Thank you - thank you! You guys are seriously amazing readers. I was hesitant to post Romeo and Juliet but I just went for it and surprisingly no one threatened my life (thank you for that!). As a sign of gratitude and due to popular demand, I give you The Story of Us which is a continuation to Romeo and Juliet. I read the comments and reviews and as much a would love to follow them, I was just having some issues about the story line. I wasn't expecting the initial story to become a multiple chapter but I also don't want to leave you guys hanging so here's a short story to complement the first one.

FYI, the character Thor does not have a last name in the show so I used the actor's last name instead. Also, I do not own Girl Meets World!

I hope you guys enjoy this story and again...please don't hate me for doing this.

On another note: please be advise that I will be taking a writing hiatus (is there such a thing?) and won't be writing/posting stories for a while but don't worry I will finish this story as well as A Wedding Lost.

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"Riley! Guess what I just found out?"

Riley Matthews smiled at Ava, who'd started talking before she was even halfway down the stairs. "That today is April Fool's Day?"

Chelsea, the female mixed breed Auggie had rescued from the pound was very attuned to the humans around her. Yipping, her funny little part–spaniel, part–boxer tail quivering, she danced around Ava as they stood outside Topanga's on the crisp, sunny morning. As if to say, Hurry and tell us, Ava.

Riley calmed the dog with hand signs and a voice command. She couldn't do that with Ava, who looked ready to hyperventilate. "What happened? Did something happened to Auggie, or maybe at Demolition?"

Ava caught her breath at last. "Nothing happened to Auggie, silly. But this is big. You'll never guess who's back in town." She barely gave Riley time to think before she blurted out the name. "Abigail Adam's own golden boy — Thor Benward."

"Oh?" Though the air seemed to whoosh from Riley's lungs, she managed to hold on to her smile.

Chelsea shot her a worried look then whined softly. Riley leaned down to scratch behind her ears. I'm fine, really.

Oblivious, Ava grinned. "You two dated in high school, right?" At nineteen, she was six years younger than Riley, but she knew that Riley had once "gone steady" with the now–famous movie director. "That's so hot."

It certainly had been. She and Thor had loved each other. Then Thor, who was three years older than Riley, left for college. During Christmas break of his freshman year, he'd seemed tense and unhappy, and they fought continuously. When he suggested they take a break from each other, Riley feared he no longer loved her. After a few strained emails and phone calls, she knew she'd been right, and the break had turned into forever. Thor had stayed away from Topanga's, even to visit.

Ava tied Chelsea's leash and went inside Topanga. "Word is that he divorced that actress. Now he's fixing the run down building across your apartment, with plans to live in it between movies. How awesome is that?"

Ages ago Riley had stopped reading stories about Thor and his various actress girlfriends. "I hadn't heard about the divorce," she said.

"It's true. Supposedly he's working on a script for a movie he's wanted to make for years. But all the production people are in L.A." Ava gave a puzzled frown. "His parents divorced and moved away years ago. Why in the world would he come back here, especially now?"

"I don't know." Riley retreated behind the display case where the rows of cookies and cupcakes could protect her.

Certainly Thor's moving here had nothing to do with her, Riley mused. Aside from the flowers and sympathy card he'd sent after her grandfather's death three years ago, she hadn't heard from him in close to ten years. She'd spent a good portion of those years studying, helping out at Topanga's and getting over Thor.

He'd gotten over her far more easily.

Ava glanced at Riley. "What are you going to do if you run into him?"

"Well…" Riley considered the question. Dread filled her at the thought, but she was over the man, and had been for a long time. "I'll probably say 'hello,' the same as I would with anyone." Then we'll go our separate ways.

Unwilling to discuss the subject further, she grabbed a dish cloth and swipe a non-existent crumbs from the stainless steel case. "Are you still okay to work the afternoon shift?"

"Yep. I might just be a bit late cause Auggie and I will be taking Chelsea to the vet. You don't think the weekend manager would mind do you?"

"I don't know. Maybe you should let her know what your plans are," Riley said with a grin.

"I just did. I better get going before your brother get annoyed. See yah later."

Three thousand, six hundred, seventy five days. That's how long it'd been since Riley saw Thor. Standing in the doorway of her bedroom, his face serious and dejected. She remembered feeling separated from reality.

…

Out on the street, Thor looked back through the front window. Riley was waiting on a customer, her mouth curved into a smile. Thor remembered how she smiled at him the first time they met. His high school years had been a blur of love triangle, football and parties. Riley, a freshman had sweetness and sincerity. He lost his heart to her the second he helped her with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Watching her now, and feeling the empty ache in his chest, Thor suddenly wondered if he ever got his heart back.

