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“Hey, Ryker.”
“What’s up, Shannon?”
“I heard Lindsey Beck saying you got cast in the Cinderella movie.”
He looked at me with shame written heavily on his features. “Shannon, I—”
“It’s okay,” I insisted.
“Shannon, I’m so sorry.” He reached out and touched my arm.
“You have nothing to apologize for. You were following your dream. I think it’s incredible, and I want all the good things for you. I just wish you’d told me.”
“I didn’t know how to tell you,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry that I waited. I thought I had more time before word started spreading. How did Lindsey find out anyway?”
“Camille told her. I’m guessing you talked about it with her?”
“No. I’ve only told family members. But her uncle must have told her.”
My shoulders relaxed. I hadn’t thought of that. Of course, her uncle would have told her that her schoolmate was cast. Knowing that Ryker hadn’t been going around school, sharing his good news with random people before telling me made me feel better.
I stabbed a fork into my chicken parmesan and twisted some pasta around before shoving it into my mouth.
“Why is Austin sitting with the MGs today?” Ryker asked, his eyes across the lunchroom. Austin usually sat with us.
I chewed and swallowed my food before answering. “We broke up after I caught him making out with Tabby Lewis in the girls’ bathroom this morning.”
Ryker’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you okay?” he asked gently.
I shook my head.
Ryker got up and circled around the table to the side where I sat. He slid an arm around my shoulders. “I’m sorry, Shannon. I know you really wanted it to work out with Austin.”
I nuzzled into Ryker’s warm embrace. He smelled incredibly good, and I felt safe next to him. It had been a long time since Ryker had hugged me. He’d gotten pretty buff since the last time we’d hugged—his weight training class had certainly paid off. I had to admit, it was a nice surprise. When was the last time I’d seen Ryker with his shirt off? I couldn't remember.
I had a sudden urge to invite him to go swimming. I stifled a giggle.
Where had that thought come from? I was officially losing my mind.