Chapter 1

It had been 1 year since they graduated college. Riley was a successful RN at Cook Children's Pediatric. She hadn't seen any of her friends, besides Maya when they all went their seperate ways after high school. Maya worked at a museum, helping to restore paintings, mostly in the Russian turn of the century department but, she was hoping to move out of it soon. The group of 6 decided to meet 1 year after graduation at Topanga's, her mother's restaurant/bakery, and Farkle didn't let them forget it. Riley was hoping for Maya to get their first, so she would have someone easy to converse with. Or, she was hoping that they met somewhere that served wine. She shook our her long curls, adjusted her black, flowy baby doll dress and jean jacket. Her long legs were shaking, she hadn't seen him since he left for Texas 5 years ago. But, a promise is a promise. There was no anger or resentment, she only hoped for the best for him. Hopefully he became a successful veterinarian like he had always wanted to. She played with the necklace she always hid that he gave her from several years ago, more like 7 years, it held his initial but whenever she was around other people she'd pull the L behind her. If people did ask, it meant L for love. The door jingled open and there she was. "Oh Maya, thank the Lord." Riley stood up and hugged her best friend.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just nervous. I mean, we all randomly text every now and then but we haven't seen them in so long. Except for the occasional Christmas gatherings. It's awkward, and somehow you make everything easier." Maya sat in the seat beside her.

"Stop stressing out, they're our friends. Always have been and always will be."

"I know, and i'm hoping it can be that way. If everyone is still in New York maybe this can be more of a weekly thing. What are you doing after this?"

"Nothing. Why?"

"I was thinking maybe we can go to Limelight? After I see him, I may need a drink." She laughed and shook on it, when the door jingled again. Riley held her breath and closed her eyes, hoping it wasn't him.

"FARKLE! SMACKLE!" The girls stood up and gave them hugs. "What are you all doing now?" Farkle cleared his throat.

"I'm head of Farkle International now, dad passed it down." Riley smiled.

"So, do you know what your father's business is about now?" Farkle looked up to the ceiling.

"No, not really. Something with stocks." The girls giggled.

"Smackle, what about you? What'd you major in?"

"Political Science. In a few years i'll be running for senator."

Maya's blue eyes widened. "Wow, that's incredible. You've got my vote." Riley's heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest. After 10 more minutes of conversing and catching up, Farkle checked the time. "Where's the other 2 Farkle?"

"They said they'd be a little late, I suspect them any minute now." Smackle turned to face him.

"Why do you suspect that?" He pulled his phone out of his lap.

"They just texted me." Everyone rolled their eyes, same old Farkle. "Sweetheart, would you like a muffin?" Smackle shook her head and Farkle left the table.

"Okay, so why didn't we know you two were dating?" The best friends glanced at each other and back at Smackle.

"I'm not quite sure, it's been almost 2 years. But, now that we've graduated and we're all living in the city maybe, we can do this more often. Are either of you seeing anyone?" Riley's heart stopped as the door jingled again and her former love walked through the door. Maya grasped her arm and pulled her out of the chair. "Isaiah, Lucas." Lucas' green eyes didn't leave Riley, and neither did the adorable smile on his face.

"Hey Smackle, long time no see." He turned to face his ex. "Hey."

"Hi."

"Hey."The brunette grinned and was immediately pulled into a hug by his strong arms. That somehow had gotten bigger, the only logical conclusion was that he was actually trying and lifting. "You look incredible."

"Maya?" Zay popped out from behind the pair hugging and sauntered towards her.

"Hey Zay." They hugged.

"You look amazing. Wow." Maya shook her head and once Lucas finally released her from a hug they all sat down. Lucas sat across Riley and Zay to the left of Maya.

"So what are you two doing now?" Zay cleared his throat.

"I'm actually a baseball coach at our old high school." Maya's eyes widened. "Yeah, I came back after graduating to visit my parents and ended up missing New York more than I thought."

"Really? That's cool, I bet that brings back some memories. I'm working at the Met restoring damaged paintings. I love it, I just want a more interesting department than Russian." Zay laughed and they started talking in their own little world. Smackle was about to talk when Farkle walked up.

