Complicated

Chapter 10

*Ryan's POV*

After weeks of buzzing around New York for photoshoots, we were finally back in LA. The city felt different now, quieter, but it was a welcome change after the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Yet, my return wasn't exactly how I had imagined it. I had caught a nasty bug during our last shoot and had been on bed rest for days, the sickness dragging out longer than I expected.

Jude had been a trooper, staying by my side, bringing me soup and reminding me to take my medicine. But as much as I appreciated her care, I knew she needed a break. Between nursing me back to health and dealing with Dee's constant chatter, she was starting to look worn out. I could see it in her eyes—the same exhaustion I felt.

"Hey, I'll be okay," I told Jude one afternoon as I lay curled up in bed. "You can go out with Dee. I promise I won't melt away if you leave me alone for a bit."

She gave me a skeptical look. "Are you sure? I don't want you pushing yourself too hard. You need to rest."

"I'll just be here, sleeping and binge-watching everything I missed. I'm not going anywhere." I smiled weakly, but it was enough to convince her.

After a few minutes of back-and-forth, Jude finally relented, though she shot me a look that said she'd be checking in on me. "Fine, but you better not try to do too much. If you need anything, call me, okay?"

"Promise," I said, trying to sound more upbeat than I felt. Once she was gone, the house felt strangely quiet. It was just me and my thoughts, which were the last things I wanted to deal with.

It was late afternoon when I heard a knock on the door. Expecting it to be Jude, I got up slowly and opened it, surprised to find Keith standing there, his usual confident demeanor intact. "Hey," he said, a hint of relief washing over his face. "I figured you could use some company."

"Uh, hey," I replied, stepping aside to let him in. "What are you doing here?"

"Jude told me you were sick, so I thought I'd come over and help out." He looked around, and I could sense the shift in the air. "She needs a break, and I'm not sure how much more of Dee she can handle. That guy has been annoying the hell out of me."

I chuckled, knowing exactly what he meant. Dee had a talent for finding the most inconvenient moments to crack jokes, usually at Keith's expense. "He's not that bad," I teased.

"Sure he is. Just look at him." Keith gestured dramatically as if Dee were standing there, adding, "He's a walking punchline."

"Don't you have a life outside of Dee?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not when I'm stuck with him every day. Trust me, I'd rather be here with you." He shot me a quick smile, one that warmed my insides despite the lingering illness.

"Okay, but you don't have to stay if you don't want to," I offered. "I can handle myself."

"I'm not going anywhere," he said firmly, making his way to the couch and plopping down. "I'm not leaving you alone. Besides, I need to get away from Dee. He's a distraction I didn't ask for."

"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. I might be contagious," I teased, flopping back onto the couch, a blanket wrapped around me.

Keith shrugged. "I can take it. What's a little illness between friends?"

I smiled at that, grateful for his willingness to be here. "You know, you didn't have to come over. You could've just sent me a text."

"And miss out on this?" he said, gesturing to the couch. "I'll take my chances with your germs. Besides, I came to check on you. I hate seeing you sick." His tone shifted, and I felt the warmth in his words.