Chapter 29: Old Enemies
When the movie was over, Rylee felt like she was in a daze. She left the theater hand in hand with Evan, and even Tara's knowing grin didn't embarrass her. Evan was the right height, so she didn't have to strain to keep her fingers wrapped in his. She was fascinated by how smooth his skin felt. So different from Blake's rough calloused hands.
They made the short drive to the ice cream parlor, which forced them to let go. But the second they arrived Evan let her out of the car and calmly recaptured her fingers. After her failed engagement, Rylee pushed all men away, which made everything feel new again. If just holding hands felt this nice, she wondered what it would feel like to kiss Evan...
"What flavor ice cream did you want?" Evan asked politely when they stood in front of the counter. Rylee's mouth watered seeing the options, before finally deciding.
"Cake batter, with cookie dough pieces," she decided. While the attendant got her order the bell rang and more customers entered. Rylee glanced over, and her heart froze in her chest. Her grip sharpened on Evan's hand reflexively as the woman saw her.
"Runt! Long time no see."
Rylee turned her head but it was too late. The woman sauntered over, the rest of her group following behind. "I didn't know you were showing your face in public again. I guess you haven't had enough shame over the years to learn your lesson."
"What do you want, Shanna?" Rylee hissed. Hearing the name, Zane moved sideways and stepped between them. The gesture put Rylee between the boys, but didn't stop Shanna from sneering.
"Two guys, Runt? Isn't that a bit much for you to handle? You couldn't even keep one guy from leaving you, now you want to try two?"
"Get lost."
"Where are you working now anyway? Maybe I'll just have to come visit you there. Unless it's someplace dirty, I don't want to lower my standards that much."
There was a glimmer in her eyes of malice, and Rylee felt rage building inside her. There was a time this woman could intimidate her, but they weren't children anymore. Shanna seemed to sense a change in Rylee, because the mocking smile became a sneer. The nervous worker set Rylee's ice cream on the counter, and Shanna's eyes locked onto it.
Zane snatched it before the woman could act, handing it to Rylee. Evan paid quickly and the two of them escorted her to the door. Rylee was torn between feeling grateful and embarrassed by this. She wanted to fight her own battles, but also appreciated their intentions.
Zane was the one who spoke first when they reached the car. "She's not worth your energy, Ry. It doesn't matter how old you get, bullies just want to see a reaction." He seemed calm now as he took a bite of his own ice cream and handed the container to Evan to hold. They made the short drive to Evan's apartment, unanimously accepting they would eat there. Rylee scooped a bite of cookie dough, liking the flavor but wishing the sour taste would leave her mouth that Shanna has caused. When they were seated in the living room, Evan watched her silently, but didn't push her.
Zane lacked the same tact, "Was that the girl HE took off with?" He questioned. Rylee shook her head.
"No, that slut is married to him now. Shanna was a jerk from high school. She likes to make a reappearance in my life sometimes just to torment me I guess."
"How did she know..."
"Beats me. Mocking me today was her way of flaunting she found out," Rylee sighed.
Evan finished his own desert and put the empty container on the table next to them. He surprised her by pulling Rylee into a hug.
"Zane's right, she wasn't worth your energy. And if she bugs you again, we can deal with her."
Rylee laughed despite herself, looking up at him. His eyes were fierce, a protective expression on his face. "What, you guys have some mafia connections I don't know about?"
Evan grinned, "Hey, we're geeks. We have our own connections to utilize." He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead. It was so unexpected she almost dropped her spoon, and color rushed back to her cheeks.
Zane snickered and left the room to throw his empty container away. Rylee finished her own desert, and set the dish aside. She glanced back at Evan, surprised how gentle his expression looked now. It made her heart race. She was facing an emotional roller coaster tonight.
"Were you ready to go home, or did you want to stay longer? Zane brought extra controllers if you want to play a round of Melee with us."
Normally Rylee was the first to escape social situations, but today she didn't feel quite so rushed. She let herself pick up a controller, winking at Evan. "Do you boys really think you stand a chance against me? I may new with the N Swap, but I am still a Melee pro!" She declared.
"Is that so?" Zane entered, snatching up the second controller before Evan could get to it. "I hold the current standing for most K.O.'s in a single round! Don't underestimate my gaming cred'!"
Evan snatched the blue controller away from him, ignoring Zane's protest. "Use your own controller! And besides, were at my house, do you really think you'll win on my home turf!"
Zane laughed, "We always game here, and you always lose here! It's yet to make a difference!"
Rylee let them banter, using the opportunity to navigate through the main menus. She had already chosen her character and the level before they knew what hit them. Zane caught on first and quickly jumped in, leaving Evan scrambling to catch up. The living room was soon filled with the sounds of laughter, the unpleasant encounter left to be just a fading memory.
They played past midnight, until Rylee finally let Evan take her home. There were few cars on the street, and the drive was quiet and peaceful. Even so, Evan looked thoughtful, so Rylee faced him.
"You're wondering, aren't you? About what she was saying?"
He nodded, deciding to be honest, and pulled the car into a space to park. "It's something you can explain on your own terms though. I want to date you, get to know you. Those unpleasant memories are just as important as the good ones, because they made you who you are today."
Rylee relaxed, smiling at him. She leaned across the middle console and kissed him on the cheek. He turned, pausing long enough to give her a chance to retreat, but she didn't. She felt his lips brush hers softly, the contact sending shivers through her body. She had forgotten how it felt to be kissed, to feel wanted. His hand caught her neck, holding her still for a moment, their foreheads touching.
"Come visit me again, okay? It's kinda sucked not having you around this week." His voice sounded deeper, alluring. She let her lips meet his once more, promising to return.
"Goodnight." She pulled away reluctantly, and made her way inside the house. It took several minutes before she finally heard the sound of him driving away.
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