A/N: Hi dearies. Thanks for the continuing feedback! I'm sooo glad you like the story so much! I wrote this chapter in one night! Let's just say...my muse was alive. My best friend told me this story would never end because I've got too many "Rileyisms" in me.. HA. Maybe she's right. We'll see! A special thanks to EccentricElf23 for your awesome reviews, they made me laugh and feel motivated to write more! Seriously, ALL of you people reviewing gives me the motivation to keep going. THANKS THANKS THANKS! -LOVES-
I love Ben and Abigail's house… err, estate. It's classic. Being a history buff myself I took quite an interest in it my first few times over for dinner. I got the full tour and detailed story from none other than Benjamin Gates himself. I'll never forget how pleased he was that I took the time to listen… he had tried to tell Riley as well but only got blank stares and sarcastic remarks.
Yup. Riley for ya.
Which is another reason why I can't quite figure out why I like Riley so much. I mean, if anything I should be attracted to someone like Ben. Now there's a man who relates well to me… yet Abigail is perfect for him. They can both talk history for hours. I'm only slightly jealous that Riley doesn't understand that part of me. Well, secretly… I think he does. But, he never admits it. That's okay though because he's into conspiracy theories which just happen to be my second love. So, hey we're all good.
I realize I'm rambling in my brain as we pull up in front of the Charles Carroll Estate. There it is… beautiful.
"Heh… we're here." Riley puts the car into park, and we both look up at the looming mansion above us. "Wanna wait in the car?" Riley's finger jabs me in the ribs, as he smiles.
"Are you kidding? You'll get lost in there…and I'll have to come find you. Think they're awake though? It IS Saturday morning."
"You obviously don't know Ben." Riley took his sunglasses off and set them on the dashboard.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
We got out of the car, Riley lugging his laptop case over his shoulder as we made our way to the door. "Shall I break in this morning?" He winked.
"Do you get some thrill doing that or something?"
Riley smiled broadly and rang the doorbell. "Ten seconds…" He counted down under his breath and right when he got to zero the door flung open. "Riley! What are you doing here?"
"She's pregnant."
"WHAT!" Benjamin Gates and I both exclaimed in unison.
"HA HA. Good times, man. Good times." Riley was in a fit of laughter as we entered his best friend's house. I kept my eyes on the back of his head the whole time. What a geek. "You should have seen the look on your face, Ben. Hah. Bring back good memories?"
Ben straightened up and peered over the top of his glasses into my eyes, "Kate. I'm sorry you have to deal with such a… Riley."
It was my turn to laugh, "And the funny thing is… I really don't mind. It's good to see you Ben."
We made our way into the library where we found Abigail sitting at a desk, looking over some papers. "Hello." She stood up and walked towards us, "How you two doing?" She shot me a wink and looked over Riley's way.
Before I could answer, it began.
"BEN! I found something… on the coin. It worked!"
Ben stopped dead in his tracks, "Are you sure?"
"Yup. I scanned the coin into my computer and was able to find a program that takes biometrics, heat waves, stuff like that, it analyzes hard surfaces – not just paper or flesh and… things…"
Ben raised his eyebrow, clearly not understanding what exactly Riley was referring to.
"You know, like one of those fingerprint scanners."
"Oh, right. Okay." Ben led Riley over to the desk where Riley proceeded to setup his techy stuff. "Show me what you got."
Abigail stood up and walked towards me, "Sounds like Riley might be onto something."
"Yeah, he's pretty excited – should have seen how fast his shower went! Normally he's in there forever!" I explained.
"What? And how would you know?" Abigail giggled, and I felt myself blush.
"I didn't mean it like that! It's just…whenever we're going somewhere, I'll call him up an hour before just to make sure he's showered and all that… so we won't be late. Boy LOVES his showers."
Riley's voice cut into our conversation, "In my defense - It's where I do my best thinking!"
"Right," I looked over at him and winked.
"Maybe we should make the boys some lemonade and then come and check out what they found!"
