms in front of him.

I should cut in and let them know it wasn’t all about Ryan, but it’s not my place to tell them that. Plus, I don’t particularly want to help Jesse at all right now if he’s pulling away again.

Ryan huffs out in frustration and I want to do the same. “This situation is so fucked-up,” he says, shaking his head.

“You’re telling me,” Jesse agrees. “Try living it for the last week.”

And there goes another stab to my chest.

“Do you know where I can find her?”

“Yep.”

My eyes bounce between the two of them as they partake in some kind of standoff. But when Ryan says, “So…” and Jesse doesn’t answer, I’ve had enough.

“Oh for God’s sake. I’ll take you.” I probably should ask Pippa if that’s okay, since she may not want to see him, but I don’t have time for that. Grabbing my keys, I stride toward the men with purpose, only stopping to motion to the door. “Out. Both of you. I’m closing up.”

Ryan easily obliges, but Jesse watches me curiously.

“Now!” I yell and his eyes flash with something that looks very much like heat before he follows Ryan out the door, leaving me as confused as ever.Didn’t he just say he didn’t want to be here?

The men hover as I lock up the shop, and when I turn and almost bump into Jesse, my frustration grows. “I can take Ryan on my own. You’re free towalk that bridge.”

Ryan laughs as Jesse scoffs in annoyance, but as I drift past him, I notice confusion marring his features.

I’m halfway down the steps with Ryan right behind me when I realize I haven't even introduced myself. Stopping abruptly, I turn on my high heels and wobble, until Ryan’s strong hand grips my arm to stop me.

“Thank you,” I say with a laugh. “I’m Willow, by the way. Pippa’s sister.”

A smile lights up his face. “I kind of gathered that. You don’t really look alike, but there’s something similar about you.”

“It’s the sass,” Jesse says, knocking into Ryan as he passes—forcing him to drop his hold on me—before walking ahead in the direction of my house.

I want to bite back, but I drop it. I'll deal with him later.

Ryan and I talk on the brief journey, but I continue to watch Jesse walking in the distance, my anger growing as he goes. I know that wasn’t just me in that moment, and yet, the second we stopped, he’s talking about home.

“Willow?” Ryan questions, and I realize I’ve drifted off with my thoughts again.

“Sorry, I’m just trying to remember if I had the air conditioner on in the shop,” I lie.

Ryan winces, running a hand uncomfortably through his hair. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have just turned up like that, but Pippa used to talk about you and your shop all the time. It’s the only place I knew.”

What?

“She does?”

Ryan smiles. “She does.”

A feeling of giddiness takes over. I thought it was nice that she wanted to help with marketing, but I didn’t realize she spoke about me or my little business when she’s home. The giddiness quickly subsides, making way for the guilt to seep in. I love her so much, but I’ve never made the effort to visit her. I’ve always expected her to come to me.

When we reach my house, Jesse’s waiting on the front steps looking put out. I expect him to snap, but he shocks me instead when he says, “I didn’t want to accidentally ruin the surprise,” with a shrug.

I’m still not sure if it’s going to be a good or bad surprise, but it’s nice of him to be considerate.

---