Chapter 5
A Favor and a Deal
The pair walked out of the diner without saying a word to each other. Serenity wasn’t about to start the conversation considering Ryland had made the request. If he had something to say, she figured he would say it. If not, it was not a problem for her to walk in silence, and if that got annoying, she could always part ways. Usually, she would have been a bit unnerved by walking home with a guy she didn’t know, but something about Ryland made her feel that he was not dangerous to her. He may have been incredibly offensive when he spoke, but Serenity had to agree with what the others had said about him – he was very open and honest. She wasn’t certain of his motives for wanting to walk her home, but she certainly wasn’t worried about ulterior motives. He had already had several better opportunities if he had wanted to do anything to her, and he had walked away both times.
The silence stretched on as they walked down the street. She had begun to consider saying goodnight when he caught her attention by turning around and looking behind them. The streets were well lit, but they were between lamps, so the shadows were long across his face. What she could tell was that his smile was gone.
He looked around them one more time before finally saying, “That was incredibly reckless of you.”
Serenity frowned, “You didn’t have to offer to walk me home. I am perfectly–”
“I’m not talking about you letting me walk you home. That was the first smart thing I’ve seen you do since meeting you.”
“You know, if you are just going to–”
He shoved his hands into his pockets. “There are a lot of wild animals up there, and they aren’t going to care what you look like or who you are. They will kill you.”
Her voice dripping with sarcasm, she said, “Your concern is very noble, thank you.”
“There’s no need for that. But that isn’t the biggest concern out there. We’ve recently had trouble with poachers, and if they find you, they aren’t going to be any more merciful than the other creatures out there. And it is unlikely that anyone will ever find your body if they find you first.”
“This isn’t Africa. Poachers–”
“Oh, you know that much about this area, do you? Amazing that you have had that kind of time on your hands given you’ve moved and spent nearly every other waking hour on your coding.”
Serenity stopped walking. “How could you possibly know about what I do?”
Ryland had walked a few paces past her. He stopped and looked back at her. “I spend a good bit of time with Alaric. While I'm not a programmer, I know enough to understand the kind of time it takes to do what you’ve been doing for the last year.”
“He talks about me?” Serenity just stared at the man in front of her.
“Really? That’s what you got out of that? I didn’t take you for that kind of woman, but maybe those two were right about you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She began walking and passed Ryland.
“You were at the top of your class in one of the most well-known tech schools in the world. Of course he talked about you. It was almost like a personal mission of his to poach you from MIT because it would prove something.”
“Exactly what would that prove?” Serenity was confused, and not entirely sure that she should believe what Ryland was saying.
“He didn’t leave his company because he wanted to. Alaric left because he had to. Do you really think that he could be happy as a professor at a small university? He’s trying to build it up so that he can work with similar minds here. That will create the same problems that he left behind, as well as a couple of other far more concerning issues. Not that he will listen to me about it. That’s the problem with you intellectuals – you can solve the most obscure and difficult problems, but you completely lack common sense.”
Serenity walked along beside him, pondering what Ryland had said. He remained silent, giving her time to consider what he had told her, including the backhanded insult.
“Is this your roundabout way of trying to get me to talk to him? To try to get him to listen to your reason?”
“What good would it do for you to try to talk sense into the man?”
She quickly retorted, “What good does it do to tell me about it if you don’t think that I can do anything?”
Ryland stopped walking. “You took that the wrong way. I wasn’t asking to put you down. It was an honest question. I had not considered having you try to talk to him because you clearly lack common sense. I didn't need more than 2 minutes with you to see that you are your own worst enemy. You can easily thrive in cities because you learned how to deal with people. None of that applies here. So the idea of you talking to him never occurred to me. Now that you mention it, I am actually curious what good you think you could do. Believe me, if there is something you can do to keep this from getting out of control, I am all for it.”
