Friendzoned

Chapter 26

Rae

Ryder ran off pretty quick to talk to Cathy. I wonder if there is anything serious going on between them. I mean how serious can it really be? We have only been here for two days. But then again, Landon and I are having lunch together too. Landon is really sweet. I wouldn’t mind getting to know him a little better. There is no point in saving myself for Ryder when he is already off flirting with my roommate. Oh well.

I am really glad that he stayed and helped me with basketball though. I really needed the help. I am definitely not a sporty girl. I wasn’t even going to take part in the basketball game but Landon and Cathy talked me into it. As I walked into the mess hall, I grabbed a cup and filled it with water. I looked into the kitchen and saw all of the cooks hard at work. That reminded me that lunch was pretty soon. I looked at the clock. Lunch was in 20 minutes. I decided to take a quick shower and change my clothes real quick. I made my way back to my cabin to grab a towel and my shampoo and conditioner. Cathy was sitting on her bed putting some makeup on.

“Hey girly. What are you up to?” I asked.

“Oh, I am just getting ready for lunch. Your friend Ryder asked me to eat with him! I think I might like him.” She exclaimed. She was so excited.

“Well good! I’m glad! I will see you later then!” I grabbed a change of clothes and left the cabin. After my shower, I got changed and dried my hair. I was 5 minutes late already. I ran to my cabin to drop off my stuff and made my way to the mess hall again. As soon as I walked through the door, I spotted Ryder and Cathy sitting on one side of the Cafeteria talking and Landon was sitting on the other side drinking some soda. I walked up behind him and wrapped my hands around his eyes like he had done to me earlier that day.

“Guess who!” I said smiling as I moved to sit down next to him. “Sorry I am late. I lost track of time and I didn’t want to smell bad so I took a quick shower.”

“Oh it’s ok! I don’t mind.” He explained. I praised him for his patience and we walked up to get food together. On my way up to grab a tray, I noticed Ryder staring in our direction. Cathy was talking about something and he did not look interested. Once we made it through the line, we walked back to our table. The first few minutes were quite awkward. I wasn’t really used to talking to boys other than Ryder and Jake. I didn’t even know what to say. Once we got through the first couple of conversation starter questions, it began going more smoothly. Every once in a while I looked over to see Ryder totally engrossed in what Cathy was saying. I wonder if she is having a good time or if Ryder likes her back. I guess I will just have to ask him later.

“Rae. Rae? Are you listening to me?” I heard Landon say as I snapped back into reality. I was thinking about Ryder again. I need to stop. This isn’t healthy.

“Oh, right. Sorry, yeah I’m listening.” I replied. “What were you saying?”

“I was talking about how excited I am for the basketball game later. I really want to know who is going to be on my team. Even though I don’t know like anyone here except you, Cathy, and Ryder.” He said.

“I just really hope that the people on my team are really good so it can make up for my awful basketball skills. Ryder was trying to help me with my free throws and such but I am hopeless.” I replied. Landon laughed in response. Thoughts of the way Ryder held me so close against him while he guided my arm with the ball sent a shiver up my spine. I started stirring around my mashed potatoes with my fork to mask my embarrassment at the thought of Ryder and me. I suddenly felt a pair of eyes staring into my head. I looked up and met Ryder’s gaze. He jerked his head down as soon as our eyes met.

“Oh hey, I think the teams are up.” Landon said ignoring my distance from our conversation. I let him drag me by the hand over to where a sheet of paper was tacked onto the wall. I scanned the list until I saw my name. I was on team two. Without thinking about it, I started scanning the list for Ryder’s name as well. He wasn’t on the same team as me.

“Heck yeah! We are on the same team Rae!” Landon exclaimed. “Cathy is on our team as well.”

“Awesome! I can’t wait to play. Let’s go kayaking or something before the game.” I suggested. I grabbed Landon’s arm and pulled him towards the door.