Taking Chances

Chapter 46

            The morning sun lighted up Ryan's kitchen revealing an orderly scene. The beer bottles were all in the recycling bin. The pizza boxes cleaned up and in the garbage. It was seven o'clock and Ryan stepped out of the shower feeling energized. He was meeting Bec this morning.

He made a protein drink, poured cereal and yoghurt into a bowl, and sat down to eat. Meeting Bec wouldn't be an issue. He had two free periods this morning and the following two were senior classes. They were practising exam essays again. No problems there.

At seven-thirty, he dialled the number for the office. Delores answered, "Brooksdale High School."

"Hi. Delores? It's Ryan. Listen, I won't be in this morning. The tap in my kitchen's broke and I need to get it fixed."

"Mmmhuh. Trying to get things tied up before Bec leaves?"

Ryan swallowed. How could she know? But then again, Delores knew everyone's business. Ryan replied, "Yeah. She's leaving this weekend, so busy time, you know."

"I'll tell Janice. Anything else you want me to tell Janice?"

Damn. Delores knew about the job, too. "No. I need to see Janice this afternoon anyway. Thanks Delores."

"You take care Ryan."

He hung up thinking how many people actually knew what was going on. Small towns. He looked at the clock. Seven-forty-five. He was supposed to see Bec at her place at eight-thirty.

Last night he messaged her, then she called him. They talked about Melbourne, Brooksdale, jobs, and their relationship. In the end, Ryan had decided it would be better to talk face-to-face. Bec had agreed. Now, Ryan just had to wait. He decided to vacuum the house – something to fill thirty minutes.