"Lucas!" He set down the plate of muffins and Lucas towered over him for a hug. "How've you been man?"

"Great. Just, working i'm a vet. Surprise, surprise. I actually just finished taking the state licensing exam a few weeks ago." Riley giggled, and was happy that he finally accomplished what he'd always wanted. "I am soon to open up my own practice if this loan comes through. Fingers crossed." The brunette couldn't help but stare at him, he always had a fire in his eyes when he talked about becoming a vet, it was something he was always passionate about. "Riley, what are you doing now? Do you own a bunny farm?" She chuckled.

"Very funny but no. I'm actually an RN at Cook's Children's Pediatric." A smile was across his entire face. "It's really incredible."

"You get to be around kids all day, like you always wanted."

"And you're a vet like you always wanted. Congratulations." Smackle cleared her throat and pushed up her glasses again.

"Maya, Riley neither one of you answered my question. Are you seeing anyone?" Lucas' gorgeous eyes shifted immediately to her.

"No, i'm not." Maya laughed.

"Yeah, neither one of us has had a boyfriend in years. Though Charlie does pop up every now and then." Farkle laughed, in his farkley way.

"Charlie Gardner?" Maya grinned, realizing that her plan to bring up someone who was interested in Riley worked.

"Yeah, Charlie Garnder." Riley cleared her throat before she continued. "He shows up as random as it always has been." Lucas laughed and looked at the table. "What about you and Zay? Are y'all seeing anyone?"

"Y'all?"

"What can I say? Old habits die hard." She picked up that word from Lucas when they dated for 4 years and she unintentionally used it all the time. "Zay?"

"Nope, no one." His eyes grazed over Maya, enjoying what he was seeing.

"Lucas?" He slowly shook his head no, and an uncontrolled grin made its way to her face. Why did she care? Why was it so important. She quickly had to change the subject. "Farkle and Smackle are together. Did anyone else know about this? Maya and I didn't." Both of the guys' jaws dropped.

"I mean, I guess I can't say i'm surprised. You two were oddly perfect for each other." Zay's arm nonchallantly wrapped around the back of the blonde's chair.

"Thank you Zay that's very nice of you to say." Riley stood up.

"Does anybody want anything to eat or drink? I've got an in with the owner. Maya, I know you want a tea, Zay?"

"Coffee for me please." Lucas stood up.

"I'll help you." She swallowed the lump in her throat and heard her converse squeak against the hardwood floor while she walked behind the wood bar. "Riley?"

"Yeah?" She slid off her denim jacket and laid it across the bar.

"You look great." Her dress stopped an inch above her knee, and her bare shoulders were exposed because of the spaghetti straps.

"Thank you. I've been working out, toning up. You look great too. Texas has done you well." He laughed.

"I'd like to think so. I've thought about moving back here." The sticks of cinnamon went flying. "Woah. You alright?"

"Yeah. Fine, you're moving back?" He slowly nodded his head knowing that she wasn't fine, Riley kneeled down and started picking up her mess.

"It isn't official yet, but that state exam I took was for New York. Texas was great and I will always love it there. But, I think i'm ready to come home." Riley always assumed that Texas was his home, so it was weird to hear that.

"Well, maybe Smackle will get her wish. She wanted us all to gather up at least once a month to hang out. Now that we're out of school it'll be a lot easier." She tried really hard to not make direct eye contact with him, but she also felt like a lunatic doing it, constantly looking at his forehead was a little out of character.

"RILES!" The brunette peered around Lucas' broad shoulder. "Zay's coming with us to limelight." Riley nodded her head and grabbed the tray.

"Here, i'll take that."

"It's okay, i've got it." He sweetly took the tray and stopped her.

"Y'all are going to limelight?"

"Yeah, at first I thought it would be awkward and i'd need a drink. Now, it's more like Zay's coming and Maya won't let me go back to my apartment." He laughed and Riley's heart skipped a beat.

"Is it cool if I come?" She dropped her denim jacket and on her way back up the necklace fell down, revealing his initial. As soon as he saw it, his face lit up, even though Riley immediately tried to hide it, she new the damage was done.