Riley enjoyed working at Topanga's on the weekend. She already knew everyone, and they all knew each other. But as was her custom, she welcomed and talked with each customer. Warm conversation and greetings filled the cafe.

At four sharp, as Riley headed for the front of the café to clean up, a tall man stepped through the door.

Riley recognized him immediately — Thor Benward. Her jaw dropped and her heart seemed to stop.

Abruptly the room quieted, and everyone went still.

…

Thor stopped by the bay window chair while Riley and everyone else, stared at him with open curiosity. As a movie director, he met with stars and bigwigs all the time. Yet he'd never felt so nervous.

He hadn't seen Riley in a very long time, and they hadn't parted on the best terms. That'd been a lifetime ago, yet standing here looking at her, it seemed like yesterday.

She still wore her waist–length, chocolate brown–color hair tucked behind her ears, and the familiar smattering of freckles dusted her cheeks. But the slim girl he remembered had become a woman with full, round curves and more natural beauty than any movie actress.

He tried a smile. "Hello, Riley."

The attention in the room shifted again to Riley, who offered a somber nod as she studied him through the same brown eyes that always had captivated him.

"Thor."

At least she didn't fawn all over him. He was sick of Hollywood grovelers and pleasers, and had come to Greenwich Village to get away from that. But he hadn't expected such a chilly welcome, either. Wondering whether he was a fool to be here, Thor shifted his weight and cleared his throat. "It's good to see you."

"What are you doing here?"

"You mean, why did I move back?" He was here to find meaning in what had become a colorless life. He might be rich and famous, but at the ripe old age of twenty–eight, something was missing.

"He and that actress got a divorce," a woman said.

Thor squinted at the woman.

"Missy Bradford," she told him. "Welcome back, and may I have your autograph? I don't think Riley knows about the divorce. She doesn't follow celebrity news," said the woman. "And that you're about to make a movie from your own script."

"That's right," he said. "I'll be commuting back and forth for a while."

"What she wants to know is —"

"I can speak for myself, Missy." Riley narrowed her eyes. "Why are you here, at Topanga's?"

His marriage had failed, with his ex accusing him of holding something back from their relationship. He was distant, she said — a complaint he'd heard from more than one woman. After much–needed soul–searching, he thought he understood why. He still had feelings for Riley. He was here to find out if that was true, and if she was his key to a meaningful existence. But he couldn't tell her, not this soon, and not in front of these people. At a loss for what to say, he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Look," he said, "I know I'm the last person you want to see, but if you could hear me out, I promise I'll leave and never come back."

"You promise, huh?" The edge in her voice unsettled him. Breath held, he waited while she made up her mind.

Finally, she gave a long, frustrated sigh. "Fine," she said, "but not in front of the customers. I don't need strangers knowing my business. The café closes at nine. You can come back then."

Thor nodded. "Thanks." Although it wasn't as though he had much of a choice. Under the circumstances, he was lucky she was willing to listen to him at all. "I'll see you then."

At ten after nine, Riley locked the front door. Damn him. She should know by now Thor's promises were a waste of time, but she got her hopes up anyway. Thor had been her Kryptonite. Capable of hurting her in ways others couldn't.

A cramp struck her right calf just as she was sliding the deadbolt into place. She jerked her leg upward, it's been a busy day and the word of Thor being at Topanga's didn't help at all. They were bombarded with customers until closing time. Apparently, Thor's reappearance was going to call a whole host of issues especially with her.

If she were to be completely honest there are those rare times in the dead of night when sleepy and confused, she'd forget and fall getting out of bed. She refused to acknowledge that it was usually a dream about Thor that woke her in the first place.

Thor's desertion didn't completely surprise her. In a way she couldn't blame Thor for giving up on them. Twenty and in university, he was out of her league. She considered herself lucky they lasted as long as they did.

A knock on the door broke her thoughts. Familiar green eyes peered through the glass, causing her insides to flutter.

Stop it, Riley.

"Sorry I'm late. Fiorello's went out of business and I had to look for a new florist."

"A lot has changed since your last visit," she replied. He could interpret her words whatever way he wanted.

"Not everything, I hope," he said, holding out the bouquet he'd brought with him. "Are yellow daisies still your favorite?"

The sight of the brightly colored flowers tossed all of Riley's self-admonishments out the window and her heart did a little dance. "You remembered."

