Starting Over.

Chapter 21 - Where’s my car?

“Ryan? Ryan?” I heard and reluctantly opened my eyes. I shot up when I saw David standing there.

“David?” I said confused.

“I tried to call, but you weren’t answering. It’s almost noon.” He said holding out water and aspirin. My head slightly pound as I took them from him and downed it really quick.

“Thank you. Sam pours with a very heavy hand.” I said and he chuckled as he sat on my bed. “So you just let yourself in?” I asked.

“Well, I came to check on you. I’m not sure if you had a set time you wanted to see your friend.” David said and my brain clicked.

“On sh*t Tonya.” I said and I got out of bed. I walked to my closet and grabbed a shirt and jeans. I came back and David was still there. “I’m going to get dressed.” I said and he stood up.

“Ok, I will wait down stairs unless you need help?” He said with a wink.

“Hilarious.” I said as he walked closer kissing my cheek. I grabbed his shirt, pulling him back and kissed his lips. He leaned back and smiled.

“I’ll let you get dressed.” He said softly and I nodded. After he left I quickly started to get ready. I got dressed and started putting my hair into a messy bun. I grabbed my long chunky cardigan and checked the mirror. I looked around for my phone but couldn’t find it. I went down the stairs and saw the mess of snacks spilled everywhere, empty wine bottles, and pizza boxes.

“You guys really had a rager.” David said coming out of the kitchen with my phone.

“They had fun, and I’m glad that I kinda have some friends now. Even if it’s more to get the gossip about you.” I said and smiled.

“Is that so?” He said as he placed my phone in my hand.

“I forgot I shut it off last night.” I said powering it on. The phone started to vibrate like crazy and I watched as missed called popped up from David, then Tonya, and then David again. Suddenly messages in the group chat started popping up.

“Someone is popular.” David said.

“Half of these are from you.” I said and he walked to the front door.

“Shall we get going?” David asked.

“I’ll message Tonya that we’re leaving now.” I said following him to the door. He opened it and we went out to his car.

“So, are you ok driving back alone?” He asked and I nodded.

“As long as I can put directions into my phone, it should be fine.” I said and David nodded.

“It’ll be fine.” He said as we pulled out. He asked me what to expect when meeting Tonya and I told him to expect a shameless flirt, to be asked a million questions, and maybe threatened. We drove for awhile until we ended up at my old apartment building. I noticed my car wasn’t there.

“Hold on. Drop me at the office.” I said and he pulled up.

“What’s wrong?” David asked.

“My car isn’t here. I’ve paid the apartment to the end of the month. So I still have permission to that parking spot.” I said getting out and walking in. The apartment manager and assistant manager sat at their desks laughing when I came inside.

“Ryan? Matt told us you moved. We didn’t expect to see you.” The manager said. She was a chubby woman with a short curly hair cut. We had a good relationship, but she could often be rude. The assistant manager was a little weasel of a woman. She wanted to always be included on the gossip of the apartment. Her blonde greasy hair was always in a unmanageable ponytail.

“My car? I’ve paid until the end of the month and I still have a week. My car should still be here.” I said and they looked at each other.

“Well Matt took it, he put in that he and you had moved. He took the car and told us that he would be bringing it to you.” The manager said.

“You’re joking right?” I said and the assistant manager looked at me.

“Jeanie from four said she heard Matt say that it would get you to call him.” She said and I rolled my eyes. I walked out and got back into the car.

“Well?” David asked.

“Matt took it.” I said getting my phone out. I called Tonya.

“Hey girl! I’m getting ready to meet you at the bar.” Tonya said.

“Change of plans. We have to find Matt I guess. He took my car.” I said and there was silence.

“I gave your apartment and car keys to the manager and told them you would be back today to get your car.” Tonya said.

“She gave the keys to Matt. I guess he told some girl in one of the apartments, he was trying to get me to call him.” I said and saw David shift in his seat.

“Well, pick me up.” Tonya said with a sigh.

“Ok, see you soon.” I said hanging up.

“What’s the plan?” David asked.

“We have to go get Tonya. I need to call him.” I said angry. I typed Tonya’s address into the GPS and he drove. I opened my contacts and located Matt’s number. I took a deep breath and called. It only rang a few times.

“Hello.” I cheery voice answered.

“Matt, where’s my car?” I asked and heard him laugh. “It’s not funny Matt.”

“I knew it would get you to call me.” Matt said.

“Come on. Why would you even take it?” I asked.

“You’ve ignored my calls. I asked Tonya to ask you to call me, your mom! Ryan, we have to talk.” Matt said in a desperate voice.

“There’s nothing to talk about. I just want my car. Where are you?” I asked and he sighed into the phone.

“I’ll message you the address, but I’m not giving you the keys until we talk.” Matt said before hanging up.

“F*ck!” I yelled looking at my phone.

“We’re almost to Tonya.” David said as he reached over and grabbed my hand.