Kind Regards

32. City Lights

Ryder took the liberty of waking everyone up, following our slumber party in the backyard. In his defence, it was noon already and he was hungry.

Shawn left a note to meet him inside where he was preparing 'breakfast' and hangover smoothies. He must've done some witchcraft because I was up and full of energy after drinking just half the cup.

It was a bittersweet moment when everyone left to head home and move on with their lives. Part of me wanted to keep it going but that would be selfish.

"Why don't we do something fun? Take Ryder to the beach we went to" Nico suggested, walking out of the shower with only a towel around his waist.

I stared at him, trying to come up with words. Him. Wow. He looked perfect.

Ryder was running around in circles hearing the word beach. it was the cutest thing I'd ever seen. Despite not being the biggest fan of the ocean, I loved the atmosphere.

"Alexandra" Nico breathed out, placing a hand over his chest.

I looked down at my outfit, a simple white dress. Casual. I couldn't care less if it gets sand or muddy paws on it.

The drive to the beach was so calm and peaceful. Ryder rested his head on the middle console, his head on top of mine and Nico's intertwined hands.

"Luca's gonna cry when he finds out we're here without him" I commented, feeling the car come to a stop.

He chucked roughly, shrugging his shoulders. "He'll be fine"

We got out of the car, hearing the waves crash nearby. Ryder was beyond excited to run over.

"There's a trail I want to take you to. It looks over the entire city" he smiled, reaching for my hand.

My entire world is right in front of me. No view could compare to him.

We watched Ryder as he ran into the water having the time of his life. Another dog ran over to him holding a ball in its mouth.

I narrowed my eyes noticing how familiar it looked. Nico seemed to do the same, spotting its owner approach the dogs.

Taco! Taco the Golden Retriever from the last time we came here.

Ryder was hesitant, sniffing Taco with caution. The two dogs stared at each other before jumping around. It was that easy for them to trust each other.

The lady spotted us, a grin spreading on her face. We approached her, smiling at the dogs in awe.

"Oh, I always wondered if you two were still together! Seeing that you are has made my day" she beamed, holding onto her chest.

We both smiled at her, nodding.

"This must be your one, he's so cute and friendly! wow"

Ryder seemed to approve of her compliments, rolling over in the shallow water. Such a little baby.

After speaking to her for a while longer, and letting the dogs play, we parted ways. Nico made us step back before Ryder shook his entire body to dry himself.

"I'm not letting you walk all the way up there" Nico scoffed, shaking his head.

He stood by the passenger door, holding a hand for me to get in. I put my hands up in defeat, getting into the car.

I stared out the window as we went up the hill, approaching the ledge. The view was incredible. Every skyscraper, city light, everything. It all seemed so small from where we were. So beautiful.

Nico helped me out of the car, walking me toward the ledge. Not too close, but not too far.

"I know you're afraid of heights, so hold onto me as tight as you want" he chuckled, wrapping an arm around my waist.