"I remember a lot of things. Both the good and the bad," he added quietly.

Impossible to have one without the other, wasn't it? What with the way the two memories were entwined. Oh, to go back to those days, when her heart didn't fear being crushed.

The crinkle of the flowers' wrapper beneath her fingers reminded her the wish was impossible. She set the bouquet on a nearby table to keep from being distracted by more memories.

Thor was walking the perimeter, studying the artwork and menu items. "Place looks like it's doing well."

"Yeah." Her expression softened, and Thor was certain he made progress. Grinning, he started forward.

Just like that, the warmth evaporated. Riley tightened her mouth, her closed look stopping him. "Why are you here Thor?"

"Do you guys want some coffee?" Ava asked. "I can make some coffee before I go. Riley everything is prepared for tomorrow so don't worry about anything and just enjoy your date."

Thor didn't miss the dirty look Riley shot the young girl. She didn't want him here. Her rejection made him all the more determined to get back into her good graces. While he searched his brain for some way to persuade her to let him stay, he gave a smile that no one could resist, not even Riley.

She sighed. "I'll make the coffee. Go home Ava. I will see you tomorrow." She wouldn't meet Thor's eye, and instead spoke to his shoulder. "Do you still drink your coffee with milk and sugar?"

"Yes."

She turned away, effectively dismissing him. Warming that cool attitude wasn't going to be easy, but over the next hour Thor intended to do just that. Because he definitely wanted to get to know Riley again, in every way.

"I don't mind making the coffee," Ava whispered in a voice Thor heard. She sent a longing glance Thor's way. "I can stay a bit longer."

Riley rolled her eyes. "I'm sure Thor will give you an autograph next time."

Thor offered a good–natured grin.

"Go home Ava," Riley told her.

"Oh, I will." Ava glanced from Riley to Thor, then winked. "Have fun."

"We have some pies. Would you like a slice?"

Thor doesn't care about dessert. What he cared about is would Riley give him a second chance?

Riley went and made coffee and she was keenly aware of Thor. Over the years glamorous Hollywood photos had catalogued his transformation from a tall, lanky boy into a solid man, the boyish face honed into strong, masculine features. But no picture adequately captured the lively glint in his green eyes or his irresistible charm. Willingly or not, she was attracted to him.

Even when she turned her back on him, she felt his gaze on her. That made her nervous and self–conscious. The man was rich and famous. He could have any woman in the world, in any glamorous city.

So, what was he really doing back in Greenwich?

Riley wished she could control the blood flow to her cheeks, which felt continually flushed.

So she frowned at Thor, who was standing behind the counter with his hands crossed over his chest and widened his stance as if he wasn't going anyplace.

"Can you please relax? You look like you did when you wanted us to go down the hole."

"I am relaxed. This is the most I've been relaxed in years. Are you relaxed?"

"Not at all," she said. "But you know that. Are you really moving back here? And how in the world is that going to work if you're busy with your movie?"

"Actual production won't start for a while. We're in pre-production, which is mostly boring meetings."

He offered a crooked grin no woman could ignore. Slightly breathless, Riley eyed him coolly.

"Meaning?" she repeated.

"Meaning I have time to relax, fix my apartment," he said, "visit friends."

"Okay." So what did he want?

He looked straight into her eyes. "I want to talk about us," he said as if he'd read her mind.

Oh, what that look did to her. Her breath caught and time seemed to stop. Unnerved and upset by her pounding heart — she was no more interested in Thor than she was in old Mr. Carlson, who ran the post office — Riley scoffed, "There hasn't been an 'us' since high school."

She was over Thor, and rehashing the past would only open old wounds. Wishing she could escape, Riley glanced longingly at the door.

"Do you have a date?" Thor asked, his jaw suddenly tense.

Though she hadn't dated in a long while, she considered making up a boyfriend. But she never had been able to lie. She shook her head.

He exhaled. "Excellent."

Silence.

Rocking on his heels, hands thrust into the pockets of his jeans, Thor seemed as nervous as she felt, which was ridiculous. They were two adults, acting like…the teenagers they were the last time they faced each other.

"Mind if we sit down?" He nodded toward the chairs.

They had nothing to say to each other, and the thought of sitting and talking was unsettling. "I don't have that much time," she said.

"Suit yourself."

He shrugged, and she couldn't help noticing how his broad shoulders framed his shirt. Or his long legs. He wore his jeans snug, and her gaze darted to the healthy bulge…

"Like what you see?"

