Date: August 2017 - Thursday
The following morning, Riley, Eliza, Josh, and Paige woke up early to prepare themselves for their meeting with Belle, the venue specialist for Friar Ranch Resort. Their meeting wasn't until ten but they had plans to eat breakfast at eight so they wouldn't have to rush themselves.
After the events of the previous day, Riley was hesitant to contact Maya or any of her friends. She knew that they wanted a play by play of any meeting she had with Lucas but truth be told, Riley wasn't the one to kiss and tell-not that she and Lucas even kissed. Even though she would do her best to avoid any interrogation from her friends, it was already inevitable. And as if the universe was against her, the wedding planner's phone rang with a photo of her blonde friend came appeared on her screen.
"Maya," Riley greeted. "What a surprise. You rang?"
"I think you already know what I'm going to ask," She responded and even though Riley couldn't see it, she could tell that a smirk as forming on Maya's face.
"Yes Maya," The brunette sighed. "Texas is very hot this time of year and I have been sweating nonstop."
"You just want to torment me do you?"
Riley laughed as she began to apply make up on her face-although she wasn't going to over do it due to the possibility of her face melting from the heat, "Of course not!"
"So are you going to tell me?"
"Can't you just wait until I get back?" Riley smacked her lips together after putting on a rose-colored lipstick. "I have to leave soon for a meeting."
"Can you answer one thing though?"
"What is it?" She asked already knowing what the question was.
"Did you two talk?"
Riley paused and took a deep breath, slowly inching her phone away from her ear, "Yes."
A scream was heard through the phone and Riley scrunched her face from the possibility of hearing loss, "OH. MY. GOD. You have to call me later and tell me the deets!"
"I may not be able to until late at night and I know Farkle likes to sleep early,"
"Wait why?" Maya began. "What are you doing tonight?"
"I would very much like to keep what's left of my hearing so, I'd rather not tell you,"
Her best friend had already known the answer as another high-pitched scream was heard on the other line. Luckily for Riley, she had moved her head away form the phone just in time, "You are going out on a date with him aren't you?"
"Why do I have to tell you anything if you apparently already know?"
"This is so romantic Riles!" Maya giggled. "The girls are going to want to hear about this! Especially Sarah!"
A knock made Riley turn her head towards the bedroom door, as Paige's head popped in through the crack signaling Riley and Eliza that it was just about time to leave, "Okay you guys need to calm yourselves. But I have to go now. I'll talk to you when I can."
"Bye Riles!"
Riley placed her phone in her purse and leaned over the bathroom sink, sighing. Her friends were crazy but she wouldn't have them any other way.
"That was a lot of screaming," Eliza interrupted her thoughts.
The brunette slung her purse over her shoulder and exited the bathroom, "She somehow sensed that I saw Lucas and that I was going on a date with him tonight."
Eliza smiled and wiggled her eyebrows, "Are you excited?"
"More so nervous," She let out a huge breath. After asking her uncle and his fiancee if they had any plans for the afternoon, they told her to go on her date with Lucas without any hesitation. She had approached them about it after getting home from dinner and when she explained that Lucas asked if they could catch up tomorrow, Josh was the first to tell his niece to go for it. They had nothing else planned for the rest of the day anyway, unless Riley had something in mind for them to do in regards with the wedding preparations.
Riley and Eliza walked out of the room and shut the door behind them. Paige and Josh were already waiting for them by the door. Locking the front door behind them, they went their way towards the direction of the restaurant.
"What a night huh Riles?" Josh broke the silence, as he took a big whiff of the fresh Texan air. "Did you tell Maya about what happened yesterday?"
"No," She said bluntly.
"She's bugging you about it?"
Riley rolled her eyes, "Oh you already know." She thought about the events last night and wondered what it could've meant. Somehow the universe was playing games with her because everything did not seem like a coincidence.
That previous night:
Just as Riley was pulling her chair out of the table, someone bumped into her causing her to lose her balance. She braced herself for her impact on the cold, hard, ground but it never came. Fortunately for her, a pair of arms caught her before she fell backwards.
"Riley?"
"Unbelievable," was Riley's only response.
"Lucas!" Josh exclaimed too excitedly for Riley's liking. "Fancy bumping into you here. Get it? Bump? Coz you bumped into Riley? Gosh I'm hilarious!"
The brunette cleared her throat prompting Lucas to let go of his hold on her waist and helping her back up to a standing position. Riley straightened her clothes up and gave the Texan a grateful smile, "Thank you for that."
"You're welcome," Lucas chuckled. "I didn't know you guys were having dinner here."
"Hmm," Josh lingered. "How strange isn't it? It's like... a coincidence."
Riley glared at her uncle, "I don't believe in coincidences." She said firmly.
"Lucas would you care to join us?" Paige interrupted as she sensed the tension steaming from her future niece. "Unless of course you're already with your party here."
