s fraying. He hadn't seen Alex for months, a

n she looked at him with those big brown eyes,

to relax He had changed in front of my e

iving him a pat on the ba

ot liking it.

he was living a decade behind. Alex was as charming and charism

more uncomfortable. Alex was still telling the same

ing?" Ryan said at last, hi

aid, eying him quizz

to meet up tonight?" Ryan as

t. "I simply wanted to put a hand

"Don't lie to me, Alex

gh his hair. "Fine, Ryan. If you want to

rrowed. "What

nervously. "I'm in debt, Ryan. Big ti

in shock. "How much

"I know it's a lot, Ryan. But I assure you,

and shook his head. "I don't know, Alex. I

inge of guilt. But then he thought about the times

finally said. "But I'm

oing to explode, judging by

ng, huh?" Alex spat. "Afte

to his feet. "I'm sorry, Alex. But I'm not g

ief. He had finally stood up t

rted with anger and hatred. Ryan realized this w

x and their little escapade. He had done the right

ed. He wondered what she'd think if

was vibrating. He paused fo

yan," E

ered and he felt himse

you," Emma said. "How're you fee

to say. "I'm feeling okay,

," she said, with a ge

ne he could be real with. "I had a fight with an o

ma said. "Do you wan

gentleness of Emma's voice calmed him