Serenity blinked a few times, wondering what Ryland’s expression was. His voice sounded just as unemotional as it had been earlier, and she couldn’t tell if he was smirking at her. Deciding to take him at his word, she finally responded, “I would have to think about it. When I decided to come here, having to talk sense into the man I admired was not something I would have anticipated being part of the experience. He seems so incredibly intelligent that I didn’t think that I could impart knowledge to him.”
“I do apologize. I did not mean to place more of a burden on you. It was simple curiosity at a new option to an old problem.”
Serenity was curious about whatever he was alluding too, but that was not the most pressing question. “Then why did you tell me? If you didn’t think I could do anything, there really wasn’t a reason to bring it up.”
“Because you know him in a way that no one else I know can understand him. You’ve seen most of our friends. They are still young and relatively carefree. Even the ones who should have some idea of the problem can’t fully grasp it. Sometimes youth is annoying.” The last sentence Ryland seemed to mutter almost imperceptibly.
Serenity folded her arms across her chest. “So you decide to talk about his personal business with someone you don’t know? That isn’t something you are supposed to do to a friend.”
“I do not agree. Who wouldn’t do almost anything within their power to help a friend? Besides, I was just going with the flow of the conversation, and that seemed like the path least likely to make you try to argue with me. You are an incredibly defensive woman. At least you are when you are talking to me. You don’t seem to demonstrate the same level of contrariness with the others.”
“Well, they don’t insult or belittle me with every other sentence.”
“It was never my intention to do that.”
“You may want to work on how to talk with others, then.”
“It is precisely why I tend to avoid talking with others.”
Serenity pursed her lips. “Don’t over-exert yourself on my account.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I'm not.”
“I wasn’t worried.”
“There you go being incredibly defensive. Why is that? What did I say just then that was so offensive?”
Serenity was about to say something when she realized he was right. She closed her mouth before trying again. “You are right. I apologize. I will try not to take offense at what you say. You will need to be patient though – I’m not accustomed to people being so… blunt and unintentionally condescending.”
“I am not known for my patience, but I will try.” He continued to stand there looking at her.
“What are you waiting for?” She tilted her head to the side, trying to figure out what they were doing.
“I know we are probably close to your home, but I don’t have the address. I am waiting for you to lead the way.”
“Oh, right. Sorry. It’s this way.”
Serenity turned and began walking toward home. Ryland fell into step beside her, and she couldn’t help but notice how tall he was compared to her. It made her a little more self-conscious, but not at all nervous.
She turned her head to look at him. “How tall are you?”
“Six foot four.”
“Oh. And what do you do?”
“Nothing as interesting as what you do.”
“That’s evasive.”
“My job is one of necessity, not something I love doing or find worth talking about.”
“That’s sad.”
“Are you pitying me?” There was a note of amusement in his voice.
“A little, yes. People should never end up having to do something they don’t love, or at least enjoy. When you spend that much time working every week, you should at least find something about it to enjoy.”
“I quite agree with you. Maybe it’s time for me to retire.”
“Could you tell me at least what you would do with yourself if you did retire?”
“I would focus solely on what’s important and protect the people I care about.” There was a gravitas to Ryland’s words that Serenity did not understand, nor did she feel that she should prod too much to find out.
Instead, she settled for a safe response. “That is certainly one of the noblest future plans I’ve ever heard. I could see you as a firefighter running in where others run out.”
Ryland let out a loud laugh that almost sounded like a roar. Serenity was startled, but soon found herself smiling as the man found his voice. “You are the second person to tell me that in my life. I suppose I should have listened the first time and done that instead of going along with my parents’ plans. What we learn once we are out on our own, huh?”
“I don’t know. My parents were always supportive of me when they were alive. I guess I learned lessons a bit younger than most.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up such a personal topic.”
Ryland’s reaction surprised her a little. Not only was he apologizing for something that he really didn’t have to apologize for, there was emotion in his voice. “No, it’s alright. It’s been a few years now, so it doesn’t hurt so badly. My parents weren’t in careers that were very tech-savvy, so when I came home expressing an interest in tech, they were more than happy to encourage that. I was like their own personal IT support.”
