Page 186 of The Way I Hate Him
Because he deserves this so much. Ryland hasn’t had the easiest life. Being the firstborn, with expectations of becoming a professional baseball player held over his head, he’s never had any leeway. And when he quit baseball to become a teacher, our father harassed him constantly. But he made his way. He became head coach at Almond Bay High. He’s built the program to where it is today, a hotbed for colleges to recruit from, and he’s won Teacher of the Year twice. He’s built his life around a community, he’s been there for all of us, put his life to the side to help Cassidy when her husband passed, and when the unthinkable happened with Cassidy, he stepped up. He’s always thinking of others, and it’s about time someone thought about him.
When he releases me, I wipe at a few tears and say, “I’m so glad you love it.”
“I do. I’m so grateful for you.”
I look up into my big brother’s eyes, the same color as mine, and I say, “No, Ryland, I’m the one who is grateful for you.”
He smiles softly, and that’s when Hayes says, “Want me to give you guys a moment?”
“No,” Ryland says with a chuckle. “But I do want to know why there’s a poster of you on the back of my door.”
Hayes smirks. “Thought you might need to become reacquainted with me. It’s been a while, after all. I’ve done some things you might not be aware of.”
“Despite hating you for a better part of a decade, it’s hard to escape the things you’ve done.”
“Well, in case you wanted to listen, I left you two records next to your new record player. The songDark Liaris about you.”
“Is it?” Ryland asks, and I totally love this playful energy between them. “Looks like I need to hold the record case to my chest, stare up at the ceiling, and give it a listen.”
“The only way to do it.”
Ryland walks up to Hayes and holds his hand out. Hayes takes it right before Ryland pulls him into one of those one-armed bro hugs, and I swear to you, the moment they do it, this cloud that’s been resting over Almond Bay lifts. A weight has been lifted from all of us. A friendship renewed. Sure, they have a way to go, but this is the start, the beginning. “Thanks, Hayes. I really appreciate this.” Ryland pulls away. “After the way I treated you, I don’t think I deserve your help.”
“Water under the bridge, man.”
They both turn to me, and tears stream down my face, which causes both of them to laugh.
I swipe at them. “Don’t laugh at me. This is . . . this is a huge relief for me. I spent so much time worrying about you two getting along that it’s a weight lifted off my chest to see you as best friends again.”
“Whoa, hold up,” Hayes says, holding up his hands. “Best friends is a bit of a stretch. The man did wrongfully accuse me for many years. I’d say we’re categorized under friendlier acquaintances.”
“I agree,” Ryland says. “Don’t be calling us best friends if we haven’t even hung out alone yet. We’ll see where we are after that happens. Maybe graduate to texting acquaintances.”
“The obvious next step,” Hayes adds with a nod.
“God, you’re both annoying.”
They laugh together as I leave the room . . . a pleased smile on my face.
ChapterTwenty-One
HAYES
“You promise she won’t hate me?” Hattie asks as we make our way to Gran’s apartment.
“No, she’s going to be thrilled to meet you even though she technically knows who you are.”
“How do you know? What if she thinks I’m some sort of fangirl trying to get pregnant so you’re attached to me forever?”
“Honestly, she’d welcome the idea.”
“Huh?” Hattie asks, the cutest crinkle to her nose.
“Gran has been a little nutty recently. She’ll tell you she’s dying in the next six months, but trust me when I say she’s not. And she’ll also most likely ask you if you’re pregnant, but for her benefit because she wants a great-grandchild.”
“Oh God, really?”
“Yes. She’ll hammer home the idea of you getting pregnant. Just be prepared for that.”
