Lucky

The connection

January 15, 2018

Mia and Ryder's bond grew stronger after Christmas, evolving into an addiction that both fascinated and frightened them.

Ryder revealed a side of himself that Mia had never encountered before, igniting her curiosity and driving her to explore every facet of his being.

One day, as they lounged on Ryder's luxurious king-size bed, Mia couldn't help but ask, "How do you afford all of this?"

Her curiosity was genuine, though she jokingly added, "Are you secretly a drug dealer?"

Ryder smirked and looked at her. "Do I look like a drug dealer? When our father passed away when we were young, he had left us some money. I'll receive the majority of it when I turn 18 this year." He extended his hand towards her, and she instinctively took it.

Pulling out a chair from his desk, he sat down and turned on his laptop, giving her a glimpse into his world.

"At the age of 12, my sister and I received a monthly allowance of $2,000 each. With that money, I started investing and closely monitored the stock market. I have a natural talent for knowing when to make a move. By the time I turned 13, I had already bought and flipped my first apartment, and then repeated the process with another."

Mia couldn't help but ask, "So, how much money are you worth?"

Ryder simply replied, "Enough."

Curiosity piqued, Mia continued, "Is that why Ruby was so overly protective of you? She wanted to make sure I wasn't using you?"

Ryder chuckled and clarified, "Nah, that's just her nature. When she loves someone, she goes all in."

With a reassuring smile, Ryder added, "Don't worry, I've got you covered."

Mia turned around, locking eyes with Ryder. Her curiosity got the best of her as she fired off a series of questions, "What are your plans after high school? Which colleges are you considering? What do you envision majoring in?" She genuinely wanted to know what lay ahead for him.

As Ryder tenderly kissed her lips, relishing in her natural scent, he posed a thought-provoking question, "Before I answer you, tell me, what does college truly mean to you?" His fingers gently played with her hair, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Mia hesitated for a moment, then shared her mother's explanation, "College is an institution where students pursue higher education, acquire knowledge and skills in a specific field, and prepare themselves for future careers. It's also a place where personal growth and development are fostered." However, as the words escaped her lips, she couldn't help but feel a lingering doubt.

Ryder chuckled, his eyes filled with warmth, "You couldn't give me an original answer. You went with the textbook definition." Mia playfully swatted his arm, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

"Mami, let me tell you something. School isn't the sole preparation for life. Life itself is the greatest teacher," Ryder explained earnestly. "I've learned invaluable lessons from the wisdom of those who've walked this path before me. College isn't my path. I didn't want to pursue football that was my mom's dream. I want to create a lasting legacy and build a strong foundation, and I'm already making progress towards that."

"When will I be able to meet your mom?" Mia asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Ryder abruptly stood up, causing Mia to slide off his lap. "Damn it," he muttered, frustration etched on his face. "I've told you before, my mom is worse than my sister. Let's take things slow, keep getting to know each other better before we make that move, alright?"