"Yeah," Riley stated, "I'm thirsty."
About An Hour Later
Everyone stood around the computer, looking for anything that resembled a code/cipher/inscription… anything. Yet, our worst fears were realized when Ben cleared his throat and said-
"Riley… I'm sorry, but that clearly IS a smudge."
I eyed Riley carefully; the happy smile that had radiated from him just a few minutes ago had completely disappeared. He licked his lips and briskly yanked his glasses off, rubbing his tired eyes. "Something is wrong with my computer… it… malfunctioned." His words were laced with despair.
Ben didn't say anything, just shot a glance towards Abi and I. The tension in the room was thick.
Shaking his head Ben remarked, "Riley – it's probably an error with the program itself. Nothing your computer has done."
But, that was the end of it. Riley hated when his computer couldn't supply answers how it should. He stood up and walked towards the front door. I could tell by his steps he was upset.
I started after him but was stopped by a hand grabbing my arm, "Let him get some air." I turned to face Ben and Abigail, their faces showed clear signs of concern.
"Look, it's getting late," Abigail's accent seemed thick, so I knew she was more upset than she let on, "I'm going to fix a sandwich or something for all of us. That alright Kate?"
"Mmm.. oh, it's fine. Need some help?"
"Ben will help me, won't you?"
"Of course."
They both smiled at me and left the room, leaving me standing alone. I looked out the large bay window and saw Riley pacing back and forth by his Ferrari.
I had to talk to him. I stopped in front of the mirror on the way out the door. What an improvement since this morning. Upon spending last night at Riley's I discovered the extra clothes I had in my car were actually work clothes… so I wore a brown wool skirt and a white-button down blouse. My hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and yes… I even wore my brown-rimmed glasses today. I looked the school-girl part… very much a female version of Riley. I actually felt beautiful… my only wish was that Riley would notice.
The evening air was cool and breezy, and I almost felt I needed a jacket as I stepped onto the gravel of the driveway. Riley continued to pace, his hands stuffed into his pockets.
I watched as he walked over to some trees leading away from the house, quietly I followed him.
"Everything alright?" I asked upon catching up to him, my hair blew in the slight breeze and I shivered.
Riley looked shocked to see me, he obviously didn't hear my approach. "Hey, yeah. Splendid."
I furrowed my eyebrows and made direct eye contact, "Wanna talk about it?"
Riley rolled his eyes and scoffed, "It's no big deal, really."
I smiled and glanced ahead, there between the trees was a little pond – "Let's walk down there, mmkay?"
Riley followed my gaze and nodded, "That's where I was headed anyway."
We walked together in silence, the sun was setting behind the huge trees and the air smelled of the freshness of early spring.
Upon arriving at the pond, I sat down on the grass and was glad when he sat down next to me. All we could hear was birds chirping and leaves rustling. I gazed over at Riley; his eyes were fixed on the water in front of him that reflected the sunlight. It was beautiful. I noticed how adorable he looked in his jeans, green tee-shirt and black hoodie. Always a hoodie. I smiled, and my eyes looked down towards his shoes. Converse. Always converse. The left one was untied. Without a word, I leaned forward and grabbed his laces – tying them up.
"There ya go." I whispered, playing with the frayed bottom of his pant leg.
I felt his hand reach out and touch the small of my back; he rubbed it in small circular motions and sighed, "Thank you."
I looked back towards him, my bangs blowing in front of my eyes, "You got it."
Without another word being spoken, because really there was no need, he pulled me close to him and rubbed my arms. This was his way, sometimes when Riley is upset the best thing to do is to let him be until he comes around. He whines a lot sure, he complains and even argues… but there's another side to Riley. A calm, quiet and reflective side… and in getting to know him, I've come to realize that it's good to let those moments last as long as he wants them to. I leaned back into his embrace, content with the world knowing that whatever it is that is bothering him so much…he'll tell me eventually and all will be well.
