Page 75 of Last Letters to Ara
You know, Ryder isn’t so bad. With his looks, he probably has to act like a dick to everyone in this place to keep them at bay, male or female. And he seems to be watching out for me tonight.
“My name is Sarah, by the way, but most people call me Ara. You can call me Ara, too, if you want.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ara.” The typical words sound strange coming from him in his slightly monotonous voice, but I still think he means it.
“To be honest, I wish I wasn’t so sad that I ended up in a random bar meeting you, but here I am!” A hysterical laugh escapes me, and I know this Cosmopolitan is packing a punch.
“You enjoy that, Ara.” Ryder lets a small grin escape, just a twitch of his left lip as he walks away to serve another customer.
I’m finishing my fifth cocktail, courtesy of some random person, when I notice how busy it’s gotten at the bar. I have to peesobad, but I don’t want to risk losing my seat.
“Ryder! Are you avoiding me?” I start laughing. Everything is so freaking hilarious right now, even though Ryder started playing hard to get after I finished my third drink.
I’m surprised by how many strangers have bought me drinks tonight, instantly becoming my friends. A group of guys even let me take Jell-O shots with them earlier. We sang “Happy Birthday” for Dad as loudly as we could and got the entire bar to join in.
Ryder gives me a disapproving look. “How many have you had? I know the last few drinks haven’t gone through me.”
“I haven’t hadenough, if that’s what you’re asking!” I’m yelling because I’m so happy that I met Ryder and I want him to know. Even though he doesn’t smile much, I know that he’s a good one.
“That’s the last one for you. I’ll be keeping better tabs, too, so don’t try asking anyone else for drinks.” Ryder’s attention is snagged by a group of kids who don’t even look old enough to be here who have just come in the door. They’re the kind of brats I always see around the rich parts of Tampa Bay, in their pastel-colored Ralph Lauren shirts, and their Sperry shoes, as if it’s the official uniform.
One of the boys nods to Ryder, and I follow his gaze to see Ryder’s jaw tic, just before he leans over to push a button underneath the bar. The kids slip through the crowd, and push through what I didn’t even realize was a door.
“Ooooo, what’s back there? A secret party dungeon?”
Ryder gives me a sharp look. “It’s a limited-access lounge.”
“Sureeeeee, it is. I’ve seen enoughLaw and Order.” I giggle. “Now, come on!! Whip me up something fancy, Ryyyydderrrrrr!!”
“No.”
“Looks like fun Ryder has left the building,” I say in a mock announcement. “It’s not even the last call yet! It’s only like 9 PM!”
“It’s 11:30 and no, it’s not the last call for the bar, just for you.” Ryder sighs. “Come on, I’ll call you a taxi.”
“Um, I’mnotdrunk. I’m just having areallllygood time tonight...OMG! I love this song!!!” I know I was just saying something important, but Britney Spears just came on and I absolutelymustsing this with my new friends.
“Paul! Steve!” I can’t find my friends. “DEREK!!!”
Is that even their names? I truly don’t know. Slowly standing on my chair to see if I can find someone whom I recognize, everything starts to spin.
“Shit,” someone mutters from behind me.
Suddenly, I’m heading toward the floor, all limbs, as someone gracelessly interrupts my lying down time by catching me in midair. “Let me go!! I need to lie down and then find my friends!”
“Either you call a taxi right now, or I will,” Ryder says in a no-nonsense tone.
“I thought you were supposed to be a bad boy, with all that stuff you’ve got going on.” I groan, waving up and down. “You’re more like a mother hen.”
“Bad boy?” Snort. “That’s funny.”
“Oh, as if you don’t do it on purpose. You’ve got all those tattoos and piercings, trying to scare everyone away.” I have never felt honesty escape out of me like this. I want to try it more often. It feels...good.
Ryder’s amusement disappears, replaced by a stern look. “Taxi. Now.”
“Fine.” I grab my phone and start scrolling through my contacts all the way down to “T” for taxi. There is only one contact starting with a “T,” so I push the call icon.
“Hello?” They pick up after only one ring, which is impressive, but I’m not sure why they sound confused. Don’t people call taxis all the time?
