His

Chapter 13

Once I got the phone call from Frank that I had to work today, it made me sad because I didn't want to leave Ryder's house. Last night was amazing and I didn't want it to end. I also didn't want to face Jessica right now because I know it's only going to be a blow out fight. I'm tired of her treating me like I'm a child and she needs to be called out for her behavior.

Ryder notices my sad face and slides his thumb along my bottom lip. "Look at me."

I slowly looked at him and sighed. "What?"

"You're okay. You're an adult, baby. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. I know you love your roommate. But you need to stand up for yourself and tell her that she can't keep treating you this way."

"I know, Ryder."

"I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but I want you to know that I'm here for you, Tally."

"Thank you, Ryder. Thank you for letting me spend the night and... you know..."

"That's what I'm here for, love. As long as we're in this together, I'll always be here for you."

I smiled and kissed him. "Oh, and this is for you." He handed me an envelope which I knew had money in it. "This is for spending the night with me."

"This is starting already?"

"Yes. This is the only cash I'm giving you, so when that cash is gone, you'll have a credit card. Okay?"

"Yes."

"Good. Call me later?"

"Of course." After one last kiss, I got in my car and drove home. I really liked Ryder. I could really get used to the relationship, but I'm afraid of falling for him emotionally. It could ruin everything. I don't want to lose Ryder as crazy as that probably sounds.

I was so deep into my thoughts that I didn't realize I was in the parking lot of the apartment complex. Taking a deep breath, I got out of my car and shoved the envelope in my pocket.

"Hey Jess, I..." I scowl when I noticed two bags in front of the door and go into the kitchen where Jess is drinking a glass of wine. "Where are you going?"

"I'm moving out."

"What? Why?"

"It's time for me to move on. I need to start over again." The tone in her voice was cold and emotionless.

"Is this about last night, Jess? It's not that serious."

"I guess not. But you choose a complete stranger over your best friend."

"Jess, I'm not choosing anything. I'm just making my own decisions for once. I'm sorry if you don't like that, Jess. I don't try and control your life so why do you feel the need to do that to me?"

"Because I don't want you to fuck up like I did when I was your age."

"I'm not."

Jess looked at me and scowled, but I kept going. "Whatever is on your mind, get rid of it."

"God, I'm so sick of you. I'm tired of your good girl demeanor all the damn time. I'm sick of trying to help you by being you friend when I don't like you."

"Are you serious?! If I'm so annoying to be around, then pack your shit and get the hell out of here."

"Tally, I..."

"Go!"

Tears started sliding down her cheeks as she stood up and went into the living room. "Why are you upset? You're the one who wants to leave. I'm an adult, Jess and if you don't like me, that's your problem. Not mine."

"I... I'll come get my stuff later."

"Okay. Leave the key when you're gone. Don't take shit that's not yours."

Jess looks at me weirdly and picks up her bags before slamming the door shut behind her. I've never been this harsh to someone in my life, but never did I ever expect her to say that she doesn't like me.

I got so distracted with Jess that I forgot about the envelope Ryder gave me. I fished it out of my pocket as I went into my room and sat on my bed.

I stared in awe as I kept counting one-hundred-dollar bills followed by a note tucked behind the money.

Tally, I want to thank you for having dinner with me and letting me comfort you. The ten thousand dollars is for all the time we've had together so far. Spend it wisely. -Ryder

Holy living shit.

With this money, I could easily pay my bills and even purchase a new car, but I needed to spend it wisely, I would hate to spend it on something and blow the rest of it on useless things.