Illicit Affairs

Chapter 32

After cleaning up and warming up the food, Ryan and I finally sat down to eat dinner. The chicken was a little dry and over cooked, for obvious reasons, but the potatoes were a hit. Creamy and extra cheesy.

I ate silently, waiting for him to ask how the visit with Jimmie had gone because I didn't even know where to begin. There was so much that was said, a new partnership formed, secrets uncovered, potential secrets looming. There were some parts of the conversation I could not even reveal.

Hearing his fork scrape the plate, indicating that he was done eating, I pondered whether I should just say something or wait for him to ask.

Nothing was said when he picked up both of our empty plates and utensils and placed them in the dishwasher, other than thanking me for a delicious home cooked meal. Still, nothing was said when I got up to pack up the leftovers and put them in the refrigerator. It was starting to feel awkward.

"Ry...."

"How did....." We both spoke at the same time.

"Let's go sit down. There's a lot." I suggested, so we went into the living room and sat down on the couch. I couldn't help but snuggle against him, curling up against his side, my head and hand on his chest, my legs tucked under me. For someone who was never a snuggler, this was huge for me.

"You look a lot better. Calmer, happier, like a weight was lifted from your chest. So I'm assuming you and Jimmie had a good talk. You also look a little...I don't know...hesitant. Do you want to talk about it?" He asked.

How does he do that? How can he read me without me saying a word?

I took a deep breath and released it slowly. "It did go well. Very well. There's just a lot to unpack and I'm trying to figure out where to even begin. First things first...we had a really good talk. We both got pretty emotional but the big thing is...he wants me in his life...as his daughter." I couldn't help but smile like a fool once I revealed that.

"That makes me so happy. I sense there is more though, so please go on." He smiled down at me then dropped a kiss on my forehead.

"Jimmie has been planning on starting a cup team and he wants me to be his partner. I said yes." I paused for a moment to let that sink in. He nodded his head for me to go on.

"There's a lot of factors in play that I really can't talk about. It's not that I want to keep anything from you, it's just that....well, there's some things that are not public knowledge and Jimmie asked that I keep it to myself. No one even knows about his plans to start a team, but Jimmie did say that I could tell you that much because he doesn't want me keeping any secrets from you, and I really don't want to, but it involves other people in the business. It's not that I don't trust you, because I do. But there is a whole domino effect that is going to take place and it's really not up to me to say anything." I knew I was rambling. But I just couldn't stop myself.

"Hey. I trust you too, and I get it." He stroked my hair softly and I breathed a sigh of relief.

"I promise, as soon as I get the green light, I will tell you everything." I vowed.

"I know you will. This is some very exciting news. I'm happy for you." He said.

"I'm excited. This is my chance to build something that is mine. Well, mine and Jimmie's. But I get to help build it from the ground up. Something that my grandfather is not a part of. Something new and something for me. I can't wait to get started." I could feel my nerves tingling in anticipation. I felt giddy. It was such a good feeling.

"Also, Jimmie and I have called a press conference for tomorrow afternoon in Richmond. We are going to address the media. I'm nervous, but I need to do it. It's the only way I'm going to get my life back."