The Constant

Chapter 23

BEA POV

 We had just finished dinner and Ryker said he was taking me somewhere else. As he was driving, I couldn't help but watch him. He was beautiful. His sharp jawbone, his green eyes that sparkled, his smile which creased at the ends. 

He peered over at me quickly, "What? Why are you looking at me?" He asked. 

I smiled, "I'm just thinking about how happy I am right now." 

An adorable pink blush crept upon his face. "I'm happy too." He said, squeezing my hand. 

"So where are we going now?" I asked. 

"We are going to ring in this night with another tradition of ours." Ryker said, flashing me a cheeky smile. 

I groaned jokingly. "You're not saying what I think you're saying right?" 

He nodded, "Yes, bowling at Jammo's and then finishing the night off with their super fudge, super nutty sundae." 

RYKER POV

"Yes! And that's my, what is it it, fourth strike?" I said as I turned around to face Bea, the cockiest of smiles on my face.

She stuck her tongue out at me. "Shut up." 

I kept the rapport going, "Do you need bumpers?" I asked her. 

She pushed me gently as she passed me to get up to do her turn. "You know I suck at bowling." She laughed. 

As she stood up at front bowling, I just once again realized how beautiful she was. The date was going great, everything felt comfortable and easy. I mean I was still nervous and wanted to make her happy, but it felt right. I have no idea why it took me this long to finally take her out on a real date I'm sure as hell glad I finally came to my senses. 

"Dammit!" I heard her curse, bringing me back out of my thoughts. 

I stood up and walked to her. "Do you need some help?" I whispered in her ear as I wrapped my arms around her. 

She nodded, "Honestly, what am I doing wrong?" She asked. 

"Here, I'll guide your arm." I said, gently grasping her arm and helping her guide the ball down the lane. Down went the remaining pins that were left from her first bowl. Her eyes lit up excitedly and she clapped her hands. 

"I did it!" 

I high fived her, "Yeah you did, now let's see if you can do that again without my help." I challenged her.

She had a determined look on her face, "I bet I'll be beating you in no time." She smiled. I laughed and stood up and took my turn. 

BEA POV

"Now that I know how throw the ball a bit better, I'll definitely beat you next time." I told Ryker as we walked to the counter to return our shoes. 

"Yeah yeah, you did better, but let's not get cocky." He teased. "But now, I'm hungry again, let's get that sundae." 

There was a small diner type restaurant in the bowling alley that hosted a few small booths. They served the usually appetizers and food but what Jammo's diner was most know for was their super nutty sundaes. They were huge, with three, ginormous scoops of ice cream, layers of hot fudge, nuts, whip cream and three cherries on top, which I usually ate since Ryker didn't like cherries. 

"Why don't you get us a table and I'll get the sundae" Ryker said. 

"It's quiet here tonight, besides aren't we splitting the price?" I asked as I reached into my bag for my wallet. 

Ryker put his hand over my arm, stopping me, "No, I'm paying tonight." He said. 

"But you paid for dinner and bowling. I can't let you pay for everything." I protested. 

He grabbed my hand, his thumb rubbing my hand gently, "This is our first date Bea, and I really want to treat you tonight and give you a good night." He said. 

I couldn't help but feel all mushy inside at how sweet Ryker was. I cupped his cheek, "That is so sweet Ryk, but tonight hasn't been special because you've paid for everything, tonight has been special because I've been with you." I told him. 

He leaned down and kissed my forehead. "You're right, but tonight I'm gonna pay for us, next time we'll be fifty fifty. Deal?" He reached his hand out. 

I took his hand and shook it, "Deal. I'll go get us a booth." 

I walked and found us a nice corner booth for the two of us. "Nice corner booth eh?" Ryker said, carrying the large sundae in both hands. I blushed while he chuckled. "I didn't know you were so forward on dates Bea." He teased. 

I just instead took a huge scoop of the ice cream and took it in my mouth. He smiled and just took a scoop for himself.