Letting Him Go [slow updates] (unedited)

Chapter 18

★ ★ ATTENTION: A LOT OF CUSSING IN THIS ONE SO BEWARE!  ★  ★

Ryder

"Do it right Linda, or you're fired!" I heard Stephanie yell from the kitchen. "No you idiot, do you not know the basics of decorating? Ugh, just move. I'll do it!" 

A loud sigh left my mouth as I started to massage my temples. I've had to deal with Stephanie's screaming for the past 5 hours. Linda was making all the food and deserts for our brunch with Hannah and Kyle today while Stephanie tried to organize all the "decorations". 

"I'm sorry Miss Smith, if you just show me how you want it maybe I can help." Linda said softly. 

"Forget it. Just go clean up or something and get out of my way." Stephanie growled. I walked into the kitchen and came face to face with a dejected Linda. I gave her an apologetic smile and she nodded her head in acceptance before walking down the hall. 

"Oh honey, finally. Can you please help take these last few plates outside and set them on the table on the patio? Han and Kyle should be here any moment and I want things to be perfect." Hannah said cheerfully. I watched as she picked up a few plates and walked towards the two open doors which led to the backyard. 

I picked up the last two and followed behind her. I handed a plate at a time to Stephanie as she placed them on the table. "Do you think they're going to like it? It's not much food, but it should be good enough right?" Stephanie asked worriedly. 

I walked behind her and placed my arms around her torso. "They're going to love it Step and even if they don't at least I love it." I assured. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead. 

"Ew, okay lovebirds that's enough. No wonder why we had to wait outside your front door for the past 5 minutes." Hannah teased from the backdoor. I unwrapped my arms from Stephanie who was giggling from Hannah's words. She walked over to my sister and gave her a tight hug. 

"So, this is your place? I must say, it's a bit....small?" Kyle snickered from behind my sister. 

"Oh please Harper, we all know that you can't even afford a place like this." I scuffed in annoyance and rolled my eyes. In response, Kyle just shrugged and looked over at Stephanie. 

"Hello Stephanie. It's lovely seeing you again." Kyle greeted before kissing the back of Stephanie's hand. I noticed that his lips lingered there a bit too long and they were both staring at each other for quite sometime but I decided not to think anything of it. I knew Kyle was an ass, probably just trying to get on my nerves.

"Okay, so shall we eat. The sooner we eat, the sooner this asshole can get out of my house." I grumbled. 

"Oh yes, let's eat. I'm not sure how good the food will taste, Linda made it all. I tried to help, but she wouldn't listen to anything I was saying. So if it tastes horribly, just know it was all her." Stephanie announced as we all took our seat. 

I took a bite into the biscuits and gravy and I instantly moaned in delight. Linda was one of the best cooks I know. It always reminded me of the home-cooked meals my mother would make for me and Hannah when we grew up. I felt very lucky having Linda around, she was the full package. She made amazing food, she always made sure the house was clean and tidy, and she was kind. 

"Wow, it's so delicious. I think Linda did a great job." Hannah chimed as she took another big bite into her food. I looked over at Kyle who was nodding in agreement. 

"Eh, I don't know. I've had better." Stephanie voiced. I just rolled my eyes, nothing was ever good enough for her. 

We sat around the table eating our food and just having casual conversation. Once we all finished our meal, I stood up to start taking all the dishes inside. "Oh Ry, don't worry about the dishes. I'll start bringing them all inside. You just stay out here and relax." Stephanie said as she grabbed the plates out of my hands.