Page 47 of Say it Ain’t So

As Van ushered me out the front door, I swore the pain in Rylan’s eyes grew exponentially. And I hated it. I hated myself for causing him pain.

I hated that I didn’t know how to make it right.

15

RYLAN

Every morning when Joss arrived at work, I was camped out in my chair in the lobby.

Every day, I sat there unless I was needed elsewhere.

And not once, since that first day, did she go home with Van.

Something in me was thrilled about that fact, but it didn’t make me feel any better. The girl was a wounded animal, and somehow it felt like my presence just made it worse.

But I couldn’t leave. I couldn’t walk away from her like she had to me. Two and a half years hadn’t taken away my feelings for her, even if they were now laced with anger and pain.

Hell, even walking out of the office to go to work with Van and Kolton felt like I was tearing out my heart and leaving it behind.

“Lee was right,” I said as I pulled my car into a parking spot in the lot after our second appointment of the day. “You’re good, kid.”

Beside me, Kolton beamed like a child instead of a twenty-something year old man that he was. “Thank you. I appreciate you say⁠—”

Van reached over the seat back and scruffed up the kid’s hair. “And so damn humble, too.”

Kolton looked over his shoulder as he tried to smooth his hair into place. “It helps that I have such old”—he coughed—“I mean, good teachers.”

Laughter shot through me, then doubled as Van tried to look hurt. “He got you there!”

“You’re nearly my age!”

“You’re two years older than me!”

Van grabbed my finger I had pointed at him and shook his head. “One and a half.”

“One and three quarters.”

Kolton raised his hand like he was still in school. “Actually, you’re both kinda old.”

Van’s mouth dropped open. “And here I thought I liked you.”

Kolton ducked his head, but I didn’t give him a chance to sulk. “He’s just kidding, kid. Stick around long enough, you’ll learn we’re all assholes.”

“I have a feeling he’s going to fit in just fine.” Van scruffed up his hair again, and once again, Kolton tried to smooth it.

“To be honest,” I told them, reaching for my door handle, “with the way these last two appointments went, Kolton should be training you, Van.”

“See what I mean?” Van pointed at me. “Asshole.”

We climbed from my truck, Van and I heading toward the front door. I looked around and noticed Kolton hanging back.

“I think I’m going to hit the gym. Gotta get some excess energy out.”

“Sounds like a plan. Good work today.”

“Thank you. See you tomorrow.”

As Kolton climbed into his car, Van and I rounded the building. He tipped his head toward the sky as I pulled the door open, and he let out a groan.