Part 4
*2 Days til the Wedding*
Riley sat in the theater unable to concentrate for the third day in a row. She just couldn't seem to shake her funk. She missed Lucas, but managed to keep her distance. Didn't mean it hurt any less. She looked back up to the stage where the chorus line were rehearsing.
"I'm sorry guys I think I missed something. Can you redo that last transition?" She said causing the girls to sigh deeply as they went back to their starting position.
She rubbed her head as the choreographer for their next production walked up to her.
"Riley are you okay?" She asked.
Riley put on her best fake smile. "Yeah, of course." She responded. "Why do you ask?"
"Because, you have had the girls repeat that same 3 eight counts a good 10 times, and it's the beginning of the dance. You're beginning to make enemies up there." She said.
Riley hung her head. She was useless right now. "You're right. I'm sorry, this will be the last time I promise then we can move on to the next number."
The choreographer nodded her head, but watched Riley closely. She couldn't recall a time that she had ever seen Riley this down. She sat by Riley and readied herself to call out the counts when Riley's assistant approached them.
"Excuse me Riley, there is a lady by the name of Alannah here to see you. She says she's Lucas's fiancee."
Riley felt her whole body numb up as Alannah's name rang in her ear.
"Oh boy," She said louder than she meant to .
"Do you want me to tell her you're busy in rehearsal right now?" Her assistant asked.
"No… that's fine I'm coming." Riley said to her. Her assistant nodded and went back to the lobby area. Riley looked at the choreographer. "Um, let's go ahead and call a lunch break and we'll reconvene in an hour." She finished before leaving towards the foyer.
She took a deep breath as she saw Alannah looking out the front windows. She quickly placed a smile on her face and called out to her causing Alannah to turn around.
"What a surprise," Riley said walking up to her.
"I'm sorry for popping in on you like this. I know you are busy I saw the poster for the upcoming show." She started before taking a little break to give Riley a quick hug. "I was hoping we can have a quick chat. I promise not to take up too much time."
"Sure," RIley said gesturing for Alannah to follow her into her office.
Alannah looked at the walls that were filled with pictures. She walked deeper in and began to scan the room.
"Would you like something to drink?" Riley asked.
"Sparkling water please," She responded.
Riley tried to keep her face in check as the words sparkling water hit her. What kind of theater did this lady think she ran.
"I'll see what I can do?" She stated with a plastered smile on her face. "Please, make yourself at home."
She closed the door behind her leaving Alannah in the quaint little office alone. Alannah walked closer to the wall and examined the pictures closely they were mainly of her friends. Some of them were previous wedding photos from Farkle and Zay's weddings to their spouses. She smiled at how happy the whole group looked, She always had known how close they all truly are to each other, but these pictures clearly embodied their friendship, Their silly faces that were made in one of them; she couldn't help but to notice how handsome Lucas looked as he was caught in the middle of laughter. She noticed another picture of the group when they were much younger she could tell because Lucas had the same picture on his side table at the apartment. She believed it was from high school.
She smiled as she moved to the next wall. This wall was less covered in pictures. Riley's two College degrees were the first thing she noticed, followed by a few pictures of her family. One big photo that included everyone that she had met at her parents anniversary and then photos of her with her parents and another with her brother. Lastly in the middle of it all was a frame that held multiple pictures from what she assumed was her college graduation. She was the only one wearing a robe and cap. She was clearly surrounded by everyone who loved her in each photo, which is why the biggest photo in the collage bothered her. It was her and Lucas by themselves they clearly didn't know that anyone was taking a photo. He had her draped in his arms and she was laughing at something that must have been said. What caused her smile to disappear was how adoringly Lucas was looking at her. It was like she was the only person in the world.
She quickly turned her attention to another picture in the collage. The whole gang was in this one too, but this time the fact that Lucas arm was wrapped around Riley stuck out and he was the only one that was not looking at the camera he was once again looking at Riley. This made her go back to the other wall and look at the different group photos. Her worst nightmare was realized when in every photo that the both of them were in there was two constants; they were always next to each other and Lucas eyes were focused on Riley.; She turned her back to the wall as Riley came back into the room.
"I'm sorry, we didn't have any sparkling water just spring." She said as she shut the door behind her. "Is that okay?"
"Yes, that's fine." Alannah said not really caring at this point. She just needed something to settle her currently nauseated stomach. She sat down across from Riley and took a long sip.
Riley took a deep breath and opened her mouth to start the conversation, but Alannah cut her off.