"Thank you for the invitation," Lucas nodded politely. "But unfortunately I'm just about to leave with my sister. She's actually right there waiting for me. Hold on," He caught his sister's attention and waved her over towards them. As she got close to the table, Lucas introduced her to the rest of them, "Lexie this is Riley, Josh, Paige, and Eliza. Everyone, this is my sister Lexie."
Just like Lucas, she had blonde hair which she had pulled up in a ponytail. However, she had brown eyes in contrast to Lucas' green ones. She was only slightly taller than Riley and she walked with much grace that they were almost intimidated by her. Lexie reached out to shake each of their hand, "Pleased to meet y'all."
"Josh and Paige will be getting married at the ranch," Lucas noted. "Josh is Riley's uncle. Do you remember Riley?"
"Do I?" Lexie laughed. "How can I forget little Miss Riley Matthews? I remember you'd gush about her all the time when you got home from school."
Lucas' eyes widened and felt the blood rush to his cheeks as the rest of them tried to hold in their laughter, "Lexie." He growled.
"There was even that time when you were crying to me because you didn't know if you should get her chocolates or flowers or both for Valentine's Day! And then..."
"Okay!" Lucas blurted, interrupting whatever Lexie was going to say next that was going to embarrass him. "We're going to go now so you guys can enjoy your dinner. It was nice seeing you guys again and Riley, I'll see you tomorrow?"
Riley bit her lip, trying to suppress the grin that would potentially form on her face, "Yes I'll see you tomorrow."
"It was nice meeting y'all!" Lexie waved and winked at the wedding planner. "I'll see you soon, Riley."
"Hello," a fair-skinned, raven haired woman greeted them as the four entered the Great Lodge, promptly at ten in the morning which they only assumed was the venue specialist. She was wearing black pants with a black cardigan over a peach top. She was slightly shorter than the average height for a female. "My name is Isabelle Russo. Belle for short. Who may I ask is the lovely couple tying the knot in February?"
Paige and Josh raised their hands just at the level of their heads, "That would be us." Paige responded for the both of them.
"Ms. Townshend," Belle extended her arm for them to shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you. And you as well Mr. Matthews."
"Please call us Paige and Josh," She corrected with a smile. "And this is Riley," Paige placed a hand on Riley's shoulder. "She's our wedding coordinator and my soon to be niece. And that is Eliza, her assistant."
"It's nice to put a face to the name Riley," Belle laughed. "We've been in contact for a while."
Riley shot her one of her signature grins, "And we'll be in contact for a few more months. But this site visit should make things easier for all of us from here on out."
"Well then, let's get started!" Belle clapped her hands together. She directed them to a table in which she had her laptop opened and a pile of magazines were already laid out.
They hadn't notice that a couple of hours had already gone by until someone interrupted their meeting. Belle had glanced up to see who it was and she mentioned the name Dean, who was dressed up in the same uniform as Tristan was. He handed Riley a small envelope, causing the brunette to furrow her eyebrows in confusion.
"Who's this from?" She asked of the boy as only her name was written on the front of the envelope.
Dean shrugged and smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry ma'am. I was only told to deliver that to you. Have a good day." Curiosity filled the room as everyone leaned over trying to get a glimpse of the letter while Riley was opening it. A smile formed on her lips as her cheeks turned pink.
Riley,
I realized we never got to exchange numbers so I had to turn to the olden ways.
I will pick you up at your cabin around 3.
Wear something comfortable as we will spend some time walking around the resort.
I promise to make this worth your time. I look forward to seeing you.
Lucas
"It's from him isn't it?" Paige smirked playfully. "What did he say?"
"He says he'll pick me up at 3 at the cabin," It was the only thing that Riley disclosed from the note. The rest of it she thought, was somewhat personal between her and Lucas. She tucked the note back into the envelope and placed it in between the pages of her planner. "Sorry where were we?"
Belle giggled, "We're actually just about done Riley." She then turned to Paige and Josh, "You've chosen the Great Lodge for your reception so now that I've shown you the options for this venue, what needs to be done is for you to pick out the details such as your layout, decorations, etcetera. Please do take the time to look them over again and discuss with each other your preferences so we can finalize the majority of it for our next meeting this weekend before you leave."
"And how about the food tasting?" Riley inquired.
"Yes," Belle acknowledge. "I have set that up with the chef for tomorrow afternoon at three pm. I'm not sure if you plan on visiting again before the wedding, but it is important whether you come back or not, that we have your menu down."
"We're planning to return a few weeks before the wedding," Paige nodded. "But we really do want to get as much done as possible while we're here this week. What do you think Riles?"
Does that mean I'll be able to see Lucas again in a few short months? She thought. Shake it off Matthews. You're here for your uncle's wedding. "Yes if we could have all the details down by the end of our visit here, it would be so much easier for all of us."
"Perfect," Belle stood up from her chair and everyone followed suit. "I will see you all again tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
"He said I should wear something comfortable but I also don't want to be wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt," Riley paced across her room in the cabin with Paige and Eliza looking at her, slightly amused at how flustered the brunette was for her date with Lucas. After having a quick lunch when their meeting with Belle was over, the girls headed back to the cabin so Riley could get ready while Josh decided to stay behind and check out the amenities of the ranch.
