Just A Little Push

12

Ch. 12

"Why are we here? I thought you said your grandmother's on vacation"

"Actually Porter we're here to clean. I do weekly touch ups here"

"Hold on, did you say clean?"

"Yeah now get your butt outta the car and follow me"

We enter Bookends which to my surprise is open "Hello...Nana?"

"Ally?", someone calls from behind me

"Oh, hey Gabby...what are you doing here?"

"Oh uh, I heard what happened to you the other day so I thought I'd help you clean up"

"Thanks Gabby that's really sweet of you", I smile at her, stealing a glance at Porter who's perfectly zoned out by now.

"Gabby, this is Porter. Porter...Gabby she works with me"

"Hello, nice to meet you", Porter smiles, with an outstretched arm.

"It's nice to meet you", Gabby replies shyly, pushing her glasses back up her nose with her free hand.

"So", I cough, snapping them out of the staring competition they had going on and ruining the moment. They can thank me later.

"Do you still need any help around here?"

"Uh no", she replies, retracting her arm quickly "I'm actually done here", she smiles.

"Well then I'll--", I'm interrupted by the vibration of my cellphone.

My eyes widen at the caller ID

Ryan.

"What", I answer, walking away.

"Ally..i really need to talk to you"

"Why?"

"Just come to our usual place"

I roll my eyes and hang up "Guys, I need to run"

"Where are you going?", Porter asks

"It's just around the corner", I shrug, grabbing my purse.

"I'll take you", he offers, blocking me.

"Porter, I can handle being on my own...besides you've got other things to take care of", I smirk, cocking my head in Gabby's direction

"What do I tell Nash when he calls?"

"You're smart Porter, you'll figure it out"

____________

I sight Ryan sitting beside the window where we usually sit and I groan and walk up to him.

"Hey", he smiles

"Hello"

"You look good", he clears his throat awkwardly.

"Neh, I've looked better", I shrug, " --now why did I have to come all the way here?", I ask, settling in my seat, my arms in my jacket.

"Who was the man in the coffee shop the other day?"

I snort then burst into laughter.

"Is something funny?", he asks, cocking an eyebrow.

"You're not jealous..are you?".

When he doesn't respond, I urge "Wait..are you?...Ryan"

"I'm not, I'm just trying to make a point here", he sighs