Chapter 13

Avery I heard someone knocking at the car’s window. I lifted my head from the steering wheel. I just happen to wake up from a short slumber. I was waiting for Stefano in the parking lot. He’s going to have a lunch meeting with- of course, none other than Ryker, who is just outside the car waiting for me. I unlocked the door and got outside. "What? Is there a problem? "Sassy. That’s what I really love about you, Avery." He smirked playfully. I rolled my eyes. "It doesn’t need to have a problem just to talk to you, right?" "And you’re here because?" "Collins." Stefano suddenly came with Ashton behind him who seemed to be looking at us questioningly. "Stefano. Ashton. Took you guys long enough." He then glanced at me. "I’m just just inviting Avery here to have lunch with us." He smiled cheekily. "Ryker, I thought I told you-" Ryker cut him off and shook his head. "Uh-uh. Its lunch break and I’m inviting my ’girlfriend’ to eat with us." My eyes widened. He clearly put emphasis on the word girlfriend. The two best friends narrowed their eyes on me. "It’s ex, Ryker." "As far as I remember, you didn’t break up with me." He shot back. "It’s pretty much obvious we’re over, Ryker-" "Okay~ Enough with the lover’s quarrel, guys. Let’s have lunch. You can kill each other later." Ashton chimed. I glared at Ryker wishing it would burn him alive. My eyes shifted to Stefano who didn’t care about the little scene we had. He just looked at me blankly and got in the car. We still have our feud from a few nights ago. I’ll take note of not saving him next time when someone’s going to bury him six feet under. I’m sure even the pigeons outside could sense how tensed we are here. There isn’t even a single pigeon outside. I looked at Ashton who doesn’t sense it. As usual, he’s happy go lucky attitude could never be shaken. "I think it’s best if I go. I don’t think I belong here." As soon as I stood up, Ryker grabbed my arm and pulled me back down to my seat. "No." He said. "Seriously, Ryker. Stop being so childish." I exclaimed. "You stop being so stubborn." We glared at each other menacingly. Ashton then chimed in. "Avery, you’ll go to my engagement party, right?" He said with a smile. Everyone in the table suddenly turned to him surprised. Stefano scoffed."Since when are you excited for this certain event of your life?" The nerve on Ashton’s head could be seen from his forced smile. But clearly he was irritated by Stefano’s sarcasm. "I don’t have a choice now, best friend. I’ll be disinherited by my father and threatened me things which makes me wish I don’t exist you know." Ashton said still with a forced smile. I find it uncomfortable that he’s trying to lighten the mood by inviting me to his engagement party. Stefano just so ruined it as usual. "I don’t remember you inviting me to your engagement party, Ash. I don’t think a mere driver would be appropriate to go there." I said with a purpose of not really wanting to go there and face people I barely know. "Nonsense. You’re going. You’re my friend now." He smiled. "You’re going and you’ll be my date." I glared at Ryker. "No. I’d rather go on my own." Ryker chuckled. "As long as you’re there, I’m fine with that." He smirked. "Well, then, it’s settled." Ashton said excitedly. "Whether you’re going or not, you’re still going to drive me." Stefano said coldly. I’ll drive you alright- I’ll drive you fucking crazy. "Of course." I said with a fake chirp. "If I know any better, Stefano, you’re jealous." Ashton chuckled with his joke. Stefano though took it seriously. He glared daggers at him. "I was just joking. Jeez." Ashton said nervously. His hands raised in surrender. I guess even his best friend is afraid of him. I looked at the man before me. He was sitting across Ryker and beside Ashton. His eyes were burning yet cold at the same time and I didn’t know why. I wondered what sort of power this guy holds that everyone seems to fear him. Though lunch was a bit awkward, Ashton really did try hardest to lighten the mood. Stefano might not give a damn about it but he still gave an intimidating aura. And it scares the hell out of me because I don’t know what’s going on with his mind. I know I can be brave enough to face him but to be serious, this guy is intimidating. He’s someone who you never mess with. Unfortunately, I’m this stubborn girl who likes messing with him. "Avery, let’s talk." Ryker said more like pleading. "I’m sure you can see that I’m working, Ryker. My super strict boss wouldn’t be so happy if he finds out I’m getting chummy with my ’ex’ - I mean his partner." I said with venom. Ashton was dropped off in his building while Stefano has already gone to his office. The two of us remained in the parking lot. Ryker made sure that the two of us are left here alone. "I’ll pick you up at 8, Avery. You won’t get away this time." He said with finality. He then walked away. "Ryker!" I called. "Ryker!" He didn’t listen. He went straight to his car and drove off. I sighed tiredly.