"Riles," Paige began, grabbing her future niece by the shoulders and looking at her straight in the eyes. "Let's start with what you have in your wardrobe okay? Now remember we are in Texas and it is about one hundred degrees outside so sweatpants are out of the question."
The brunette sighed and sunk her shoulders, "I mean I have shorts and nice tops. Or dresses."
"Why don't you go for the shorts and your sneakers?" Paige suggested as she helped Riley dig through her suitcase. "A dress would be comfortable but not if you two will be roaming around the ranch." She continued to browse through the pile until she found something suiting. "Aha!"
"That?" Riley questioned, raising both her eyebrows.
Paige picked out a white off the shoulder ruffle top that she paired with denim shorts, and a tan belt. She then went to the table where Riley had laid out her jewelry and picked a tan faux suede leather. "And then you can wear your white Vans with it!"
"I like it," Eliza shrugged, along with giving her a thumbs up. "You should put your hair up in a ponytail too Miss Riley since it's very hot outside. And you know... in case you get the chance to ride his horse,"
"Eliza!" Riley scolded. "That is highly inappropriate!"
Her assistant stared at her confused, "Wait..." Eliza's jaw dropped at the immediate realization. "Oh gosh no! I meant Bucky the horse, Miss Riley!"
Riley buried her face in her hands and groaned, "I cannot believe I just... Ugh."
"Deep breaths, sweetie," Paige giggled. "I'm sure that tonight will be memorable for you."
The wedding planner changed into her chosen outfit. She applied some light make up to her face and pulled her hair up in a high ponytail, with a few strands hanging down her face. Just as she was about to slip on her Vans, a voice outside of the room sang, who they presume was Josh. "Riley! Someone's out here for you."
"He's here!" Riley panicked. "Am I ready? Do I look okay? Does this outfit look comfortable enough but yet at the same time won't make me look like I didn't try at all?"
"Riles," Paige said firmly. "You look beautiful and Lucas will think so too."
Eliza nodded in agreement, "Hope you have a wonderful time Miss Riley."
Riley took a few deep breaths. She looked at her reflection one last time in the mirror and silently gave herself a pep talk. Once she was somewhat relieved, she opened the door and stepped out into the living room. She spotted Lucas sitting on the arm of the couch with a bouquet of red tulips and deep blue iris, talking intently with her uncle. When he caught a glimpse of her, he stood up to his feet quickly. His eyes widened at the mere sight of her as his jaw dropped to the floor. His mouth went dry, finding it hard to utter words.
"Hi Lucas," Riley greeted him with her signature beaming smile. When he didn't make any indication of moving or speaking, Riley cleared her throat again to get his attention, "Lucas?"
The Texan man shook his head as the blood rushed to his cheeks, "Wow Riley. You look stunning."
"Watch it cowboy," Josh raised a finger and warned. He stepped aside giving Lucas room to walk towards Riley.
Lucas reached over and gave the bouquet to Riley, "These are for you."
"Thank you so much," Riley smiled. "I'll just go put this in water really quickly."
"Miss Riley," Eliza stopped her at her tracks. "I'll take care of these and you just go enjoy your night."
Her boss whispered a quick thank you before turned around to face Lucas again, "Okay I'm ready to go."
"Let's go then," Lucas responded.
Riley and Lucas both sauntered towards the door and as they were about to step out, her uncle said, "Have her back by nine."
Paige gasped and smacked Josh on his stomach, "Joshua!"
"Okay fine," Josh rolled his eyes. "Just make sure she gets back safely at any time."
"Bye everyone," Riley waved as they both exited and shut the door behind them. She turned her attention towards her surroundings and spotted the golf cart parked right outside their cabin. "Is this our transportation for today?"
Lucas laughed, biting his lip, "Yes. It's no limousine but it will do for now."
"I like it," Riley shrugged. "Where are we going first?"
Lucas held out his hand as Riley gently placed hers on top. He led her down the steps and onto the golf cart, "It's your day off so you are not going to be doing any planning. Leave that all to me."
She raised an eyebrow at him once he had at down right next to her on the driver's seat, "I'll have you know my customers give me rave reviews on my website after I have planned their successful event."
"At the end of the night," He paused as he took a quick glance at her. "I promise that you'll give me a ten out of ten rating." The Texan winked at her as he changed the gear and pressed on the pedal, which caused the golf cart to get moving.
Guys! I had the WORST writer's block! I wanted to update as soon as I can but I also didn't want to half-ass my writing. I wanted to write a longer chapter and include their date so one chapter would equal one day, but I didn't want you to wait any longer for an update.
For those who are waiting on the next chapter for Be My Man, please be patient with me. I have started the new chapter and I am really hoping to get my creative juices running and upload a new chapter by next week so *cross fingers*.
Thank you so much for bearing with me and I really appreciate you taking the time to read my stories. Let me know what you think! :)