"If you want to, it's up to you. The more the merrier. Smackle, Farkle you're more than welcome to come." She continued to think about getting herself in check, she couldn't let him see her this way; still wearing the necklace, swooning over his eyes and muscles, adoring his smile.

"Why don't we go ahead and go? You need to change Riles."

"Why, she looks great?" Lucas divulged.

"Short dresses, with Riley's long legs at clubs. It's never worked out well." His green eyes graced her body.

"Yeah. I should change." Riley spoke slowly and tried not to notice him staring.

Maya cleared her throat. "Girls, let's go up to Riley's place and we'll meet the guys in an hour?" Lucas was playing with his knuckles watching his ex's every move.

"Okay. Sounds good. I'll see everyone later. Bye Lucas." Riley wanted to face palm herself. All 3 guys watched the girls leave and go upstairs. All of the men had their eyes on a different girl.

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"I almost forgot how beautiful she was." Lucas continued to stare out at the door.

"I never realized how beautiful Maya was."

Farkle interrupted their daydream. "How could either of you forgotten or not realized how gorgeous they were?" Both Zay and his friend lightly laughed, when Zay lightly tapped Lucas' bicep.

"What's going on with you and Riley? You fallin' over your tongue for a particular reason?"

"You know i've never stopped caring for her." Farkle glared at him.

"Then why did you break up with her?" Lucas moved his eyes from the front door to Farkle. His tone didn't hold the normal curiosity, that he remembered.

"You got a problem with me Farkle?"

"Only when we 4 go off to NYU and she could barely hold herself together." Lucas jaw clenched, Farkles' words stung and he knew it. "I'm mad at what happened, not at you. But, she's pulled herself together, don't diminish progress because you 'almost forgot' what it felt like to have her around."

"I never stopped caring for her Farkle. I made a mistake, people make mistakes." Zay cleared his throat quickly to ease the conversation.

"He's probably coming back to New York, he took the state test the other day. Go easy on him man, this is supposed to be a happy occasion." He kicked Farkle's chin and nudged Lucas' arm. "So, can we just talk about how gorgeous they are?" Everyone lightly laughed. "Wait if y'all went to NYU why did you need this reunion?"

"Well, we all started off really close, but after sophomore year, it was Maya with Riley, and Smackle and I." They slowly nodded their heads. Lucas continued to think about his ex, and how their actions imitated those from middle school. He spent the past 5 years trying to fall out of love with her, it never occured to him what would happen when he saw her.

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"Holy crap! Zay is muy caliente!" The girls giggled while she touched up her hair. "I wonder why I never noticed?"

"Probably the same reason he never noticed how hot you are. We were all friends, he probably didn't think you were more than that." Riley was digging through her closet trying to find something to wear tonight, apparently they were taking this reunion out on the town.

"Hey Riles?"

"Yeah honey?"

"Maybe, next time close your mouth when Lucas is around." Smackle was particulary interested in that statement. However, the brunette continued to dig through her closet. "He saw the necklace. You know that, right?"

"Yes, he did." She grinned at her outfit choice, pulling out the lace romper that she bought last year, but never wore.

"So, take it off."

"No, how rude would that be? To take it off after you know he's seen it." Riley unzipped her dress and started changing clothes out in the open, making Smackle slightly uncomfortable.

"Who cares? Did you forget that he broke your heart?" Riley glared at her bestfriend.

"Nope, haven't forgotten about that. He had his reasons, and i'm not going there again. Zip me up please."

"Is that why you're wearing this fitted, extremely deep V, lace romper?" Riley didn't acknowledge the statement. "Riles, you never wore this because you said it was too sexy, and you couldn't pull it off." The brunette stood back and turned on her heels. "Which by the way you so can!"

Riley laughed. "Just because i'm not going there again, doesn't mean I can't show him what he's missing."

"AMEN!" Smackle exclaimed and her friends snickered. "You do look very beautiful Riley."

"Thanks Smackle." Riley bent down to change her converse to heels, when she winced from a sudden twinge of pain.

"That's what I get for working out legs today."

"Are you going to be able to dance?" Riley scoffed.

"Am I going to be able to dance?" She forced laughter a few more times. "We'll see. Is everyone ready to go?"

"We were waiting on you honey, we didn't need to get ready." She furrowed her brows.