Eventually Riley and I walked back to the house, and were greeted at the door by Abigail. "Where did you go? It's freezing out here."
Riley walked passed her in a hurry, "We were so making out!"
"RILEY!" I exclaimed, winking at Abigail. "We so weren't."
"Yes we werrrre." Riley sang from the library.
I rolled my eyes.
"Well," Abigail began, "There's some dinner ready for you in the kitchen. Ben and I already ate, hope you don't mind."
I laughed, "Not at all. Coming Riley?"
"Too busy!"
"Even for goldfish crackers?" Abigail tempted him, with a sarcastic smile.
"Why didn't you tell me before?" Riley sprang from the desk and tore off to the kitchen.
Several Hours Later
I grabbed my cup of tea and headed towards the library, taking in my surroundings on the way. Elegant portraits lined the walls, each of them telling a story of their own. Great history rested inside of these warm stone walls. I noticed a small golden tea set perched on one of the Boston tea tables Abigail so treasured. Upon closer examination, I realized it was in fact "real." Smiling at such beauty I walked further down the hall, I could hear Riley's typing and soft voices coming from the library as I got closer. I reached my destination and peered through the doorway. Sipping my lemon tea, I couldn't help but smile at the sight before me…
Ben and Abigail were on an oversized chair on the left side of the room, reading together. Both of them had glasses and slippers on and the view I took in couldn't get any more romantic than that. Candles were lit everywhere. I tried to notice the title of the book they were reading as I passed by, making my way to where Riley sat at a desk in the back of the room. Ben's eyes looked up and met mine, a small smile playing on his lips. I smiled back and winked, noticing him place a kiss on the top of Abi's head as he continued to read.
I sat down on a loveseat in the middle of the room; it faced the elaborate oak shelves that were full of countless books. I wondered if they had all been read… and how many of them were from Ben's personal collection. I glanced over and noticed Riley's "Templar Treasure" book sitting on the end table next to me. Smiling, I set my tea down and picked up that oh so familiar book.
I had read it several times, in fact… I had lost count. Before I even met Riley it had been a great source for me to turn to. There was something about the way he wrote that inspired and intrigued me. It was laced with little jokes and quirky thoughts, and all of them meshed together to create his masterpiece. His great work. I thumbed through and read some of the chapter titles, sure there was the nitty gritty like the "Kennedy Assassination", "Area 51", "Watergate Tapes", "President's Secret Book," "Atlantis," and "9-11" but there were also some silly ones like "Could Have Had A Bigger House", "Blue-Green Man," "3:22 – My Idea" and "The Shoelace Factor." So many wonderful thoughts. I made a mental note to encourage him to write a sequel. After all, his story kept continuing and I don't care how many people buy your book… it's still worth sharing to those select few. There's always going to be someone who enjoys it, loves it, lives for it…
I sighed, placing the book back on the table. I was drifting into a sleepy mode now, and the quiet whispers of Ben's reading and Riley's fast-flying fingers lulled me into it. As I was about to slip into my dreams Riley's computer buzzed and his agitated voice sounded, "SORRY!"
Ben looked back towards him, "Riley. MUST you be so loud?"
I saw the smirk on Ben's face from where I sat, but Riley only had a view of the back of his head. "HEY…that's not…"
"Never mind boys…" Abigail's motherly-toned voice calmed the fit Riley was no doubt ready to have. He had been so frustrated that his computer malfunctioned and got everyone's hopes up for nothing. I knew he felt like he had failed Ben and Abi. He probably wondered why they still let us be here.
"We're going to bed anyway, right Mr. Gates?" Abigail stood up and stretched, smiling over to where I sat.
"Yes. I guess we are."
Abigail reached out and took his hand, pulling him off the chair. "Do you two need anything? The guest rooms are ready for you, if you'd like to stay the night."
"Oh um…" I looked over at Riley, his eyes were glued onto the screen of his laptop and his ears were stuffed with headphones. Seeing as he took no notice I continued, "If we're here in the morning, we're here, I guess. If not, I'll leave you a note."
