close // shyland

f o u r

It was cold. The night was always freezing to me year-round. I didn't know where to go. I didn't want to go back to the house and run into Shane. I was far too angry for that still. I decided to text Lily.

Ryland: Hey, can you come pick me up? I'm at this Taco Bell down the street from the bar.

I knew she was safe to ask because she had one drink when we arrived all those hours ago.

Lily: I got you.

I sighed in relief deciding to walk inside the Taco Bell to warm up before Lily came. I was still heavily drunk. The world was spinning, and I felt tingly. I plopped myself into a booth closing my eyes until I heard a chuckle. I opened my eyes to see a man sitting in the same booth as me.

"Occupied." I said annoyed and not in the mood for conversation.

"I know I was sitting here and then you came along and plopped down across from me." He said smiling with bright white teeth. Shane didn't have those teeth.

"Oh, I'm sorry." I said trying to get up.

"It's fine plus you seem quite drunk, I don't think you should be moving." He said meeting my eyes with his hazel. Beautiful.

"Thanks, and I am." I smiled at him.

"You got a safe way home...? He asked fishing for my name.

"Ryland and yeah my friend is on her way." I said, heart-warming at the care.

"I'm Jordan and that's well." He said smiling at me. I took a minute to study him through my alcohol induced glaze. His hair was dark brown and styled. He had fair skin with bright hazel eyes and a jawline that could kill. He was handsome no doubt. I felt myself blush.

"Like a drink?" He asked, and I could hear a faint accent. British maybe.

"If you don't mind." I said quieter than normal. I took the cup from him and brushed hands and we shocked each other. I jumped back, and he laughed. It was deep but cheerful sound and I could feel the blush come back.

"Sorry." He apologized smiling. I shook my head sipping from his straw.

"It's alright." I smiled. I noticed bright lights shine in through the window and I saw Lily driving. I got up feeling a little more sober and looked at Jordan.

"I gotta go." I said waving goodbye to him. I walked out and made my way down the steps to Lily's car before hearing a voice.

"Ryland." I turned around to see Jordan was behind me.

"Yes?" I asked as he approached me. He placed a napkin in my hand and smiled at me.

"Just think about it." He said before walking back inside. I turned around walking to Lily's car again looking at the clean folded napkin in my hand. It had a phone number. Jordan gave me his number. I opened Lily's passenger door and hopped in. I placed the napkin in my lap buckling my seat belt.

"Thank you Lily." I said looking up only to see Shane in the back seat with hurt written all over his face.

"Don't say anything." Lily said harshly sensing my unease at Shane. I decided not to piss her off as she was my ride and hopefully where I can crash for a few days.

"What's that?" I heard Shane ask but I ignored him.

"Can I stay with you for a little Lily?" I asked, and she just nodded.

"Ryland, what's that?" Shane asked again. I could tell he was talking about the napkin in my lap.

"Nothing." I snapped at him and he was quiet after that. Lily dropped me at her house before leaving with Shane, I'm assuming to take him home. I felt nothing as I curled up in Lily's couch and fell asleep.