Drowning

Chapter Sixteen

I walked back from the bathroom to see the two of them laughing together. “Did you solve your lovers spat?” I asked sitting down next to Finn.

“Yeah, we’re good now.” He smiled at me kissing my head.

“Good. I’m happy. Two of my four favorite guys like each other.” I took a sip of my water.

“Who are the other guys?” Finn asked pouting.

“Matty and Danny, of course.” I smiled as the waiter put my food down.

“I ordered for you before. You were taking too long.” Z said picking up his phone to look at the time.

“That’s not my fault. I had to pee.” I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Sure, sure.” I took a bite of my eggs as Finn stole some of my French toast. Z cleared his throat as he cut up his pancakes.

“Did you tell him about him?” I looked up at him as his eyes flickered to Finn. I nodded.

“I told him after I told him how we met.” He smiled remembering it himself.

“You punched me in the face.” I shrugged smiling.

“You deserved it.” He shook his head at me. “I showed him the box.” I said moving the eggs around on my plate. Finn put his hand on mine. “It was good just to get it out there. To know that I really do love him.”

“No one ever doubted you. We all loved him.  No one can ever forget Ryder. It’s impossible. He is unforgettable.” I put my fork down and put my hand to my mouth. “I’m sorry.” He sighed rubbing his hand over his head.

“It’s still hard.” Zander put his hand into his pocket and handed a picture to me.

“I found this when I was home. I thought you’d want it.” I smiled at the picture. “It’s my favorite. I had to get a new one.” The picture was of Ryder and me with our heads together as I sung him his nightly lullaby. “The other one was too worn out to even see the two of you.” I smiled at him as I held the picture tightly to my chest. “So you get the double.”

“Thank you.” Finn rubbed my thigh with his hand. “Thank you so much.” I got out of my booth and hugged Z tightly. He never let anyone touch this picture. Not even me. I’ve never had one. He always kept it to himself.

“I have to get going. I want to food shop before picking up Matty.” I shoved a piece of French toast in my mouth. “You good to go?” I asked Finn. He nodded as Z called over a waiter to box up my food.

“I’ll call you over when I’m coming for dinner.” Z said hugging me.

“I love you, Alexander.” He laughed at me. No one gets to call him by his real name. Only me. He’s my big teddy bear.

“I love you too, Anastasia.” He kissed my head as Finn got up. “Remember what I told you. I mean it.” Finn shook Z’s hand as I hugged Finn.

“I know. I will. It was a pleasure to meet you.” Z smiled.

“The pleasure was mine.” I took my food and smiled at Z before walking out.

“I can see why you care for him.” Finn said as we got into the truck.

“He’s my best friend.” I pulled the picture out of my pocket. “He always was there for me.” I put the picture down in the cup holder.  “We should get going.” I said clearing my throat. Finn pulled out of the parking lot.

“You alright?” Finn asked taking my hand in his. I smiled at him intertwining our fingers.

“Yeah, I’m okay. It’s just been an emotional couple days.” He smiled at me.