"That's fine." Abigail yawned and then smiled, "Sleep well then."
Turning she left the room and Ben walked closer to where I sat, placing the book he had been reading back onto the shelf.
"Is he all right?" Ben motioned over towards Riley and looked into my eyes.
"Yeah. You know how he is. His computer malfunctions and it's the end of the world." I smiled, suddenly becoming interested in the fabric on the couch. My fingers traced the little lines, allowing me to not have to make eye contact with Riley's best friend. I just couldn't for some reason.
"Tell him I'm sorry, will you? I'll have a talk with him in the morning. You two really should take advantage of the guest rooms. They don't get used as often now that Riley has… you."
My finger stopped tracing.
"I mean," Ben cleared his throat, "It's a good thing… for him… to be home."
I let out an exasperated sigh and looked up to meet his eyes, "What?"
It was Ben's turn to sigh, "Riley hasn't really ever had anyone to fit in with. I know he doesn't get what I'm saying half the time. He's loyal though, and he tries real hard. I'm sure he's disappointed that today's discovery was a false alarm. Deep down, he loves this stuff."
I swallowed back emotion that I couldn't quite understand, "I'm sure he does."
Ben placed a reassuring hand on my arm, "Don't worry. Give the kid a chance. It'll get better."
I smiled.
"It's not always easy with Riley."
"Thanks Ben."
"Anytime… so… good night then?"
"Good Night."
I watched the tall, dignified man leave the room. I couldn't help but feel so lucky. Benjamin Franklin Gates was a good man, and his words had brought me comfort that I hadn't even realized that I needed.
I became entranced with a candle that was burning on the table in front of me, and slowly I drifted off.
I must have slept for about two hours because when I awoke the wick of the candle had burned down considerably and all was very still in the house. I blinked a few times and sat up straight, looking around to remember where I was.
Riley had fallen asleep in his chair. I stood up and stretched my tired limbs. How on earth can he sleep like that? I laughed as I walked towards him. His head was leaning so far back I swear it could fall off. His chair was also dangerously near toppling over. I stepped up behind him and removed the glasses that had slid onto his forehead.
I smiled, gently touching his cheek. I traced the outline of his features with my finger softly. He stirred and let out a snore, and crinkled his nose. Cute. Knowing he would have to wake up and go upstairs I began to play with his hair, tickling the back of his neck with my nails. Riley didn't budge; there's NO way I can carry him up all those stairs. I laughed softly and leaned down running my hands down his sides to tickle his ribs. Nothing. My face was so close to his I could feel his breath on my lips. Only an inch or two separated us. I inhaled nervously. What I didn't notice was the hand slowly lifting up towards the back of my neck. Before I realized what was happening, my head was pulled down against Riley's and our lips touched. He kissed me in that upside down state for a second, and then broke out in laughter.
"I'm sorry," He laughed with his lips against mine, "I couldn't help it."
"RILEY!" I laughed, and playfully punched his arm.
"HA! C'mere." Riley grabbed my hand, and swiveled around in his chair to face me, "Everything is just fine."
"Fine?" I questioned.
"Yes." He reached up and touched my nose, "I mean… about earlier. I just hate feeling like I let everyone down today… Ben was so excited when I got here. So hopeful."
I reached out and rubbed his shoulders, "You've been working so hard, Riley. Ben doesn't blame you for this."
"Yeah. My computer is evil. It malfunctioned. It's the one with the problem!"
"I can not believe you just said that!" I reached out and stroked the keyboard. "You hurt its feelings. Say you're sorry."
Riley grinned, "You know – someone has been spending way too much time with me. You start sayin' things like that, and I promise you'll wind up in some windowless cubicle punching numbers someday!"
I bent down and kissed his nose, "I learned from the best."
"You're beautiful…" He whispered with his eyes closed.
Grinning, I stood up straight, "Come on silly; let's get you to your bed."
A/N: Soooo you like? REVIEW!
