Ryan sat behind the desk in Liza’s office, busily calculating the advertising budget. Between Liza’s pregnancy and his being in jail, it had been neglected. Ryan wanted to get things back on track. He figured as long as he concentrated on the little things, he wouldn’t have to worry about the real problems in his life.
“Knock, knock, are you busy?” The door opened and Hayley walked in.
Ryan smiled. “Hey. Liza isn’t here,” he said.
“That’s okay, I came to see you. How are you?” Hayley went over to the desk and gave Ryan a hug.
“Not bad. How are you and Mateo doing?”
“Wonderful.” Hayley smiled and dropped into the chair across from Ryan. “If you’re busy, I can come back later,” she offered.
“I always have time for you. I owe you a lot,” Ryan said seriously.
“Hey, how many times do I have to tell you that I did what any real friend would do? I know you would do the same for me,” Hayley said.
“Damn right,” Ryan said. “So, what’s new with you?”
Hayley shrugged. “Not much. Did you hear Raquel left town?” she asked.
“Gillian mentioned it. I’m really happy for you. You and Mateo deserve some happiness,” Ryan said.
“You do too. How are things with Gillian?” Hayley asked.
Ryan sighed. “I don’t know. Dinner was okay the other night. But one meal isn’t going to fix everything,” he pointed out.
“No one expects it too,” Hayley said.
“Yeah.” Ryan was quiet for a moment.
Hayley smiled sympathetically. She could see that Ryan was still torn up about the whole thing. She decided to change the subject.
“Are you coming to Tad and Dixie’s wedding on Saturday?” she asked.
Ryan shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m happy for them, they both stuck by me. But I’m not sure that I am up for a public wedding,” he said.
“Ryan, everyone knows that you’re not a rapist. Half this town still owes you a major apology,” Hayley said.
“Yeah well I won’t hold my breath,” Ryan said sarcastically.
Hayley reached for Ryan’s hand. “Ryan, I know you’ve been hurt more than anyone deserves. But your wounds are not going to heal by themselves. You’ve got to help them along.”
“I hear what you’re saying, Hayley, and I appreciate it,” Ryan said.
“In other words, I should just keep my mouth shut,” Hayley said.
“I didn’t say that.” Ryan started to say something else when his face suddenly clouded over.
Hayley turned around and saw Dr. David Hayward coming into the office. She scowled.
“I’m looking for Liza,” David announced.
“She’s not here,” Hayley replied. She hoped that David would turn around and go back into the hole that he had crawled out of.
“Do you know when she’ll be back?” David asked.
“No,” Ryan said.
David smirked at him. “Ryan, I hear congratulations are in order. Turns out that you’re not a rapist after all. I’m sure you’re relieved that you’re not in jail anymore.”
“Yeah thanks. You can go now,” Ryan snapped. He wanted to wrap his hands around David’s neck and choke the life out of him.
“I’ll come back at a better time. Mrs. Santos, always a pleasure,” David said.
Hayley smiled. “Wish I could say the same.”
David turned to leave, and he collided with Gillian.
“Gillian, how are you, princess?” David rubbed his hands over her shoulders.
“Get your hands off of me, you pig!” Gillian pushed David away.
David laughed. “You always liked to wrestle, didn’t you? Good day everyone.”
“That man is the scum of the earth,” Hayley said. She glanced back and forth between Ryan and Gillian. The two were staring at each other. Hayley had a feeling that they had forgotten she was there. She decided to accommodate them.
“Look at the time, I have to go,” Hayley said.
“Please don’t leave because of me,” Gillian said.
Hayley shook her head. “I have to meet Mateo and Max. Ryan, think about what I said.”
“I will. Thanks for stopping by,” Ryan said.
Hayley squeezed Gillian’s hand on her way out. “I’ll see you at home,” she said.
“Okay. Bye Hayley.” Gillian turned to Ryan. “What was David doing here?” she asked.
“He was looking for Liza,” Ryan replied. He stood up. “What are you doing here, Gillian?” he asked.
“I had some errands to run, and I thought I would come see you. Are you mad?” Gillian asked nervously. “I can leave,” she added quickly. “I should have known not to come.” She turned to leave.
Ryan grabbed her arm. “Gillian, wait.”
“Yes?” Gillian’s eyes met his. They were only inches apart. Ryan’s hand was still on her arm, and Gillian felt her heart pounding.
Ryan stared at her. The urge to kiss her was driving him crazy. Without realizing it, he began to rub her arm. Gillian took that as s good sign and moved closer to him.
“Gillian,” Ryan started again. He had no idea what he wanted to say to her.
“It’s okay, Ryan,” Gillian said. She placed her hand over Ryan’s heart. It was beating quickly.
Ryan leaned into her. Gillian closed her eyes and waited expectantly. Ryan’s lips were so close to hers that she could practically taste them. Then, he pulled back suddenly.
“We cannot do this, Gillian,” Ryan said firmly.
Gillian resisted the urge to start crying, and opened her eyes. She could see the distress in Ryan’s face.
“It’s okay, my darling. I can wait until you’re ready,” she said.
Ryan dragged his hands through his hair. “That’s just it, princess. I’m not sure I will ever be ready,” he said.
Gillian frowned. “Ryan, I am begging you for another chance. You can’t just toss me aside like yesterday’s report,” she said.
“News, Gillian,” Ryan muttered. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He opened his eyes again, and saw that Gillian was on the verge of tears.
“I love you, Ryan,” Gillian said. A single tear slipped down her face.
Ryan gently brushed the tear away. “I love you, too, Gillian,” he replied.
Gillian was stunned. Ryan hadn’t told her that since he had been delirious in the hospital. She wasn’t sure what to say.
Ryan couldn’t help but smile at her shock. “I don’t know why that’s a surprise to you. Every time I turn around, you’re telling me how much I love you,” he reminded her.
“Yes, but you never say it,” Gillian replied quietly.
Ryan took Gillian’s hand and brought it to his lips. “I love you, no matter how hard I try not to. But love is not the answer to everything,” he said.
“It can be,” Gillian said. She stroked his cheek. “Please let me back in, Ryan,” she said.
Ryan placed his hand over hers. “Tad and Dixie are getting married on Saturday, Will you come to the wedding with me?” he asked.
Gillian’s smile lit up her entire face. “Yes! Of course, yes!” She gave Ryan a big hug.
Ryan held her close for a moment, and then gently pushed her away. “I’ll pick you up at two o’clock, But right now, I need to get back to work,” he said.
“I’ll go,” Gillian said quickly. Her excited smile had yet to fade. “We’ll have a good time,” she said.
Ryan smiled. “I’m sure we will,” he agreed. He watched as Gillian bounded out of the office. He loved seeing her smile. He just hoped that this wasn’t a mistake on his part.