"I didn't have to change you guys. We're going out with our guy friends anyways." Maya sauntered towards her best friend and placed her hands on her shoulders.

"I was trying to get you away from Lucas, it's for your own good. Everyone and their dog can see you still care about him, try not to make it so obvious. If you get back together-"

"We aren't getting back together."

"I'm just saying if you do, make him work for it." Maya winked and they made their way down to the guys.

"How are you liking your apartment?" Smackle snickered.

"Hilarious, I love it as a matter of fact. I grew up here, and I am extremely lucky that my parents sold it to me." Maya looped her arm through the brunette's. "Plus, I couldn't find a bay window that felt right like mine does."

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"Where are they?" Zay checked the time on his phone.

"What's the rush? It's a Saturday." Lucas chuckled at Farkle's question.

"He wants to see Maya." The door jingled and there she was. Lucas' breathing became unsteady, he'd never seen Riley dress this way. Her cleavage was very apparent since the v-neck was about 2 inches below her boobs. It hugged her curves that had revealed themselves in Lucas' absence.

Maya sauntered to the table. "Hey you ready?" Lucas stood up immediately, still not taking his eyes off of her. "We figured we'd hit a bar up since it's only 8:30. Then walk to limelight." The brunette took a step forward.

"My vote is Bar B. Just a few blocks away. Is that okay?" Everyone paired off to start the journey, leaving Lucas and Riley alone at Topanga's.

"Hey."

"Hi." His smile softened, remembering their middle school ways. "Ladies first." The vet graciously opened the door for her, like he did when they were together. He would always pop the top of her hand if she tried to open it up herself.

"Thank you." It was dark outside, but the headlights, and streetlights of the busling city, made it seem otherwise. The nurse glanced ahead of them and saw everyone talking, she didn't quite know what to do. They used to be able to talk about anything and everything, why now, was it so hard? Even after they broke up, they talked on the phone a lot, but life seemed to have gotten in the way. Riley kept her eyes on the ground, like she always did when they walked. "So, how're your parents?"

"Wonderful. They still live here, and they uh," Lucas chuckled, trying to remain calm. He noticed her long tan legs, that his hand used to rest on. "They ask about you all the time." She smiled.

"I miss them. I stopped by to visit a few times, but when they didn't answer i'd just leave the cookies on the doorstep." Lucas smirked at the notion she still tried to see them.

"How are your parents? And Auggie?" She giggled.

"They're great, my dad's superintendent of the school district and my mom became senior partner around 2 years ago. Give or take, financially they're loving life." He chuckled. "Auggie, is still in high school and still with Ava."

"I bet your mom loves that." Her brown eyes rolled, still watching her feet while she walked. "You still do that?" She quickly glanced towards him, and immediately looked away.

"Do what?"

"Look towards the ground when you walk. I'm assuming you're still clumsy." Her lips rolled in and she tousled her hair. "You're hair is shorter too."

"Yeah, i've cut it since you left. But only once, don't go crazy."

He laughed. "Yeah, one time in 5 years is already pushing it." He saw her free hand and wanted to reach out and hold it. "I missed you." Riley's body released a tingling sensation starting at the center of her back and exploding throughout her frame. "I'm sorry it's been so long since we last talked."

"Me too. Life sucks, doesn't it?" He wanted to tell her that he may not have appreciated this moment as much if they hadn't spent so much time apart. Even though, he despised the time away from her.

"A good portion of the time, yes." He pulled the handle of the door and placed his other hand on the small of her back. "But, i'm liking it right now." She felt her cheeks turn red. Why was he saying all of this? Was it because of her? Or was it the fact all of them were together again, like old times? With more alcohol.

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"What can I get you to drink?" Riley smiled and accepted the offer.

"Martini, dirty." The left side of his lip pulled up.

"Of course." The guys left to order drinks, leaving the girls sitting alone. Riley exhaled and after tucking her legs in on the couch laid her head on Maya.

"This feels like the good 'ol days." The brunette snickered. "Why'd you order a martini? You only order those after a long week."

"I feel like these couple hours have been a long week. Does that make sense?"