"I know…" She said to Riley causing her to gape in astonishment. "I know about the entire affair, Lucas told me everything.
Riley wasn't surprised, Lucas was the most honest guy she knew growing up. She was sure that this was killing him to keep what he had done from Alannah. She had to face her demons she was wrong. She would take whatever Alannah had to dish out.
"I am so sorry Alannah neither of us meant for any of it to happen." She said back to her.
"I honestly could careless about your apology." Alannah said back. In all honesty this was not the plan to come on this strong. She was simply wanting to clear the air between them two and make sure whatever was going on between her Lucas was really over. However, the years worth the pictures on the wall said otherwise. There was something between them and whatever it was deep and strong, because Lucas had never looked at her the way he looked at Riley in all those photos. One thing was for sure she wasn't giving him up… especially not to her.
Alannah nodded back. "When I first met you I thought you were the sweetest woman I had ever met. How could you?"
"I ask myself that question everyday. Lucas and I… we have a very complicated past and we… never were able to see it through. I guess the what ifs finally got to me. But, we ended it he loves you."
"Obviously," She said back making sure that Riley noticed she was still wearing her engagement ring. "I wanted to face you as a woman to show you that you did not destroy us. We will still be getting married and even more so… Lucas and I are expecting." She said rubbing her belly.
The room spun slowly as Riley began to process Alannah's words. She felt at any moment she could pass out. Lucas was going to be a father. Even more so he was going to father someone else's baby. She knew she should be happy for him. After all he always wanted a big family. He wanted to have at least 4 kids raise them here in the city during the school year and spend summers at the family ranch in Texas. Possibly move there one day; it was all he ever talked about while they were growing up.. Now he was starting that process.
"Congratulations…" She finally managed to choke out. "Does he know?"
"Yes, and he's thrilled. He can't wait to be a father. We're going to tell everyone at the wedding reception." She stated as she once again rubbed her belly. "Look, I think it's best that you never see Lucas again. I understand that that you two have this very close group of friends you share, and because of that Lucas refuses to give you up. However, he can't clearly think straight around you and definitely can't be trusted around you."
"So, you're asking me to step back? Give up the group and move on with my life."
"Oh don't be so crass, you can still hang around them it's just you have to do it when Lucas isn't there. If he is find a reason to not be there; hang out with your boyfriend more whatever it takes to stay away from MY soon to be husband. Be the strong one for the both of you and give my child a chance at a full family. You owe me that much." She finished standing up clearly not waiting for Riley to respond.
"Oh, by the way, all of this happens after the wedding. We still want you there it'll be difficult to explain to his family and your friends why you aren't there. Besides you and Lucas deserve a proper goodbye in person. Not some silly secret phone call in the middle of the night."
Lucas had thought she was taking a shower,, but she forgot something in the kitchen. He was wrapped up in the conversation he didn't even hear her some out of the room and she practically heard everything he said thanks to him not shutting the balcony door. That's what led her to come here.
"Um, okay" Riley stated as she continued to wrap her mind around the fact that Alannah was pregnant."
"Thanks for the water. See you at the wedding." Alannah flashed her a condescending smile before leaving a stunned Riley alone in her office.
This all was becoming too much. First, she gave up Lucas and now she had to decide whether or not she should give up her entire life. To be honest she had wondered how this friendship was going to work with Lucas. She had figured maybe they could just go back to the way it was before. After all, they had feelings for each other since they met in seventh grade. However, outside of a few kisses sporadically through the years they had never crossed the line that they had this time. But, she never thought she would have to give up everything she held dear over a few moments of weakness… She was lying to herself. Every lesson her dad had taught them over the years replayed in her head at once. Every lesson had a clear moral every decision you make affects your life whether negative or positive.
She had to do it. She had to be the one to step back. With Alannah expecting Lucas was going to need everyone. He had way more to lose. Like Alannah said she could still see them when Lucas wasn't around, as for Maya they were forever. Their relationship went way past the group. She could do this she could let him live his life without her. She could give up the only thing she had ever known. Maybe it was a needed change.
She felt the tears well up in her eyes as her heart started breaking all over again. She was losing everything, Lucas, her group of friends, and more importantly her will to hope for the better. Something that Riley was known for was her positive way of thinking. Yes, she had grown more realistic over the years, but she still had a strong sense of hope. It help her fight for everything she wanted. Now, she saw no reason to fight. Not because she didn't want to, but because she wanted to do the right thing. Her and Lucas messed up and the only way to right it was to give up no matter how much she loved him.
