Cuffs and Kisses

Chapter 24 - Let's Talk

Heather

I'm distracted the whole next day after waking up to an email from Ryder begging me to talk to him. The email has me playing out all the possible scenarios in my mind. I know Mac told me that I'm enabling his behavior by responding to him, which is why I blocked his phone number. Clearly he's been through a lot recently if he's reaching out over email. He probably just needs a friend. I cared for him once and I still care for his mental health. I think getting his DUI really set him on the straight path to keeping out of trouble.

And he knows there's no funny business. Our physical relationship is over, so being friends with him should be achievable.

Maybe I'll just email him back that I can talk later tonight.

I reach into my backpack to pull out my phone, but then I think of Kayne. We're moving slowly right now, but I'm afraid of how this will look to him. Ryder used to get jealous all the time when I had guy friends. If I talk to Ryder, is Kayne going to get offended and leave?

I don't think it's worth the risk. But, Kayne and I aren't officially anything now, so I doubt it will hurt anything.

I succumb to my emotions and email Ryder back.

Me

I'm free to talk tonight.

I don't expect a response for a couple of hours. Making me wait for a text back is Ryder's M.O.

~*~

At lunch, I'm sitting with the normal group. Kayne hasn't joined us, and for good reason. A lot of rumors about his actions the other night are going around. They are all wrong, but I don't particularly plan to tell anyone about what Faulkner actually did. It's over with and I'm afraid no one would believe me, anyway. They've all been friends with Faulkner for much longer than they have known me.

In front of everyone, Ali says, "I heard things with you and Fletcher really heated up this weekend. He told me all about the date."

Laurie chokes on the celery she's eating. Patrick pounds her in the back to dislodge the piece. I look at George, who hangs his head instead of making eye contact. Fletcher's cheeks become rosy. He looks down at me with embarrassment, making it clear that he didn't plan for Ali to bring it up. The response from the others tells me that Ali has already told them everything Fletcher disclosed.

I'm mortified at what details he might have told her, especially because for the majority of our make-out session, I was thinking about Kayne. Of course, the group doesn't need to know that, or what happened with Kayne that night either. "So when are you going to seal the deal?" Ali asks bluntly. I just blink at her in disbelief that she's bringing this up now.

Ali leans in and murmurs, "C'mon, Heather. I know you're not a virgin. What's the holdup?"

Thank God that Kayne isn't here to witness this.

"Ali, I'm going to ask you to respectfully drop it. Whatever happens, stays between me and Fletcher." I say in the nicest tone I can muster despite the situation.

Ali looks disappointed that she's not getting some juicy gossip. But, the look on my face seems to deter her from making another comment. She quickly changes the subject back to the party. Before she can say anything about Kayne, I excuse myself from the table muttering about how I need to get to class early.

Fletcher stands up to walk me to class. As we walk, he's quiet, which is alright by me because I'm a bit miffed about what he told Ali.

As we approach the door of the classroom, Fletcher says, "I have something I want to ask you, but I don't think we have enough time to talk about it now. Can you meet me by my car in the parking lot after school?"