Once Was, Never Again

Chapter 8: "Do Tell..."

-One Week Later-

I don't understand... Just last week, the man had me pressed against the wall, and yet, nothing is happening. Anytime I walk into the office, he ignores me.

"Um, Hannah," Gavin taps my shoulder, breaking me from my thoughts. "So, I was thinking...." Gavin pauses, trying to find the right words. "I know Geoff has been showing you around town, but maybe you would like to let someone closer to your age show you some pretty top spots."

Huh? Why? It's not like I really go anywhere... Oh, wait, is he asking me out?

Behind Gavin, Ryan is leaning over his desk, focused on his computer.

"You mean, like a date?" I ask. I peer behind Gavin's shoulder. Ryan freezes at the word "date",

Gavin grins. "Yeah! If that's alright with you?"

"I don't mind. I could use a new tour guide." I smile.

"Top! Can I get your number? I can text you with details." Gavin and I exchange numbers. "Well, I'm about to head out." Gavin waves. "I'll text you later!"

"Bye." I wave. Ryan is no longer in the room. I wonder where he went? I'm sure he's busy editing.

"Okay, sorry we have to stay so late," Dad walks into the room. "You really don't mind helping me with some of this work?"

"Not at all! I find it interesting!" I nod.

The hours fly by as Dad and I talk and laugh as we edit videos.

"Man, it's really late. We should probably get back home. We got a lot done. I'll just come in early tomorrow-"

"No need!" I interrupt. "I can stay and finish everything up!"

"Really? How will you get home?"

"I'll either catch a ride with someone or call a cab. I'll be fine."

"Okay," Dad sighs. "Be careful. Call me if something happens." Dad says as he leaves.

I plop back into my chair and continue to work.

-Two hours Later-

I yawn and check the time. It's getting close to midnight. Better start heading home. I don't want Dad to freak out.

I start packing up. I hear footsteps coming closer. Ryan pops in. I freeze in my tracks. Something about him makes me nervous. But in a good way. (Is that possible? Well, it is now)

"Hey," Ryan offers a half smile. "Still here? We keep running into each other like this."

Wait, he's talking to me? During work hours, he only says hello or something.

Ryan walks into the office. "I decided to stay late, too. Did you need a ride home? I'm going to finish up some stuff and we can go."Yeah, sure."

There. That solves my ride issue.

Ryan sits at his desk and boots up his computer. "I forgot some files on my computer. I'm just going to transfer them and then we can leave." Ryan says.

I pull up a chair and sit next to him. I check my phone. Still nothing from Gavin. Did I give him the wrong number? I'm pretty sure I gave him the right one.

"So, I heard you're going on a date with Gavin?" Ryan asks, not looking from his computer.

Why does it matter to him? "Yeah, I guess. He seems like a nice guy so why not?" I shrug.

Ryan turns in his chair, inching closer to me. "Did you forget our little discussion? I thought I made myself clear."

My heart begins to race. What is with him?! He ignores me, then suddenly wants to flirt with me again?! "Look, I don't know where you think this is going to lead, but if this is your way of "making me yours", then this is certainly not how to do it." I warn him.