Not mention, Lucas was going to do right by his family, He was going to marry her because it's the right thing to do. She wouldn't dare stand in the way of that now. What kind of person would that make her. Riley shook her head. There was no way out of this one, and the group was not going to like this at all. Especially not….
"Riley," Maya exclaimed as she took in her best friends disheveled look. She rushed over to her side and wiped the tears out of her eyes.
"What are you doing here?" Riley managed to ask as she composed herself.
"I'd thought I surprise you with lunch." Maya answered worry clouding her voice. "Riley what's wrong? I just talked to you a few hours ago. You didn't sound this bad. What happened?"
"It's nothing Maya just drop it please."
"Fine, you leave me no choice... Ring. Power." Maya said.
Riley shook her head as the tears restarted. Maya quickly wrapped her arms around her broken sister. Riley pulled herself together and looked her straight in the eyes.
"You can't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you. I mean it Maya. No one can know."
/
*The Rehearsal Dinner*
Lucas sat at the bar, in the restaurant Alannah had chosen for their rehearsal dinner. Everything had went fine. It was a lovely night so far. All of his family had arrived from Texas along with his two of his childhood friends, Dylan and Asher, who were serving as groomsmen alongside Farkle and Zay.
The guys had spent the evening sharing stories of Lucas past with the other members of the wedding party and family. Scaring his mother to her wits end about how much trouble they really had gotten into in Texas before Lucas and Zay had moved away. Like the time Dylan had dared Zay to throw a huge rock into the street one night when they were walking back home and Zay accidently hit a car. The car stopped in the middle of the street and began to turn around. They had never ran so fast in their lives. The only reason they had gotten away is because they knew a shortcut that cars couldn't get through. With every story of their adventures his mom hit him upside the head and scolded them about how they could've been killed. What could he say they really could've been.
Between the stories and congratulations, there were jokes about having a getaway car in case he changed his mind. The shameful part was that he laughed out loud, but in his mind he was actually considering it. That's why he was now at the bar alone. He claimed he was going to the restroom. He just needed a few minutes in the suffocating surroundings to clear his mind.
"Mind if I buy you another one." Farkle said approaching his best friend.
"Please," Lucas responded with a smirk.
Farkle flagged down the bartender and ordered two drinks. "I guess congratulations are in order. I hear you're going to be a father." He said with a worried look on his face.
Lucas cocked his head to the side.
"Zay told me." He finished. Figures Zay could never hold water. "Don't worry he said it was restricted information and he thought it was important that I know."
"Yeah, I was going to tell you tonight after all of… this. When we got back to the hotel." Lucas said taking a drink of his beer.
"He said that's why you are so distracted tonight."
"Yeah, I guess you can say that." Lucas said. He was trying to be attentive to his fiance and all of their guest, but he felt off. The closer the hours came to tomorrow, the weirder everything felt.
"I guess… or a certain friend of ours is on your mind." Farkle said in return causing Lucas to cock his head again. "I know about you and Riley. I saw you following her into the bathroom at me and Smackle's rehearsal dinner, and this is going to sound way creepy, I timed how long it took one of you to reappear. I kind of put two and two together that night."
"Damn, we really did suck at sneaking around."
"Part of me feels like you were hoping to get caught… so you wouldn't be in the position you are in now." Farkle said. "Look, I didn't come over here to lecture you, or tell you how bad of a person you are for seeing Riley these last couple of months. I just want to say… you deserve to be happy. I won't look at you any different because you're actually less than perfect. Never have never will."
"Thanks Farkle, but Riley chose Charlie… and I chose Alannah the day I said 'will you be my wife.' We had a rough patch with this Riley thing, but that's over now and we have a real shot now that the air has been cleared. I think we'll make it." He said back.
"If you think she will make you happy then I will be glad to stand up at that altar and witness her becoming Mrs. Friar. Even if I'm not the best man."
"Hey we all had an agreement, I was your best man, Zay would be mine, and you were Zay's."
"Don't remind me Vanessa still sometimes gives me the death glare cause that strip club fiasco, and he was the one who told us we were going."
"Yeah, but you didn't stop him. That's the 'best man' burden" Lucas stated.
"We were all there. We all should've been held responsible for that one. Not to mention I got his ass on the first plan to Texas as soon as she left. I sat up with him all night outside her door with him. I did everything a best man was to do and what's my reward? An honorary glare anytime bachelor party is mentioned."