"No, but I get what you're trying to say." Smackle pushed up her glasses, refusing to say anything. "Oh no."

"What?" Riley raised her head and looked into the blue eyes of her best friend. "What is it?"

"Who's the one person that you would really hate to show up right now?" Riley's eyes widened. "He's headed this way." The brunette stood up and faced him.

"Hey Charlie." He smiled and passed her a cosmo, what she would normally drink if they were in any other situation.

"Wow, you look breathtaking." Lucas turned around to glance at her and saw Charlie. He immediately stood up straighter when Farkle's hand landed on his shoulder.

"This isn't middle school or high school anymore. You two aren't together." Lucas' vacant expression turned to a frown. "Unless, you want to be?" He didn't say anything he continued to watch their exchange, hoping to God the drinks would be ready soon. "Lucas, do you want to be with her again?"

"I don't know Farkle. This is the first time we've seen each other in I don't know how long and she's there. As sweet as ever, beautiful, I feel like i'm in middle school all over again. Afraid, to even utter a word." Zay cleared his throat.

"I'm going to go with a yes, he does want to be with her."

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"Thank you for the drink. You didn't have to do that." Riley was trying to think of anything to say to get him to vamoose. Then she realized, it's what she doesn't say that might push him away.

"Anytime. So where are you headed, dressing like that tonight?" Maya stood up tossing her blonde hair behind her.

"We're going to limelight." Riley wanted to elbow her in the gut. But the blonde's plan was working well, trying to make Lucas jealous. His piercing eyes from across the bar made that obvious.

"Who's we?" He smirked, hoping for an invitation.

"Smackle, Farkle, Zay, myself, Riley and-"

"Me." Lucas stood beside the brunette and after handing her the martini took the cosmo away. "How you been Charlie?"

"Friar, I didn't know you were back in town. For how long?" The vet took a swig of beer and shook hands with him.

"We're having a reunion of sorts, I don't think he'll be here but a few more days." Maya interjected. Lucas looked towards Riley, who was clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

"It isn't official yet, I took the state test to practice in New York a few weeks ago, if I passed then i'm going to stay." The brunette tried to hide her smile by taking a drink and immediately eating an olive.

"Well, I might see you at Limelight Riles. Lucas, always a pleasure." Charlie was more intimidated now by Lucas than he used to be. His demeanor was more confident and he was definitely more muscular.

She cleared her throat to talk. "I'm gonna get a refill." Lucas laughed at how quickly she finished that. He was going to follow, but decided to let her have space.

"I didn't know you were staying huckleberry." He kept an eye on Riley at the bar and replied.

"It isn't a sure thing yet. But, i'd love to come home." Funnily enough, when he broke up with Riley, he wanted to go home to Texas. It took everything in her power not to bring it up. Riley came back and sat down, in the only spot available, by him. She felt like her friends were doing these things on purpose. "Get yourself fixed up?"

"Yeah. Thanks for the first one by the way." He shrugged it off and took another swig of his beer.

"I would've gotten you another one."

"Oh, it's fine. I've got 2 legs to walk and 2 eyes to see where i'm walking." Riley giggled. Everyone was carrying on their own conversations, but Riley and Lucas were silent, staring at each other like the old days.

"I can't get over how great you look. I mean you've always been gorgeous but, you seem different now. Confident." Riley knew you had to be confident to where what she was wearing, most of the time though the only time she felt confident was when she was at the hospital.

"Thank you. I um, I have one relationship in my life." He furrowed his brows. "And, that's with the gym. When I can't sleep or I need a quick release that's where I go." Lucas visibly relaxed and placed his hand on her thigh. Her eyes stared at it, hoping that this wasn't a dream.

"Well, if I am lucky enough to come back here then, maybe we can workout together sometime. I'll spot you." His hand felt like they always had, rough but gentle when touching her and familiar, comfortable even. Riley chugged the martini and stood up, after realizing what was happening, she couldn't give into him. At least not so easily.

"Limelight? Anyone?" Her friends smiled and with Lucas on her heels they walked to limelight.

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Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think, i'm trying a different writing style. Follow, favorite and review. If you want to see Riley's outfit go to 1015store . com and search for 'hot off the press', it's the black one.