Starting Over.

Chapter 22 - Matt.

“Hey! I’m Tonya.” Tonya got into the back seat and held her hand out. David took it and shook it with a smile.

“Hi, David.” He smiled and then turned back. “Ok, where to?” He asked and I sat there slightly apprehensive.

“Maybe I can buy a new car?” I said looking at them.

“Ryan, you just got that car.” Tonya said.

“Is he violent? Is that why we are avoiding him?” David asked.

“No he’s not violent. He’s not going to be happy when he sees you, unless he assumes you’re with Tonya.” I said looking between them.

“Let’s just go and get your keys.” Tonya said siting back.

“Here’s the address of his buddy’s house where he’s staying.” I said to David who plugged it into the GPS. We started off and after a moment Tonya started.

“So David, did you hire Ryan for her skills or because you wanted to date her?” Tonya asked.

“Tonya!” I scolded her and David laughed.

“She dropped her resume when we ran into each other and I gave it a once over. The fact she’s given me the time of day is just a happy bonus.” He said and my cheeks flushed.

“Mhm mhm.” Tonya said nodding. “So you knew she just got out of a relationship. That doesn’t turn you away?” She asked and I covered my face.

“I mean, she mentioned it.” David said.

“Are you nervous to meet her ex so soon into your relationship?” Tonya asked leanings forward.

“Oh my god! We aren’t in a relationship. We went on a couple dates.” I said and David glanced at me quickly.

“I mean, I personally wouldn’t mind starting a relationship.” David said and Tonya grabbed my shoulder.

“She accepts! Tell him you accept.” Tonya said and David burst out laughing.

“Let’s just get through this and then we can talk about it.” I said.

“Of course.” David said pulling up to a drive way of a tiny home. My car was no where in sight.

“This is where the GPS had led us to.” I said looking close.

“Let’s go Ryan.” Tonya popped the door open.

“Do you want me to stay in the car?” David asked and I shook my head.

“Come with me.” I said as I got out of the car. We walked up to the door with me in front and both of them behind me. I rang the bell and waited. A man I had only seen a few times answered.

“Oh, Ryan is here.” The man yelled out. It took a moment but Matt appeared. He didn’t bother cleaning up at all for me to arrive. One of the many things that caused a wedge between us. He was in gray sweats, tattered shirt, and his slides. His dark brown hair was in a messy man bun. It was clear he stopped shaving. His beard had become thick.

“Ryan, finally.” He said smiling. He looked behind me. “Tonya, and I don’t think we’ve met.” Matt stuck out his hand and David reluctantly shook his hand.

“I’m David.” He said and Matt nodded.

“Ok, my car?” I asked and Matt looked upset.

“First we talk.” Matt said.

“There’s nothing to talk about.” I said and Matt came out closing the door behind him.

“Can we talk privately?” Matt looked at everyone.

“Matt just give me my car.” I said putting my hand out.

“Ryan I’m not giving you the keys until we talk.” Matt said crossing his arms.

“Look, you have her property. Just return the keys, or I’m calling the police.” David suddenly said.

“Who the hell are you!? This doesn’t concern you!” Matt said with his voice raising.

“Matt stop.” Tonya pushed forward.

“I don’t have the car here anyways. If you want it, you’ll have to talk to me.” Matt said looking at me. He was almost demanding.

“Talk then. Make it quick because we have plans.” I said. He grabbed my arm and started leading me away. I yanked my arm away and stopped not far from everyone.

“Ryan look. I assumed you would call.” Matt said looking back at everyone.

“I’m not sure why you assumed that.” I said with my arms crossed.

“Because I knew you would probably not find a job, you couldn’t make rent, and you would take me up on my offer to go back home. We don’t belong here Ryan!” Matt said.

“Matt, I’m happy here. I’m sorry you were wrong. I found a great job and we’re done. We were done awhile ago. You can’t honestly think things were good.” I said coldly.

“When did it change?” Matt sighed. “I didn’t think things were as bad as I guess they were. I didn’t think you would really leave. I thought like usual would happen. You would want space, we would talk, then be good again.” Matt’s face was sad and for a moment I felt bad.

“I don’t need space this time.” I said and he nodded.

“I love you. I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to leave and go home without you.” Matt said and I stood there. I noticed David out of the corner of my eye walking up.

“Ok that’s enough talking.” David said.

“Tonya, tell your boyfriend to back off.” Matt puffed out his chest and stepped in between David and I.

“Matt, just get my keys please.” I said as David and him shot daggers at each other.

“Sorry Matt, that’s not MY boyfriend.” Tonya yelled and it was like something clicked in Matt’s head.

“You’re joking.” Matt looked at me. “Ryan you’re joking.” Matt pushed David.

“No, come on. This is ridiculous.” I said putting my hand on Matt.

“Get her keys.” David said.

“So you’re cheating on me with this douche bag!?” Matt said and I started to laugh nervously.

“We aren’t together Matt! We broke up!” I said and he looked at me.

“This guy is not your boyfriend right!? We took a break a week ago! Ryan this is f*cked up!” Matt said and I could see David fuming.

“Both of you need to chill.” Tonya pushed between them now.

“Look! Matt we aren’t together. This wasn’t a break. Give me my car or we’re leaving.” I said.

“I can’t believe you cheated on me with this *sshole.” Matt said with my words falling on death ears.

“David let’s go.” I said grabbing into him. David’s eyes blazed.

“We didn’t get your car.” David said obviously holding back his anger.

“I’ll file a police report for STOLEN property.” I said glaring back at Matt.

“You’re really going to leave with him?” Matt said for some reason surprised.

“I’m not sure what you’re expecting Matt. I came here with him, I intend to leave with him.” I said gripping onto to David tight. David turn to me, his expression soften.

“Let’s go.” He said turning and walking with me.

“Ryan!” Matt called and I heard Tonya’s heels hurry behind us.

“Don’t look back.” Tonya said as we got to David’s car.

“Ryan d*mmit! Talk to me!” Matt said.

“There’s nothing to talk about! Why don’t you understand that!?” I yelled back.

“Ryan!” Tonya whispered angrily trying to get me to stop.

“How could it be that we’ve barely been apart a week and you are already with someone?! You were obviously dating before I left!” He yelled.

“Don’t Ryan.” Tonya said as we got to the passenger side of the car. David opened my door and ushered me in. I sat there and turn to Tonya that had gotten in. David walked to the drivers side but Matt was there.

“Did you have to tell him that he wasn’t your boyfriend?” I said feeling my hands shaking as I watched. I could hear David asking Matt to move. I saw Matt push David yelling something we couldn’t make out.

“Oh god, we have to go out there.” I said grabbing onto the handle.

“Ryan!” Tonya grabbed my arm and I turned back in time to see David lift Matt and throw him into the front yard of the home we were in front of.

“Jesus Christ!” I said as David got in.

“Well that went well.” David said as he started the car.

“Did you!? How!?” I said and David didn’t say anything.

“I want to say that was f*cking cool but I also want to say what the f*ck.” Tonya said.

“He wouldn’t move. He was becoming aggressive.” David said flatly.

“What do we do now?” Tonya said and I sighed.

“Now that he thinks I’ve cheated on him, there’s no talking to him.” I said taking my phone out.

“What are you doing?” David asked.

“I’m texting him that we are on our way to the police station.” I said.

“At this point, I would rather buy you a new car.” David said.