Stargirl

7

The past two weeks, I'd really dedicated myself to my work by working out consistently, eating right, and booking jobs.

I finally got my own apartment on the upper east side.

It was on the smaller side, rent was high, but I was happy I did it by myself.

Avery was helping me with the decorating and moving aspect, which I was grateful for.

"This is a really nice starter place." Avery complimented as we organized my groceries

"Thank you." I smiled

"I was actually thinking of having a house warming party. You, Ryder, me, Brielle, Diego, Maddie, you know inner circle." I went on

Avery face lit up, "Yes, tomorrow night! And we could start planning your birthday party."

"Nothing like Ryder's party though." I corrected

"Oh yeah, of course not, what if the whole inner circle went to an island or something. We could rent a whole house there." Avery proposed

I grinned, "That would be fun actually."

"It would be amazingly fun. I'll text everyone, I'll handle the food." Avery spoke

"Cool." I replied

Avery stayed over for another two hours before she left.

I kinda hated being alone. I heard one noise and got scared shitless. 

It was nine at night and I heard a knock at the door.

This is how all horror movies start.

"What the hell?" I said to myself

I walked to my front door and looked through my peephole.

I smirked as I opened my door.

Ryder stood there holding flowers and a bear.

"The housewarming party isn't until tomorrow." I grinned

"Late Valentine's Day gift, I just landed. Can I come in?" He asked me

"Oh, yeah." I said moving out of the way

Ryder handed me the dozen on roses and the small teddy bear.

Oh my goodness. 

"Thank you, Ry." I spoke as we walked into the living room

I put the flowers and teddy bear on the coffee table as we sat on the couch.

"Anyway, I just landed from Dallas, I got Avery's text and you never sent me your address. So I was like I haven't seen Holland in ten whole days so l decided to come visit you. I like the new place." Ryder said to me

"Thank you, so you did miss me?" I asked him

Ryder bit his lip, oh fuck.

"I never said that I didn't." He corrected me

"Just say that you missed me, it sounds better that way." I told him

"I missed you." Ryder breathed

I kept eye contact with him, "I missed you too."

"Mhm, that does sound better." He realized

I smiled, why couldn't I stop smiling around him?

"Are you going home soon?" I wondered

Ryder gave me a look.

"Just say it." He hinted at

One thing I realized about myself is that I was one to beat around the bush often. In contrary, Ryder was very direct.

He was helping me to be more direct with my feelings, which I appreciated.

"Right, do you wanna stay and watch some movies?" I asked him

"I'd be honored to." Ryder decided

I got up to get the huge sherpa blanket and then I put it over us.

We decided to watch 'The Breakfast Club' because somehow Ryder had never seen it. 

At first, we started on two opposite ends of the couch but by the end of the movie, we were both on the chaise lounge side.

"Okay, that was kinda overhyped." He decided as it ended

"How?" I wondered, "Like I feel that way too, but I wanna see why you think it."

"John literally sexually assaulted Claire and I hate the ending. It doesn't feel finished. I wanna know if they remain friends after, but guess what I'll never know." Ryder explained

I nodded, "A lot of movies back then are like that. Have you ever watched 'Sixteen Candles'?"

"Overhyped too." Ryder added

"I agree." I said as I laid on his shoulder

Ryder looked over at the clock, "Time goes by so fast when we're together."

"You need me to break in that bed?" Ryder joked 

That'd be great actually.

I sat up, "Shut up, do you need to get home?"

"Probably so, I have a meeting in the morning." He decided

Ryder sat up, "So, it's almost your birthday."

"It is." I confirmed, "Why?"

"Just making sure." He grinned as he got off the couch

"I'll see you tomorrow, Holly. Goodnight." He ended as I walked him out

"Text me when you get home?" I asked him

He nodded, "Always."

I opened up my arms and he hugged me.

"Goodnight, Ryder." I beamed

The night morning I did my normal routine.

I worked out with my trainer as usual, but today I got a facial.

I finished putting the final touches in my apartment.

Everyone was supposed to be coming over at eight, but Avery came over at seven to set up the food.

She decided on bringing catered acai bowls which made sense because we were all models and actors that needed to stay fit.

"Who gave you these roses?" She asked me

I started to smile and I could feel the heat in my cheeks.

Avery gave me a look, "Spill."

"Ryder did." I answered

"You two are so into each other." Avery pointed out

I shrugged, "Maybe, but is he flirty with everyone?"

"Oh, gosh, he quit that shit when he turned twenty three. I know it was only last year, but he isn't flirty with everyone." Avery clarified

"And he damn sure doesn't give everyone roses." She added

He so does have a thing for me.

"Yes, but I just got out of a relationship and I don't want to jump into anything." I reminded her

"So, you do like him?" Avery asked me

Then there was a knock on the door.

"Saved by the knock." I joked as I walked to the door

Within the next fifteen minutes, everyone was at my house.

We decided we were going to go to a Turks and Caicos for three days. One day before my birthday and one day after.

We were renting a huge house and it was going to be an amazing time.

I couldn't wait.