“So you are basically self-taught?”
“Until I got to college. Got into trouble a few times in high school for hacking things I shouldn’t have. My aunt and uncle tried, but they never wanted kids. Ending up with a kid who is 14 years old is a rough introduction to parenting. We get along well now, but those first few years were a bit rough. They started taking me more seriously when the police came knocking after I hacked into some government stuff.”
There was a chuckle from beside her. “I would not have pegged you for a delinquent.”
“Can’t recognize one of your own?” She smirked as she looked at him under the lamp.
“I can easily recognize my own, and you certainly don’t fall into many of those categories.”
“Oh, I cannot believe that you were not a troublemaker. Your entire appearance oozes self-confidence and coolness. It’s the kind of look that so many people try to attain.”
“Sorry to break it to you, but I have never had a run-in with the law.”
“You’ve never even gotten a ticket for a moving violation?” She thought she had him with that one.
“Never been pulled over. Never gotten a parking ticket. Never got in trouble in school either. My appearance has nothing to do with who I am, any more than yours does.”
Serenity could feel herself blushing. She had just done to him what she hated others doing to her. “I'm sorry, I really should have thought that one through before saying something so stupid.”
“It’s alright. I’m accustomed to it.”
“Doesn’t make it right.”
“I didn’t say it did.” He paused and Serenity could feel the frustration rising as the conversation seemed to take a negative turn. Then Ryland added, “I know that you were just trying to find common ground and pick on me, so it doesn’t bother me. Well, not too much.”
Serenity felt a small smile flash across her face at the admission that her words did bother him a little bit. “It’s funny.”
There was silence as he waited for her to provide clarification. When she didn’t say anything, he finally prompted her, “I don’t see anything that’s funny about it.”
“You can’t tell as much about a person as you think just by looking at them.”
“I find no humor in that. It is merely a statement of fact for most people.”
“This is me.” Serenity was glad that they had reached her home because the conversation was taking another plunge into uncomfortable territory. Something about Ryland just set her a little on edge, although why that was she was not willing to admit.
“Could you do me a favor?”
Serenity turned to look at him. “Depends on what it is.”
“If you are going to go walking, don’t go any further than where we’ve encountered each other. Anything beyond that is… risky for someone who is not familiar with the area.”
“I can’t get familiar with the area if I don’t explore, so that is a favor I cannot agree to.”
Ryland sighed and looked toward the woods that were visible from her place. She watched as a couple of expressions passed over his face before he finally closed his eyes. When he opened them, the crystal clear blue bore into her. “Then would you please call me so that I can make sure nothing happens?”
“I really don’t think–”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You think often, just not about your own safety.”
She gave him a look of annoyance. “That was not what I was going to say.”
“I know, but it was what you should have said. We don’t have to talk. I just am concerned that something will happen to you in the woods.”
“Why do you care? We don’t know each other.”
An amused look spread across his face. “I have a soft spot for fools.”
“Um, that is not a way to convince me to–”
“I’m kidding. Let’s just say it’s a premonition. It happens from time to time, and there’s something about you that sets me on edge.”
The words took her by surprise as it was the same thing she had thought about him, and she was not able to properly express it. “I’ll think about it.”
Ryland watched her for a moment. “I guess that is good enough for now. Until you make up your mind, please avoid the trail. Here’s my number.” He pulled a card out of a pocket and handed it to her.
“That’s very old-school, isn’t it?”
She watched his shoulders move up and down, and the movement reminded her of a large cat stretching. “Everyone in the industry has them.”
She took the proffered card and decided to press her luck. “Still not going to talk about what that industry is?”
“It’s still as boring now as it was ten, fifteen minutes ago.”
“I’ll tell you what, if you will tell me about it, I will call you the next time I want to walk the trail.”