"Well, if it helps any he has to sleep on the couch anytime she has to glare at you."
"Yeah that helps a little." Farkle said causing the two to laugh.
Someone cleared their throat causing the two to turn around. Pappy Joe was shaking his head at the two. "Boy you want to tell me why you are over here at the bar instead of at your dinner? Your little lady is one minute away from losing her shit."
"Sorry Pappy Joe, I just needed a moment to breath." Lucas stated honestly.
Pappy Joe nodded before clamping a heavy hand on Farkle shoulders. "Farkle do you mind giving me a moment alone with my grandson here. Buy us a little more time with the very impatient bride."
"Yes sir," Farkle said grabbing his drink and making his way back into the private room. Lucas turned back to face the bar taking a long drag of his beer in the process.
"How many of them have you had tonight boy?" He said gesturing to the beer in front of his grandson.
"Just a few Pappy Joe…"
"Really, cause I've seen one in your hand the whole night." He said. Lucas shook his head and rolled his eyes in disbelief. Pappy Joe was known for being able to throw them back himself and here he was about to give him a lecture. "You're a grown man Lucas. You can do what you want. All I'm saying is I've never seen you throw them back like that with your entire family watching, especially your mother."
He had a point. Lucas usually had a strict rule about excessive drinking in front of his elders.
"Sorry Pappy Joe, I'll stop." Lucas said finishing off his last one.
"I'm not going to keep you long. I just wanted to talk to you about some family stuff." Pappy Joe said reaching into his sport jacket and pulling out a stack of papers. "I wanted to know what you thought of this."
Lucas took the papers from him and quickly realized it was his will. He didn't even want to pretend to think of a world where Pappy Joe didn't exist. However, Pappy Joe wouldn't let any of them forget that he was only getting older and his time could be up at anytime now."
Lucas eyes widened as he approached his name. He reread the paragraph over and over again "Pappy Joe, this states that after you pass I get the ranch." Lucas said in disbelief.
"It says what?" Pappy Joe grabbed the will jokingly before nodding his head. "Yeah, that's right.
I mean that's if you want it.".
"But, what about dad… or Cletis?"
"Cletis is happy as long as he can work on the ranch. As for your father… his heart's not in the ranch. He's a city boy at heart always has been. You on the other hand. You have always loved that ranch more than anybody." He said to his grandson.
"This is… wow, Pappy Joe this is an honor." Lucas said. "I just don't know if I can run the ranch or if Alannah would want to."
"I'm not asking you to pick up and move back to Texas. You have Cletis and your cousins who can run it while you are here. Lucas you're a grown man now. You're about to be married in less than 24 hours. I know that you have always wanted to raise your family on the ranch.
"I have… or at least I did…" Lucas started.
"But, Alannah wasn't the one you pictured by your side when you had it."
Lucas looked up at his grandfather as the words left his mouth. His grandfather held his hands up.
"I'm staying out of it like your mother told us all too." He said causing Lucas to throw his arms up in defeat. "You already know how I feel about Riley. Since you two were in the eighth grade I have called her my future granddaughter in law. I thought yall were just being stupid and would eventually realize that you were meant for each other. Then as time went on I realized that it was working against yall. However, you chose another and that's fine. We all just want you to be happy."
"I know," Lucas said. "I am. Me and Alannah are good together."
"So were you and Riley."
"Pappy Joe…" Lucas warned.
"Last thing, I'm going to say about it." Pappy Joe said.
He sighed deeply as he took in his grandson's stressed demeanor. Zay had said Lucas had got himself into a deep pickle, but didn't want to get into the details of it all. He had the feeling that it had something to do with this wedding and the doubts he was sure he was feeling. But, Pappy Joe was told to let Lucas be a man and make his own decisions and that was what he was going to do.
He clasped his heavy hand on his grandson's shoulder and squeezed. "Next round's on me." He stated as he waved down the bartender.
"But, you said…" Lucas started.
"To hell with what I said. One more won't kill you." He finished.
"Thanks Pappy Joe… for everything. I would love to have ranch."
"I know you would... it's yours." He held up his fresh beer to his grandson before taking a sip.
Tomorrow was going to be interesting.
A/N: Alright, one more chapter and it's Wedding Day! Thank you guys for sticking with me and reading this story. I hope yall are enjoying it. I know I have kept yall in a whirlwind and it ain't over yet.
P.S. I am in morning over our show ending. I just feel like they could've done so much more with it. However, I plan to keep writing about it as long as I have the ideas to do so.