Chapter 3
I paid no mind to the mix of reactions on the faces of the rich kids in the VIP lounge.
I walked out with a cool swagger.
As I headed downstairs to settle the bill at the front desk, someone stepped up beside me, casting a shadow.
Ryan slid his card across the counter.
"Let me get it," he said.
His voice was gentle and reassuring, with just the right touch of gentlemanly charm, whispering right by my ear.
I turned and realized it was Ryan, the handsome guy I just friended online.
When he saw me looking at him, Ryan explained, "I've got a membership here, so I get 20% off."
"Thanks for letting me use your discount. How much is it after the deal? I'll send you the money," I said.
I wasn't short on cash, and since I already said I'd cover the bill, it wouldn't make sense to let someone else pay.
Besides, I really didn't like owing anyone anything.
Ryan just smiled and said, "Transferring money feels way too formal. I skipped dinner earlier, so I'm actually a bit hungry. How about you return the favor and treat me, Ms. Carter?"
I couldn't say no to those gorgeous eyes of his.
Before I knew it, I found myself nodding.
The restaurant had just the right number of people for a relaxing afternoon vibe.
I picked a spot with plenty of sunlight, where I could watch the street outside.
Since it was my first time here, I let Ryan handle the ordering.
He asked about any foods I didn't eat, then confidently picked out a few dishes.
After all that chaos in the VIP lounge, my stomach was seriously growling.
The four dishes were a feast for the senses, perfect portions, mouthwatering aromas, and they looked absolutely delicious.
I took a bite of the fresh greens and was honestly surprised.
The taste was subtle, but the aroma was amazing; it really hit the spot.
I sampled each dish, and to my delight, every single one was right up my alley.
My mood, which had been pretty lousy, actually started to lift. I decided to start the conversation and said, "Thanks for stepping in back there."
Ryan was also friends with Nathan.
But for some reason, I just felt like he was different from the others.
The others always kept me at arm's length, like there was an invisible wall between us.
But Ryan was different; he came across as genuinely sincere.
There was nothing but warmth in his eyes, no hint of disdain, arrogance, or impatience.
Ryan said with a soft smile, "I'll admit, I had my own motives.
"Back in high school, I always saw you with Nathan. Honestly, I had a bit of a crush on you.
"Then I went overseas for college, got busy with classes, and dating just wasn't on my mind.
"But seeing you again today? Feels like fate, doesn't it?
"So, how about we start as friends?"
Ryan's tone was easygoing, never pushy or overbearing.
But my heart started racing, and I couldn't help feeling a little nervous.
I just blurted out, "High school? I don't really remember you."
As soon as the words left my mouth, I instantly regretted them.
Back then, I was totally head over heels for Nathan.
My eyes were glued to him; there was no way I would have noticed anyone else.
Ryan caught my awkwardness and just laughed it off. He said, "Guess I was just another face in the crowd. If I'd stood out a bit more, maybe we would've been friends sooner."
Ryan had such an easygoing vibe; being with him just made everything feel relaxed.
At first, I was pretty tense and reserved, but gradually, I found myself loosening up and feeling more comfortable.
We finished our meal, and since we were both on the same wavelength, we decided to catch a new movie together.
The plot was pretty cliché, supposed to be a comedy, but in the end, they forced some emotional depth and tried way too hard to get all sentimental.
I said, "Honestly, I would've given it an eight out of ten, but that ending just made me roll my eyes."
Ryan nodded in agreement. He said, "Yeah, comedy always has a bit of tragedy underneath, but if you strip away the laughs and all you're left with is heaviness, that's just kind of lame."
By the time we walked out of the theater, it was already dark outside.
Ryan asked for my address and dropped me off right at my doorstep.
He rolled down the window, and the glow from the car's dashboard lit up half his face.
In the quiet darkness, my heart skipped a beat.
I lifted my hand and gave him a small wave.
Even as the distance between us grew, I could clearly see the faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Goodnight," Ryan said softly in the night.