Cheeks hot, she jerked her attention to his teasing grin and gave him a dirty look. "Get to the point, Thor. What do you want?"

He sobered instantly. "For starters, to say how sorry I am about your grandfather."

"Thank you." Riley dipped her head. "Thanks for the flowers and sympathy card. That was very thoughtful." Biting her lip, she again looked at him. "I'm sorry about your divorce."

"Don't be. Getting married was a mistake for both of us. We parted as friends. It wouldn't be so rough, but with the tabloids and paparazzi chasing the story…" He shook his head.

"So you're here to hide out," Riley guessed, wondering what that had to do with her.

"Partly." Again he shoved his hands into his pockets. "I owe you an apology for the way I treated you back then. I acted like a jerk."

"It was a long time ago, and we were both young and immature. Correction, I was young and immature" Riley waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. "I got over it."

Mostly. Standing here now, she realized she was still angry over what had happened. At the same time she couldn't help longing for what might have been. Sharing her bed and her life with Thor. Children filling the days with joy. At twenty five, she was beginning to wonder whether that dream would ever come true.

"I'm not sure I did. I never explained what happened."

"You said you needed a break," Riley reminded him, pleased with her emotionless tone.

"But I didn't tell you why. If you remember, at the time my parents were still married." He glanced at Riley and she nodded. "When I came home things at home were tense. My dad kept picking at my mom, and they screamed at each other all the time. It was especially bad at night, when they drank." He shook his head, then rubbed the space between his eyebrows as if he had a headache. "They should've split up decades ago."

Riley remembered how badly Thor had wanted a close, loving family, and how his parents were too wrapped up in themselves to bother with their only child. She'd never liked them, but this… "I didn't know," she said. "Why didn't you say something?"

His mouth twisted. "Too ashamed. The worst of it was, I started picking at you the same way. I felt like I was turning into my old man, and I didn't know how to stop. I didn't want to put you through the same hell he put my mother through." He blew out a heavy breath. "And there you have it, the ugly, unvarnished truth."

Riley felt his pain, her heart twinging in sympathy. "I never imagined. You're not at all like him."

"I know that now. I never meant for us to break up for good. I only wanted to figure out where I was going wrong and straighten myself out." He gave a humorless laugh. "We both know how that turned out, and here we are."

At least now Riley understood. She wasn't about to forgive and forget, though. There had been too much pain for that. "Thank you for explaining."

"Thank you for listening."

Something — his tone or that soulful look — had her yearning toward him, primed and ready for whatever happened next. A small voice in her head cautioned, Be careful. She frowned. "Is there something else?"

Thor nodded, his gaze fastened on hers. "I think I still have feelings for you, Riley. I'd like to find out whether you do, too."

…

Everything, everything hinged on Riley. Thor held his breath.

"Let me get this straight," she said, her voice cool. "After ten years of silence, after you sleep with countless women and even marry and divorce one, you march back into town, apologize for the past, spotlight your movie–star smile on me, and expect me to swoon." Eyes blazing, she lifted her chin. "I appreciate the apology, but you broke my heart. Frankly, I don't want to suffer like that ever again."

Feeling lower than a dog flea, Thor winced. "I'd give anything go back in time and change my behavior, but all we can do is move forward."

"Exactly. Things change. I've changed. I don't have feelings for you, anymore," Riley said, without quite meeting his eye.

When she fibbed, she never looked a person in the eye. Even after all this time, he remembered that, and it gave him hope. "Letting you go was a terrible mistake. The biggest of my life," he said with sincerity. "You want to know why I move from woman to woman, and why I got a divorce? Because I should have married you. Give me a chance to prove myself."

"There's too much history between us. I could never trust you." Riley fiddled with the sleeve of her shirt. "We'd best leave things as they are."

Thor hadn't gotten where he was by backing away from a challenge. "I don't plan to give up. I will win you back."

At last she looked up, glaring at him. "I'm not some prize you can take home and put on your mantel. My life is exactly the way I like it, calm and peaceful. No fights or arguments. I want it to stay that way."

"Who says it won't? Let's get reacquainted, Riley. You'll see that I've changed."

"Don't you listen? I–am–not–interested," she stated, enunciating each word as if he were from another planet.

He knew how to turn that less–than–friendly attitude around — take her in his arms and nibble the sensitive place under her ear until she forgot all about not trusting him. But right now regaining that trust was the most important thing in his life.

So he kept his hands to himself. "Got it."

"I'm glad we understand each other," Riley said, looking relieved. "So that's settled."

Nothing was settled. He will win her over. Whatever it took.