The Best Friend Agreement

Keeping up appearances

Ivy's P.O.V

“Ready for this?” Ryder said as we stood outside of the hall where Ryder’s mum 50th party was.

“As ready as I can be.” I said nervously

Things were back to normal between us...no moments...no sex...just back to being us but now we will need to act like a couple, making sure we can sell it to everyone. Ryder reached down, linking his fingers through mine. We took a deep breath before heading inside. The place was already full of people...Ryder's parents were very well liked...they always have been. I froze for a moment, my nerves taking over. Ryder let go of my hand, turning me around to face him

“Ivy we don't need to do this if you don’t wanna.” He whispered

“No I want to. Just nervous, you know me aint exactly the best liar in the world.” I giggled

“That is very true but we go this Ok? Relax.” He smiled, pushing my hair away from my face

I swallowed hard, moving into his touch. He pulled me tighter into him, his face only inches away from mine. He took my face between his hands, his lips brushing mine. I groaned softly, Ryder taking that as a sign to push his lips against mine, my full body relaxing...my nerves disappearing as he kissed me. I moaned against his lips, wrapping my arms around his neck. It was the first time we had kissed since the beach house. I never realised until this moment I missed his lips. The kiss was slow...soft, only lasted a few moments before he pulled away, resting his forehead against mine

“Better?” he smiled

“Yes.” I breathed out

He gave me a quick nod before pulling away, his hand finding mine again and we headed in, some people already looking at us.

“Ryder...Ivy.” his mother gushed rushing towards us

She looked down seeing our fingers linked

“Oh my are you two finally together?” she gushed over excited

“Yes mum.” Ryder laughed

I hated lying to them all this way but it was the only way we could make it seem real.

“About time. I am so excited.” She gushed hugging us

“Happy birthday Cassie.” I said hugging her

“Happy birthday mum.” Ryder added

“When did this happen? And what took you so long son?” his dad laughed now appearing in front of us

“It is fairly new. I never wanted anything ruining our friendship.” Ryder said smiling at me which I returned

“Come...come say hello to everyone. Ivy your parents are at our table, we saved you both a spot.” Cassie gushed as we followed her to the table

I felt Ryder grip tighten on my hand when he seen his brother Devon and Ellie were at the table too...he had not seen or spoke to Devon since all the s**t went down. Ryder’s parents disliked Ellie, even before she started seeing Devon but they put up with her for their son sakes. When they found out what Devon and Ellie done to Ryder all hell broke loose...Devon never spoke to his parents for a few months but at the end of the day he is their son, they are trying with him

“Ryder ignore them Ok?” I said looking at him

“I will try. I sure as heck aint gonna let them ruin my mums birthday. I will be pleasant but that is all.

“I am here OK? Aint going anywhere.” I smiled

“I know Ace. Thank you.” He said kissing my cheek

The two of us joined everyone at the table...my parents rushing over to us hugging us both tightly, tight enough we could barely breathe but that was my parents for you.

“I know you two were meant to be.” My mum gushed “does this mean I will get grandchildren eventually?” She said giggling

“Mum!” I groaned rolling my eyes, Ryder chuckling at my side

“Sweetheart give them a chance.” My dad chuckled smiling at my mum...eyes full of love as always

My parents got together when they were 13 years old...now here they are 35 years later, still very much in love...Ryder parents are the same.

We said hello to everyone, the last two being Devon and Ellie...the tension between Ryder and Devon was clear to see

“Devon.” Ryder said giving his brother a nod...not even acknowledging Ellie which let me tell you, she never seemed happy about

“Ryder. Ivy.” Devon said nodding back

I ignored him, rolling my eyes before taking a set...Ryder next to me. I could sense how hard this was for him. I placed my hand on his knee, smiling at him and he seemed to relax a bit. Ryder and I sat as the questions git fired at us from everyone...we were expecting it though.

“Who made the first move?” Ryder’s cousin Lila asked us smirking

“It just sort of happened.” I giggled, Ryder nodding in agreement

“Well I am glad cause let’s face it Ryder, Ivy is way better than any other girl you have been with.” Lila smirked, a shot clearly fired at Ellie

I giggled, Ryder trying to keep a straight face as Ellie growled at us...rolling her eyes...Devon not saying a single word which pissed Ellie off more. Ryder and I were both glad when all the questions were finished and we all caught up with one and other. I could see Ellie out of the corner of my eye watching Ryder...the regret in her eyes like before when she seen him laugh. I turned to her, glaring moving closer into Ryder who automatically put his arm over my shoulder. I smirked at her which soon made her turn away from us. That's right b***h turn away. Ryder looked down at me, a smirk on his lips which I returned, winking at him. He clearly understood what I was doing and went with it.

**********

“Since we are reaching the end of the night I think we will slow it down a little. I want every couple on the dancefloor.” The front man of the live band that had been playing all night said

It had been a good...everyone seemed to enjoy themselves...no drama...no arguments. I think everyone was buying that Ryder and I were a “couple".

“Come on then you two.” My mum said smiling at Ryder and me

Heck no...I do not dance especially slow dancing...it’s weird and awkward.

“No we are fine just here.” Ryder laughed

“You have to because I want you too and it’s my birthday.” Ryder’s mum added in smirking

Ryder and I looked at each other rolling our eyes

“Fine!” he groaned

Oh no he did not just agree to this? He stood up, turning to me, putting his hand out for me to take. I sighed but grabbed it anyway. He chuckled, pulling me into his side, leading me to the dancefloor

“We gotta keep up appearances Ace.” He whispered in my ear

“I know but you know I hate slow dancing.” I complained

Ryder rolled his eyes at me, shaking his head before pulling my body close to his. I wrapped my arm around his neck, his landing around my waist, resting my head against him. She’s like the wind from dirty dancing soon started coming through the speakers, everyone getting lost in it...getting lost in each other. Ryder and I just went with it, pretending like we were in love like everyone else around us.

“Thank You Ace.” He whispered softly in my ear, a shiver shooting down my spine when he did.

I removed my head from his shoulder, looking up at him, smiling

“What are best friends for?” I said

I found myself getting lost in his eyes as he looked at me. OH f**k! Not another one of these moments, I don't think I can handle them. One of his hands moved from my hips, finding its way to my face, stroking my cheek with his thumb. I sighed under his simple touch, closing my eyes over cause his eyes were distracting...very tempting...tempting me to reach in and kiss him but I had to stop myself.

“Ivy?” he whispered

I slowly opened my eyes, looking at him

“Yeah?” I whispered back

He opened his mouth to speak but changed his mind, instead he shook his head. I was gonna ask him what he was gonna say but never had a chance when the song finished and the guy started talking

“I can feel the love in this room.” The guy said smiling widely

Ryder and I pulled apart, not saying another word and headed back to the table.

“Gonna go to the bathroom, back soon.” He said seeming a little nervous

I nodded, sitting back in the chair and sighed. What the heck is going on with us right now? The party was drawing to an end but the place was still open for another hour so most of us decided to stay.