I stand there, in the middle of our shared living space and stare at him. "I don't... okay... okay... this is good." I look around, seemingly dumbstruck with what to do next.
Wells laughs. "Dude, shower, fast. You can tell me all the details about where the hell you've been on the way." He pushes me toward my room, and my feet thankfully move.
Through my quick shower and getting dressed in a surprisingly comfortable slim-fitting navy suit, I keep up hope that I can save things with Zella. I can explain everything, answer her questions, so we can get back on track.
Then I'm going to fucking kiss the daylights out of her. If I'm lucky, do a lot more after this fucking dance is over, and I can get out of this penguin suit.
19
Zella
For some reason, Wells doesn't escort us to the dance. Louisa said something work-related came up but promises he won't be late. Louisa doesn't seem bothered by his absence, which makes me wonder if things aren't going well for them, or maybe she's just as laid back as she seems.
We arrive in the Glass Room; I'm in awe of the space. I've never stepped foot in here before though, I've thought about it over the months. The area is large with ornate hand-painted ceilings and mirrors line the walls, giving it its name. Multiple fireplaces fill the room, yet as I look closer to them, I see they are no longer in use and probably haven't been for some time.
Cameron bumps my shoulder. "Isn't this place over the top?"
I snort. "You could say that again. It looks like a ballroom right out of a fairytale."
"I think that's the point." He chuckles. He nods his head toward one of the fireplaces. "A lot of these fireplaces used to lead to secret passageway throughout campus."
"Really? That's amazing." I study the one we stand next to more closely.
"Yeah, there are several underground tunnels that take you to places around campus, but most of them have been sealed off. Though, I'm told that there is one that still usable."
"Oh, I want to find it." I glance around the room, noting now is not the time for an adventure. "Maybe we'll sneak in here sometime and find it."
"Sounds like a plan to me. Do you want to dance? I'm going to get bored real fast if all we do is stand here and chit-chat."
I laugh because he warned me this thing would be boring, but if the right music was playing, he would just dance the night away. So it doesn't surprise me that he's ready to move it.
"I'm going to run to the ladies’ room real fast, then I'll find you on the dance floor."
He leans in and kisses my cheek before turning and wading into the large group of ball gown and suit-clad attendees.
To get to the ladies’ room, I have to wander back out of The Glass Room, but as I make my way through the growing crowd, I catch sight of Wells. He's standing with Louisa and another man. I make a mental note to find him on my way back in before making it to the dance floor.
After maneuvering my way in and out of the tiny restroom stall, I slowly wash my hands. I've been looking forward to this event for months. My dress, I'm in love with it. My hair is braided to the side, my hair swept over onto one shoulder. The stylist who spent two hours teasing, curling, and braiding my hair talked me into some side bangs to give my braid more depth and delicately pinned little white roses throughout the braid.
I have to say, despite the gobs of hairspray and bobby pins used, I'm absolutely in love with what she did. As I sat there, she shared some ideas she had for my hair if I wanted to try something new and get it cut. While cutting my hair is something I want to do, listening to the style ideas she has makes me so much more excited. I know, without a doubt, I'm going to come back to her soon.
Staring at myself in the mirror, taking in how much more grown-up I look, and feel, at this point in my life, I can't help but think of Ryker. While I took the first leap and got myself here, he helped me through all the tiny steps I still needed to take.
Him not being here makes my heart hurt.
Two women come into the restroom, both chattering away, happy as can be. They both glance at me, smiling at me through the wall-length mirror. I force a smile back and turn off the water, drying off my hands. It's time to get back out there.
Suck it up, buttercup, I tell myself as I push out the door of the restroom.
My heart races when I'm greeted with a familiar pair of eyes. He's leaning against the opposite wall with his hands in his pockets. He's wearing a dark navy suit with a white button-up shirt. His tie is skinny and matches the suit. I drink him in but can't help wondering what he's doing here. My eyes travel up his body, chest, and then land on his face. He's freshly shaved, no five o'clock shadow in sight. His hair is a bit on the shaggy side, but it suits him.
His chocolate brown eyes are intense as they stare me down. I had stopped walking, so I force myself to take a few steps toward him. Forcing myself not to run into his arms hurts more than I expected. I've been worried sick about him, but also mad as hell. I didn't expect to want to fling myself into his arms at my first sight of him in two weeks.
"Blondie, you look... you look absolutely stunning." His voice, while music to my soul, forges time into hooks and draws me to him.
"Ryker. You're here," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. Tears prick at the back of my eyes, but I fight against them.
"Want to come a little closer? You're kind of blocking the hallway." Laughter dances in his eyes, and I snap my head to the side. A few couples try to make their way around us.
I mutter an apology and walk closer to Ryker. He starts to reach for me but drops his hand at my subtle head shake. I need answers, and I won't be able to think straight if he's touching me.
"Where have you been, Ryker?" I gather my courage and fight through my desire to jump him right here and now.
"It's a long story." He smiles sadly.
"I've got time."
"Do you want to do this somewhere else? Maybe later? After a dance or two?" He doesn't look like he's trying to get out of explaining. He’s facing me, I hold all of his attention, and he has all of mine. So I don't miss his hand ball into a fist after he starts to reach for me.
My eyes dart around the hallway right outside the restroom, which isn't the best place for a reunion and interrogation.
Without hesitation, he grabs my hand and pulls me behind him back toward The Glass Room. I follow on his heels, but he doesn't stop when we get to the giant double doors, he keeps walking. The hallway is relatively empty, but we walk just a bit further until there are no other people within earshot.
Coming to a stop, I drop his hand. Control, I need to keep it, and I cross my arms across my chest and ask again, "Where have you been?”
He nods, readying himself for his explanation.
"Before I start, please know I can't tell you everything, but I will not lie to you. I'll tell you everything I possibly can, but I might not be able to share every detail." He's more serious than I've ever seen him. Suddenly, I'm scared for him, and my relief at him being here morphs into worry.
I nod; concern must show all over my face because he lifts his hand and gently strokes his thumb down my cheek.