The moon came out from behind some clouds and Ryland’s eyes shone as he looked down at her. “Alright, I am not available for the next couple of days. Hopefully you can wait until Friday.”
“That’s fine. There are some things I’ve been putting off, so I should probably just get them over with. The frequent walks have been a distraction.”
“Glad I could help then.”
“Yeah.” Serenity found that as she looked at him, she didn’t know what to say. There was something about Ryland that drew her in and made her feel very unsure of herself. Maybe that’s why I’m so defensive around him? Clearing her throat, she said, “Thanks for walking me home. Have a good night.”
“You too.” He turned and began to walk down the sidewalk. She turned toward her door when his voice caused her to turn back to look at him.
“I actually have one more thing to ask you.” His words sounded very measured, almost like he was uncertain whether he should ask.
“You don’t have to ask my permission. If it isn’t something I want to answer, then I’ll let you know.”
He walked back to her and stopped just a couple of steps from her. “Would it be alright if I kissed you?”
Serenity thought that she had prepared herself for anything that he could possible ask, but clearly she hadn’t. Everything he had said and done suggested that he was not interested in her. “Um, what?”
A hand reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His hand brushed against her cheek as he repeated himself, his voice much lower than before, “May I kiss you?”
She blinked and said the first thing that came to mind. “Why?”
His eyes widened and a smile spread across his face, and for a moment she thought he was going to laugh. “Because I am curious. If you will allow it, I will answer the question that’s clearly been bothering you.”
“Which one?” Her mouth was speaking without consulting her brain because she knew what she should have said was No, and then stepped back.
“I will tell you if we’ve met before. If I wanted to make you feel guilty, I would say that I am hurt that you don’t know. I’m better at honesty though, and it actually makes me glad that you don’t remember.”
“So I do know you from somewhere?” Serenity was trying to figure out how she knew him because now he had all but confirmed that they had met.
“I can’t answer that until you answer me.”
Serenity’s eyes darted to the side, almost as if she was checking to see if anyone was watching. Then she looked up at Ryland and gave a little nod. Her heart skipped a beat as he took a step forward and leaned down. She closed her eyes, wondering why she was letting some guy she barely knew touch her. Usually she made guys wait several dates before kissing her. All she knew about Ryland was his name, that he was from the area, and that he lived in California for a decade. Then she felt a light pressure on her cheek and her eyes flew open. Serenity looked directly into Ryland’s eyes, which gleamed right in front of her before he pressed his lips to hers.
He did that on purpose! She wanted to get mad, but found that the only thing she could think about was the feel of his lips on hers. He was very gentle and his lips were surprisingly soft. After his lips touched hers, he had closed his eyes. A moment later, so did Serenity. His hand stroked her hair, then he pulled back.
“We hadn’t met before that day up at Willowdown Peak.”
Serenity blinked a couple of times trying to get her mind to focus on what he was talking about. When it finally got through her other thoughts, she frowned. “So why are you so familiar?”
He smiled down at her, “That wasn’t part of the deal.”
“Two kisses weren’t part of the deal either. You owe me for one of them.”
He raised his eyebrows at her. “I suppose that is true, but talking about that means talking about work. I’ve already agreed to talk about that when we go walking. What else would you like to know as payment for the second kiss?”
Serenity looked at him, but only one other thing came to mind. Without a word, she stood on her toes and gave him a peck on the lips. “I think that will do it.” She smiled at the look of surprise on his face. Suddenly, she knew she wanted a lot more from him than just a kiss. Afraid that she would do something she would regret later, Serenity quickly turned and put her key in the lock. “Well, goodnight.”
She couldn’t even turn to look at him as she hurried inside and closed the door. Fighting the urge to turn and watch him through the peephole (mostly because she was afraid that she would end up inviting him inside), Serenity hurried down the hall and into her bathroom. Her mind refused to stop imagining what could have happened as she undressed and slipped into a cold shower.