Fresh Start, New Beginnings

Chapter 9

"So Mr Tedder, I do believe its my turn to find out more about you" Abigail smiled cheekily as she bit into a strawberry. Ryan could hardly take his eyes of this beautiful confident woman sat in front of him. For some reason he felt so at ease around her, almost like there was no-one else in the world.

"What did you want to know?" Ryan asked as he too bit into a strawberry, he focused on Abigails brown eyes.

"I don't know" Abigail blushed a little "Erm...when did you first get into music"

"I was about 3 years old when my mom and Dad made me take Piano lessons, they usually bribed me with candy...i then started singing when I was 7" Ryan laughed as he remembered "Not that i am complaining now though, i am getting paid to do something i love which is awesome, how about you?"

"I started playing a...Oh no we are not doing that again" Abigail frowned and smirked "This is my date remember and you said you would tell me about yourself"

"So i did" Ryan couldn't help but laugh at Abigail's stubbornness "There isn't a lot to tell really I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I moved to Colorado Springs, when I was in senior year at High School. Then I joined the soccer team and thats when i became friends with Zach"

Abigail listened attentively "And what about girlfriends?" even though it was an awkward question Ryan didn't seem to feel uncomfortable.

"Yeah I have had girlfriends, had my heart broken, nothing too serious though" he laughed, Ryan's laugh melted Abigail instantly "What about you? Has there been anyone else since Nick?"

"No, even though me and Nick technically split 18 months ago. We only really finished divorce proceedings last month. I didn't want to start dating anyone else while i was still married to freya's dad if that makes sense, I didn't want to confuse her" Abigail smiled when she saw Ryan watching her, she could tell he was listening.

"That's completely understandable" Ryan poured Abigail another drink "So what are your plans for tonight?" he asked lightening the mood a little. He was so good at doing this Abigail thought to herself.

"Erm...I have an interview on the 10 O'Clock Show, Tony's meeting me there at 8" Abigail replied as she glanced at her watch.

"No way, I am performing on there tonight" Ryan was taken aback "I got a phone call this morning from Zach, apparently there will be a band interview aswell"

"Oh well at we least don't have to rush off in different directions " Abigail didn't mean to say this out loud, Ryan sensed her regret immediately.

"I really don't want to rush off either" Ryan exhaled, before moving closer to Abigail "I fly out to New York tomorrow and i really don't want to waste another date without doing this" Ryan moved a loose strand of hair from Abigail's face and tucked it behind her ear, before leaning in an kissing her lips gently.

The kiss lasted a few moments, before they both pulled away. Abigail bit her bottom lip and looked into Ryan's eyes. She could feel her heart pounding "I hope I haven't overstepped the mark" he frowned. Abigail shook her head in response "You have no idea how long I have wanted to do that"

"Oh I think I do" Abigail replied, they were just about to kiss again, but Leroy interrupted them. Abigail threw him a glare "What is it?" She snapped, Abigail's anger weakened when she felt Ryan's hand on top of hers.

"Sorry Abi, it's just Tony has rang me and said your Mom has been trying to contact you" Leroy handed Abigail his phone.

"What's wrong Tony?" Abigail felt a little sick when she realised the urgency "Oh god, are you shitting me?" Ryan's attention had been captured by this remark from Abigail, he noticed how upset she seemed "Ok i'll check now" she hung up the phone and handed it back to Leroy. Abigail took her ipad mini out of her nude Birkin purse and started tapping at the screen.

"Everything ok?" Ryan asked as he watched her tapping viciously on the screen "Abi" he put his hand on top of hers, causing her to pause and look up instantly.

"Sorry I wanted to see it for myself" she exhaled, then she turned the tablet round Ryan to see. The words printed on the top in bold read..."Skank takes my son, his fortune and leaves him out to dry" there is a big story underneath with a picture of Nick and Abigail seperately then one with her and Ryan, in the bar they were at last night. Next to that is a picture of Nick with a brunette "They are running the story tomorrow" Abigail sighed "They want to hear my side of the story, Ryan I am so sorry to drag you into this"

"It's not your fault, what does it say?" Ryan took the ipad off Abigail "About me and you I mean, I couldn't give a shit about the rest of this stuff"

Abigail sighed "It just says we have been seen together in about bar laughing, drinking and flirting...Tony and my Mom has been receiving calls all afternoon asking if we are dating?"

"Wow" Ryan read the article draft and handed Abigail the ipad back "This doesn't have to be complicated you know"

Abigail's heart sank, was Ryan about to tell her he doesn't want anything else to do with her "Just tell them the truth, that we have been on a few dates and intend on going on many more" Ryan shrugged.

"Really" Abigail was shocked, she smiled cheekily.

"Yeah it's fine I don't care who knows" Ryan replied, he returned Abigail's cheeky smile "What?"

"I actually meant us going on many more dates" Abigail teased "Who said I want..." Ryan didn't wait for Abigail to finish he just pulled her close and kissed her lips hard.

Leroy cleared his throat causing both Ryan and Abigail to remember themselves "I'll be inside" he laughed as he headed back in.