Crossing Paths

Eleven

"Rylan?" Ry yelled from the door I'd exited from moments ago.

Slowing so he could catch up, "Hey Ry. Don't you have class?" I asked once he caught up.

Standing in front of me so I'd stop walking, "Yes. Um, do you, can we have dinner tonight? I've got something I need to run by you."

I'd never seen him so nervous. "Sure. Seven?"

Already backing away, "Yep, my place. Text if you want a ride." Yelling over his shoulder as he jogged back to the door.

I watched him disappear wondering what had him acting so strange. I picked up my pace since I was already running late to meet Chloe for our lunch plans.

Locating the vibrating phone in my purse, "Hey mom."

"Good. I wasn't sure if I'd catch you." Her voice poured through the phone.

"Yeah. I'm on my way to meet Chloe for lunch."

"This won't take long. I wanted to let you know my plans have changed. Something came up at work."

A sliver of hope filled me. Did she change her mind about visiting? "Oh? What's that?"

"I'll be flying in this Thursday evening and flying out Saturday evening."

That sliver of hope came to a screeching halt, and turned into a big ball of nerves. "Greeaat." The word drug out in dread.

"Love the enthusiasm. Talk to you soon. Love you, enjoy your lunch."

"Love you too," Ending the call.

My mouth watered as I carried the greasy slices of pizza to the high top table. I didn't know how hungry I was until we entered the pizzeria fifteen minutes ago. Standing across from her, immediately digging into one of the enormous greasy slices.

"Hungry much?" She giggled watching me devour my first slice.

Wiping my mouth, "Obviously. I didn't know I was hungry until we got here."

Flashing a worried glance, "Is everything ok? You're lookin' a little stressed today."

"Really? That noticeable?" Nodding she waited for me to continue. Sighing, "Our hours getting cut put me on edge. Then mom visiting got me teetering over that edge. She called on my way here, and her visit got moved up to this week. So, she'll be here Thursday. That, pushed me over the edge. I'll be fine once this weekends over," I smiled weakly.

She didn't look convinced, but didn't push. Instead she surprised me by changing the subject. "Tell me about your dinner guest," Wiggling her brow suggestively.

Right away I felt a smile tug at my lips. "I met a guy named Kian, the night Ry and I went to Curb. Surprisingly, we actually share a math class. Anyways, Ry went to get us drinks and the guy noticed me. So he introduced himself, and we exchanged numbers. By accident we ran into each other yesterday while I was working, and while he was ordering coffee he asked me to dinner."

The excitement that filled Chloe's face was infectious. "I bet Ry was pissing himself," She laughed uncontrollably.

"What? Why? I don't understand," Turning her words over again in my head.

Rolling her eyes, "Rylan, Seriously? A strange guy introduces himself. Ry comes back to find you drunk flirting with a stranger. Then watches you exchange numbers. Please tell me you're not that naive? Ry was totally pissing down his leg. Damn it, I wish I'd been there to see it."

I heard every word she said, but I still didn't understand. "Naïve? About what? We're just friends. It's no different than someone introducing themselves to him."