He liked the people here, but there weren’t many who would ever understand him.
They both turned when the door from the locker room opened. Ryan had to smile when Manny came out.
“What time do you call this, old man?” he asked with a laugh.
Manny rolled his eyes. “Would you quit with the old man shit? You’re as retired as I am.”
Ryan grinned at Russ. “He likes to say that. But I retired by choice and I’m twenty years younger. They kicked his ancient ass out.”
Manny gave him a dark look as he came to join them. “Yeah, I stuck it out to the end. Unlike some people.” He slapped the back of Ryan’s head, making him laugh.
Russ laughed with them. “I’d guess that Dan has his hands full with you two—retired or not.”
“Dan’s happy to have me on board,” said Manny. “I’m not so sure he feels the same about this guy.”
“He wanted me as a key player. You were just an afterthought.”
Manny laughed. “Yeah, right. You keep telling yourself that.” His smile faded. “How do you feel about the other key player he wants to bring in?”
“You know?” Ryan’s heart rate had slowed back to normal, but now it was racing again.
“Yeah. But I didn’t know that he was going to pull the stunt he did yesterday. He surprised me with that.”
“How do you think I felt?”
Manny met his gaze, looking serious now. “I don’t know. How do you feel?”
“If you two are going to start talking about feelings, I’m out.” Russ grinned at Manny. “But I’d say the fact that he was waiting at the door when I opened and only came up for air a couple minutes ago might give you a clue.”
Ryan made a face at him. It was true. He’d barely slept for thinking about Leanne. But …
Manny raised an eyebrow at him as Russ walked away. “Want to talk about it?”
He laughed. “What, about my feelings?”
Manny clipped the back of his head again. “About Leanne.”
He shrugged. “There’s nothing to say. Dan wants to work with her. He knew that I wouldn’t be thrilled about it. So, he booked us onto the same plane back here yesterday and then had us share a car.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“What happened? Did you two talk? It’s about damned time.”
Ryan blew out a sigh. “We talked a little bit. We ignored each other a lot. We said we should just close the door on the past and be civil to each other, work together as best we can, for Dan’s sake.”
Manny was watching his face.
“What?”
“And how do you feel?”
He laughed. “I’m with Russ. I’m not big on talking about feelings. You never used to be. Being with Nina’s made you soft.” He regretted that last part as soon as he said it. “Not that I blame Nina, by the way. She’s awesome. How is she?”
Manny chuckled. “Don’t worry. You didn’t offend me. You just showed me how rattled you are.”
“I am not …” He blew out a sigh and rubbed his towel over his face. “Okay, so I’m rattled. What difference does it make? I still hate her. She still hates me.”
Manny folded his arms across his chest and smiled. “Really?”
“Yes, really. Stop looking at me like that.” Ryan had to laugh. “Go on. Whatever it is. Say it.”
“I’m saying nothing.”
Ryan rolled his eyes.
“Do you want to say anything?”
He shrugged.
“Want to come for breakfast so you can tell your Uncle Manny all about it?”
Ryan had to laugh. “Fuck you, old man.”
Manny laughed with him. “Do I take it that’s a yes?”
Ryan pursed his lips. He could go and have breakfast with Manny, or he could go home and … what? Pace the house some more. Go out for a run? “Sure, if you want to skip your workout to buy me breakfast, I’ll let you. Wait, what about Nina?”
“She’s gone to see Teresa to get her hair done. She’ll probably be there all morning.”
“Okay. And if I forget to tell you later, say hi to her for me, would you? She really is awesome.”
The way Manny smiled when he talked about her still amazed Ryan. He’d only ever known Manny as the hard-ass special agent. Nina had brought out another side to him. “She thinks you’re awesome, too. She wants you to come over for dinner soon.”
“Tell her thanks.”
Manny laughed. “I’ve been telling her that for weeks. I’m not going to protect you any longer. Next time, I’m going to tell her to ask you herself. Then you’ll have to come.”
Ryan