"I'm heading out." Abigail got into her car.
Ryan kissed her goodbye.
"Ryan, is there something you're hiding from me?" Abigail asked suddenly as she was about to leave.
Had she not forgotten their late-night phone call? Ryan's mind raced.
Ryan sighed and put on a grave expression. "I didn't want you to get the wrong idea. The truth is, I went to the studio yesterday to pick Taylor up. Her father's friend helped me get the contract sorted out. The two of them had planned to catch up, but then her mom called again, so I offered to take Taylor home."
Abigail glanced at Ryan, then started the car.
Watching her drive away, Ryan let out a breath of relief. That hadn't been easy.
As soon as he turned around, he saw Taylor sneaking up behind him. Ryan asked which car she'd come in, and Taylor grinned as she explained that she'd borrowed a studio employee's car.
"You hugged her for so long," Taylor said, sounding a little jealous.
"Not even half as long as we spent in the car last night!" Ryan shook his head.
"You've never hugged me like that." Taylor walked up to Ryan, her eyes lowered.
So Ryan picked her up, her feet dangling off the ground, and carried her inside.
Trey was clearing the table. Taylor greeted her first.
"Hey, Taylor. You should know this isn't very fair to Abigail." Trey saw how close they were and immediately shook her head in warning. She hadn't expected Taylor to be serious this time, either.
"The world isn't fair to begin with," Taylor said.
"This could cost you your best friend."
"I Don't Care," Taylor replied.
Trey had no choice but to leave.
Ryan made Taylor another serving, but she ate absentmindedly. She clearly didn't care