Chapter 41

No matter how natural he tried to act there was nothing natural about Ryder, especially in this moment next to a guy who makes him comfortable and nervous at the same time, Ryder is more confused than he's ever been. Not much is said between them in the beginning,

but they both try to ignore the awkward silences by staring at everyone surrounding the big fire. They all drink and dance, but there stood Ryder and Shia still with nothing to say to each other.

Maybe he just needed the courage, Ryder thinks, he promised himself not to overdo it tonight, but believing it's the only way to communicate with Shia he chugs 3 beers to start, followed by a couple of shots. Throughout all of this Shia is distracted by people trying to buy weed from him, even though he doesn't sell to them and tries to stay focus on Ryder, Ryder couldn't help but be a little peeved by the revelation. Shia Yorkton is a weed dealer, Ryder isn't sure how to even feel about that.