Better With You

XVI

RYDER'S POV

Today's the meeting with all the people that caused me to have a panic attack.

I think I'm ready.

Anxious.

But ready.

Every time I've seen these people I've had the choice of fight or flight.

Each time I've chosen flight.

That ends today.

I hold onto Luke's hand as he drives us to Mikey's place.

"Remember, it's you and I against the world. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you." He said.

I nodded as I squeezed his hand.

I took a deep breath as we made it to the front door.

He knocked gently.

"Congratulations on being the first to show up." Mikey sneered.

I hid my eye roll.

I sat next to Luke and unfortunately across from Griffin.

She rolled her eyes at me.

He squeezed my hand.

Shortly after, Margarita and Weston showed up.

"Now that we're all here, I think it's time to make things better. Back to the way they were." Mikey started.

"Oh good! Does this mean Ryder is moving back to Indiana?" Griffin asked hopefully.

"I'm from Ohio. And no. I'm not going anywhere." I spoke up.

"It was a rhetorical question." She said through gritted teeth.

"Before things get better, why don't we just talk about why we all hate my girlfriend so much? I'm interested to know." Luke said.

"She ruined my life!" Margarita yelled.

"She's just a straight up bitch." Griffin said.

"Actually, I have something to say about Ryder." Weston said ready to speak his mind.

"Enlighten us." Griffin said with evil hidden behind his eyes.

I squeezed Luke's hand trying to hide the incoming panic attack.