Stay

6

EVIE 

Campus was relatively busy for a Tuesday night. With no classes being offered at this time, it was hard to believe that this many people were out and about. The east court was busy with a sea of students. A group of guys stood in a semi circle laughing like a group of hyenas. Their obnoxious voices grow louder the closer I get. I internally cringe when I notice where they stood. “Of course,” I mutter to myself. They would be right in front of the pub. 

The closer I reached them, the louder their voices got. A thick aroma of drugstore brand cologne and a overused hair gel slowly came into my line of vision. I kept my head held high. Not needing to falter away from them and their stares. I wasn’t one to get nervous around the opposite sex. They didn’t usually bother me or make me quiver in my boots. Yet, I wasn’t overly cocky or confident around them either. Generally, I was neutral. Almost like one of the boys. At least, that’s what I liked to tell myself. 

“Evelyn Jones. Out on a Tuesday night? My eyes must be betraying me.” I stop in my tracks, knowing that voice from anywhere. Ryder stands amongst the group of obnoxious guys. His bright brown eyes watching me with sheer amusement. 

“It’s the end of the world as we know it.” I shrug, maneuvering my way past him and his group of friends. But much to my luck (or lack there of), he breaks away from them and cuts in front of me. “Just hanging out with the gal pals,” I sarcastically remark. 

I can hear their obnoxious snickering from behind him. My eyes rolling in response. “Which group of gal pals do I owe the pleasure of seeing you out on a Tuesday night? They must teach me their ways.” 

Pulling my coat closer to my body, I let out a puff of air. “Jessie Thompson and crew,” I inform him. 

“Didn’t know you were all friends.” 

“We’re team mates.” 

“Of course.” Tired by this conversation, I push past him once again. Yet, like he always did, Ryder pulled me back. 

“I’m late.” 

“Does the father know?” He smirks. 

This only results in an overdramatic eye roll and a huff of exasperated air. “He does. We’re having twins.” 

“Congratulations.”

“Appreciated.” 

Silence. A smirk slowly growing across his lips. “You never called me,” he says slowly, watching me intently. His head bowed, his breath fanning across my cheek. I bite my cheek, eyes trained on his hand that pushes a fallen piece of hair behind my ear. 

“Didn’t know I was supposed to,” I tell him slowly. My body still as his hand runs down my arm.   Ryder sticks his hands into the pockets of his peacoat. He leans against the wall of the pub, his legs crossing. 

“Usually when someone calls and leaves a message, the friendly thing is to return the call,” he smirks lightly. Humor laced within his words. I shrug, my fingers playing nimbly with the pockets of my coat. 

“Try again next time. Maybe I’ll even answer this time.” 

“I guess I’ll just have to do that.”

“Yep. Now, if you excuse me,” I nod towards the door, his body blocking my way. After a few more moments of staring, he finally steps to the side, allowing me access to the door. Finally. “Have a goodnight, Ryder.” 

“You too kid,” he chuckles. I rolled my eyes at the belittling nickname, not bothering to even comment. 

The pub is busy with stress-free university students. Groups are huddled throughout the pub. I push my way through, on hunt for a group of girls. The gal pals. There’s a billiards table in the middle of the pub. A group of guys are playing a game, drunken smiles plastered on each of their faces. Laughter is heard throughout the pub, fighting to be heard over the loud music being played. A classic 80’s rock hit plays from the old speakers. Nobody seemed to mind the noise, all too preoccupied with their glasses of beer and their drunken good time.