moment, but knew she would say yes. She wanted to find out what was going on with Ryder.
Zoe: Okay. See you tomorrow.
***
Zoe stepped into Callahan’s at exactly 6:30. The table where she had sat with Ryder stood empty. Fitting, because that’s how she felt—empty.
Nic waved at her. Zoe raised her hand in greeting and walked to the table.
“Two beers over here, Jake,” Nic called to the bartender.
Zoe hung her purse over the back of the chair and sat down.
“Hi, Zoe. Thanks for meeting me. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”
“It wasn’t,” Zoe admitted.
The bartender brought over their beers. “On the house, Nic. Fally’s last goal against Chicago was golden.”
She grinned. “Thanks, Jake. I’ll be sure to tell him you said that. I’ll make him practice his wrist shot at home, too. Don’t want him slacking off if I can drink for free.”
Jake laughed. “Okay. Enjoy, ladies. Let me know if you need anything else.”
Nic turned her attention back to Zoe.“Let me say right now that I had zero right asking you here, but I’m worried about Ryder.”
Zoe gripped her glass. “Is he okay? I haven’t spoken to him for a few weeks.”
Nic nodded sympathetically. “I know. I love Ry to death. He’s like a little brother to Fally and to me. But, he’s so messed up right now.”
Zoe looked away, heat creeping into her cheeks.
Nic touched Zoe’s arm. “I’m not blaming you. I know what happened between you two, because Fally tells me everything. I’ve talked a little bit to Ryder about things, too. He is dealing with stuff that goes beyond what happened between the two of you.”
“What stuff?” Zoe asked.
“Do you know about Danielle?”
Zoe traced the lip of the beer glass with her fingertip. “No. Is that one of the many, many, women he sleeps with? I don’t know any of their names.”
“Not even close.” Nic shook her head. “You need to ask him about her. It’s not my place to tell you.”
Zoe frowned. Ryder had never mentioned any woman to her by name.
“Ryder and Fally both have tastes that run a bit wild in the bedroom. Fally used to set up Ryder with different women before we got married. According to Fally, Ryder wasn’t always into controlling sex like he is now. At least, based on stuff he’s told Fally.”
“He wasn’t controlling with me. A little bit bossy, maybe, but it was only one night.”
“See, you have him breaking his routines. That’s good.” She leaned forward. “I’ve never seen him act like this over a woman. I think you might be exactly what he needs. Even if he is going about everything the wrong way.” She sighed. “Like, a million times the wrong way.”
“He hasn’t called,” Zoe said. “He told me I wouldn’t see him again.”
“He keeps putting his size twelve foot in his mouth. Honestly, I think he wants to talk to you, but he’s scared he’ll do it again. See, when he told you he was having trouble having sex with other women? That’s a seriously huge deal for Ryder.”
Zoe shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “I get what you are saying but…”
Nic held up her hand. “I’d have been insulted at what he said too. He explained things like a complete idiot, but his heart was in the right place.”
Nic glanced at her watch. “I have to pick up my sister’s dog from boarding in about ten minutes, so I have to get going soon, but I wanted to run something by you.
“Fally asked Ryder to meet for a beer tonight around 8. Fally will keep him occupied for a while, but if you could meet with Ry, that would be awesome.”
“Oh wow. I don’t know,” Zoe said, stunned by Nic’s bold request.
Nic put her hand on Zoe’s arm. “You have every right to say no, Zoe. But, I hope you won’t. If you can take the first step, I think it will help.”
Zoe had to admit this woman had balls. Huge, huge balls. She couldn’t help admiring her tenacity. She obviously cared a lot about Ryder.
“What if he doesn’t want to talk to me?” Zoe asked. “I’m going to feel stupid. This whole thing has been hard enough.”
“I know he isn’t going to let you sit here by yourself. Will you do it?”
“Are you a lawyer?” Zoe asked. She could picture this women arguing cases in a courtroom, or persuading a jury to see her side during opening and closing arguments.
Nic burst out laughing. “Hardly. I’m trying to get a restaurant up and