Starting Over.

Chapter 33 - Dinner Part 1

“Ready?” David stood in my door way.

“Yeah.” I said before closing the door.

“You’re not bringing any clothes? I thought you were going to stay over after.” David said.

“Oh shoot, I left the bag on the table. One minute.” I said going back in. I walked up and grabbed the bag. I didn’t really forget it, with all the weirdness going on. Part of me had hoped he wouldn’t ask.

“Forget anything?” I heard behind me.

“Oh no, I’m coming.” I said lifting the bag off the table and going out to his car. I placed the bag in the back seat and then got in.

“Are you ok?” David asked.

“Well, since you asked. I noticed something today and when I asked about it. Everyone got really weird.” I said as David drove across town.

“What was it about?” David asked.

“Well I noticed Audra had like a tattoo or scar on her neck, but it was the same scar or tattoo Sam has on hers. When I asked about it. Sam seemed almost offended. Angela told me it was a ironridge thing. She told me to ask you.” I said and there was silence. I looked at David as he watched the road. “David?” I asked.

“I’m not sure how to explain it.” David said as we pulled into his drive way.

“What do you mean?” I asked as he got out of the car. I quickly got out as well. David walked to the house next door. “David?” I asked as he got to the door and knocked.

“I mean what I said. I’m not exactly sure how to explain it.” David said and the door opened.

“Right on time!” Audra said with a smile until she saw our faces. David walked past her in and I followed.

“But I don’t understand.” I got up close to him. “I thought maybe it was a weird mafia tattoo.” I whispered and David laughed.

“This isn’t the mafia, I assure you.” David said.

“What could you two possibly be discussing?” Audra asked looking at us both like we were crazy.

“I told David that I noticed you and Sam have the same mark on your neck. Someone told me it was a ironridge thing and to ask David. I asked David and he says he doesn’t know what to say.” I said and Audra looked at him.

“It’s easy to explain. It’s a ironridge thing people do when they’re in love.” Audra said.

“What?” I asked.

“David probably doesn’t want to scare you.” Audra said and David nodded.

“What is it? The woman get a scar? I don’t understand. Is it a ritual or something?” I was so overly confused.

“More of a tradition.” David said.

“Now then, let’s go sit before dinner!” Audra said and David grabbed my hand as we followed Audra to a living room. Will was already there watching a sports game. He turned the tv off when he saw us.

“There you all are!” Will said.

“David?” I asked.

“Yes?” He said as we sat on the love seat.

“Is that going to happen to me?” I whispered.

“We’ll talk about it more later.” David said and I looked over at Will and Audra watching us.

“Sorry.” I said.

“No need to apologize. Did you want anything to drink?” Audra asked.

“Oh, anything is fine. I’m not picky.” I said.

“I’ll grab you some wine. David your usual?” Audra asked and David nodded. “Right away!” Audra got up and went out of the room.

“So Ryan?” Will asked and I looked at him. “How are you liking it here?”

“I’m enjoying it so far.” I said and looked at David. “Everyone has been so nice, work is great, I’ve made some nice friends already. It’s going good.” I said looking back to Will.

“That’s good to hear.” Will said and there was a awkward silence. “So, what made you suddenly decide to leave everything behind and live here?” Will asked.

“Oh… um… well I guess I was ready to start over. I lost my job, my relationship was over, and this came at just the right time.” After I was done speaking Audra came in and handed me a glass of wine. She handed David a glass of brown liquor with a couple ice cubes in it.

“What did I miss?” Audra asked.

“I was just asking how it was for Ryan to leave everything and come here. She said she was ready to start over.” Will said.

“I apologize for Will. He’s very straight forwards.” Audra said.

“It’s ok. My best friend Tonya is the same way. She asked David a lot of intrusive questions.” I said.

“She was nice for the most part.” David said.

“Tonya just really cares.” I said and David nodded.

“So are you from the Seattle area?” Audra asked.

“I lived there before here but before that, I lived in Arizona with my mom.” I said.

“You must miss the warm weather.” Will said.

“No, I much prefer the weather here. Audra you’re not from here either, right? Where was your home town.” I asked.

“Oh my home town is in Montana.” Audra said.

“How did you and Will meet?” I asked and they smiled at each other.

“Will was there for a meeting. I was interning as a secretary for some man I can’t remember now. I was accompanying him to the meeting when I felt it.” Audra said smiling at Will.

“Felt what?” I asked.

“There was something about him that just made my heart full. As soon as I saw him I knew.” Audra kissed Will’s lips as he smiled at her.

“Aww so it was love at first sight?” I asked.

“Yes, it was.” Will replied. I looked at David.

“Isn’t that sweet?” I smiled and he nodded.

“It’s very sweet.” He said smiling at me.

“Well, shall we go eat?” Audra said and I nodded.