" He takes out his cell and starts entering the address. “I was surprised to see you at Josh’s party on Saturday,” he says, his eyes glued to the screen.
“I don’t know why. Everyone was there.”
“Yeah, but you know…with Nan home and all, I just figured that you’d want to spend time with her.”
“I have been spending time with Nan, thank you very much,” I snap in annoyance. How dare he insinuate that I’d abandoned my sister? She’s the one who made me go, who swore that it would make her somehow anxious to know I was “missing out”--her words, not mine.
“You and Patrick looked awfully cozy,” Ryder says, setting Mama’s note back on the counter.
So I was right--he had been watching us.
“So?”
“So, nothing.” He shrugs. “Just making an observation.”
“Yeah, you never just make an observation. Oh, and you and Rosie looked pretty cozy, too. I sure hope you’re not leading her on. You know she likes you.”
A muscle in his jaw works furiously as he shoves his cell phone back into his pocket. “That’s the kind of guy you think I am? Seriously, Jem?”
I swallow hard, unable to reply. Because the truth is, I don’t know.
“I’ll see you later,” he says, his voice cold and clipped. He turns and stalks out. "

― Kristi Cook , Magnolia (Magnolia Branch, #1)