Chapter 4 The Reunion

Ryan sat waiting at the bar early, his nerves fraying. He hadn't seen Alex for months, and he didn't know if he could expect anything.

Ryan could only think of Emma as he waited. When she looked at him with those big brown eyes, it was as if he was the only person in the world.

Alex walked in just as Ryan was beginning to relax He had changed in front of my eyes, braver, bolder, more self-possessed.

"Hey, Ryan," Alex said, giving him a pat on the back. "It's been too long."

Ryan smiled, not liking it. "Yeah, it has."

Instead they sat and ordered their drinks, and Ryan felt as if he was living a decade behind. Alex was as charming and charismatic as ever. But Ryan was different now. He had grown changed.

As the evening opened up, Ryan began to feel more and more uncomfortable. Alex was still telling the same old stories. Ryan, however, was no longer interested.

"Alex, can I ask you something?" Ryan said at last, his voice firm but restrained.

"Sure, Ryan," Alex said, eying him quizzically. "What is it?"

"So why the hell did you want to meet up tonight?" Ryan asked, staring into Alex's eyes.

Alex nervously shifted in his seat. "I simply wanted to put a hand up, Ryan. See how you're doing."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Don't lie to me, Alex. I know you too well."

Alex let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "Fine, Ryan. If you want to know, I'm in trouble. I need your help."

Ryan's eyes narrowed. "What kind of trouble

Alex paused, glancing around the bar nervously. "I'm in debt, Ryan. Big time. And I need your help to do that."

Ryan's eyes widened in shock. "How much are we talking about?"

Alex named a figure that turned Ryan's head. "I know it's a lot, Ryan. But I assure you, I will repay you. I just need a little help."

"No, I feel something strange," Ryan said and shook his head. "I don't know, Alex. I'm not particularly comfortable with this.'

Alex's face fell, and for a moment, Ryan felt a twinge of guilt. But then he thought about the times Alex had let him down, the promises he had broken.

"I'm sorry, Alex," Ryan finally said. "But I'm not going to assist you.

Ryan was certain Alex was going to explode, judging by how red Alex's face turned.

"Just gonna leave me hanging, huh?" Alex spat. "After all that we went through?"

His heart hammered in his chest as Ryan got to his feet. "I'm sorry, Alex. But I'm not going to coddle your bad behavior any longer."

Ryan left the bar and felt relief. He had finally stood up to him, finally set boundaries.

But when he turned around, Alex's face was contorted with anger and hatred. Ryan realized this was not the end of the story. Not by a long shot.

He hadn't slept well that night, worrying about Alex and their little escapade. He had done the right thing, and he knew it, but he still felt ill at ease.

Ryan thought of Emma as he lay in bed. He wondered what she'd think if she knew about his fight with Alex.

Ryan heard a buzz; his phone was vibrating. He paused for a moment before responding.

"Hey, Ryan," Emma said,

"Hey, Emma," Ryan answered and he felt himself relax. "What's up?"

"I Just wanted to check in with you," Emma said. "How're you feeling after yesterday's session?"

Ryan paused, not sure what to say. "I'm feeling okay, I guess. A little shaken up."

"What happened?" "Emma," she said, with a gentle and worrying tone.

Ryan inhaled deeply, realizing that Emma was the one he could be real with. "I had a fight with an old friend last night," he said. "It didn't go well."

"That's too bad," Emma said. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Ryan faltered, but something about the gentleness of Emma's voice calmed him. "Yeah, I think I would," he replied.