Chapter 10
Hello?
Hey peaches. You all packed?
Maya, you just left my house an hour ago and I was already packed.
Oh, yeah. I must've forgot.
What's the real reason you called?
I just wanted to make sure you aren't mad about the sleeping arrangements?
No, not mad. Just glad that I am running away for awhile.
From what?
Oh, just junk. Charles vs. Lucas vs. Charlie. Actually not really the last guy.
Good, because he freaks me out. Randomly popping up and knowing what's going on at all times. It's weird.
I'm actually getting ready for my date, so I will talk to you later?
Don't stay out too late though. Our flight is at like 10 something. I've printed off our boarding passes, just have your license, I did early check in.
I know mom, and I won't. Love you.
Riley stood in her closet, trying to figure out what to wear. "He said casual." The brunette clicked her tongue off the roof of her mouth and checked the clock. "10 minutes, come on Riles. Pull yourself together." She'd been on a ton of dates with Lucas, so why now was she so nervous? Her stomach was in knots and she couldn't quit fidgeting. The brunette saw her outfit and all of a sudden waves of relief rushed over her body. The dress was sleeveless, flared, and with a scoop neckline and the red baby doll dress stopped about 2 inches above her knee. After stepping into the dress hastily she slid on a white blazer and her white flats and untucked the L from behind her neck. "Okay Riles, this is a first date. You don't sleep with anyone on the first date, keep it PG. Why are you so nervous? It's Lucas, you are constantly hanging out with him, you're comfortable with him. Shake it out." The brunette jumped up and down, shaking out her body, when she heard the knock the nurse froze. Until there was another knock, she snatched her purse and ran to the front door, after calming herself the entryway was filled with Lucas Friar. He smiled, raising his right eyebrow like he always did and his green eyes traced her body.
"Hey beautiful girl." The green eyed man passed her a single carnation. "You look incredible." She smiled and even though she didn't have to look him up and down to know he looked incredible, she did. His signature plaid shirt, rolled up with a white tee underneath, jeans and a belt, with his cowboy boots.
"You're very handsome yourself sir." Even with his tan skin, it was obvious he was blushing.
"So, you ready to go?" Riley closed the door behind her and strolled outside where a cab was already waiting, and a picnic basket was on the floor board. "Ladies first." Her heart would not chill out, so she took a few heavy gasps for air.
"What are we doing?" Lucas gently laid his hand on her knee and grinned. "Excuse me sir, this is a first date. Boundaries."
"I apologize m'am. And, we are having a picnic." Did he remember that a picnic in central park was one of their favorite past times? Or was it purely coincidence? He knew, there was no way he didn't know, Lucas knew all. The brunette touched the L on her chest without even realizing it and needed to change the subject.
"Did you get all packed?"
"Yes m'am. We're picking you up at 7:30, I know you hate waking up early."
"I've gotten used to it. I've had to, an 8 am class my senior year and the first 6 months at the hospital I worked 6 to 6." He shook his head.
"You're crazy. I don't know how you do it!"
"You're telling me that if you had the opportunity to spend 12 hours a few times a week doing what you love with animals that you wouldn't?"
"Touche. Tell me about work, we haven't had a chance to talk about it yet." They pulled up to the park and after passing the driver some cash the green eyed man grabbed the basket, along with the blanket that was hidden underneath, then promptly helped her out of the car. Lucas couldn't help himself when he clutched her hand, walking to their usual spot.
"There's not a whole lot to tell. I need to get out of that department though, that's for sure. It seems here lately that more bad news is running through those halls than good. I've applied for a transfer to labor and delivery at Baylor."
"That's amazing. I'm so proud of you." His words rang through her mind.
"What about you? Did the loan come through? Did you hear back from the state yet?" Lucas laid out the blanket and started unpacking the picnic basket.
"I still have one more week to hear back and i'll be out of town." He chuckled. "But, the loan did come through. So once I hear back that I passed, i'll start looking for a place to set up." He started pouring a glass of white pinot noir for her.
"You're so confident you passed."
"Well, I passed Texas' exam and I knew all the information on the test and what not. Why couldn't I pass this one?"
"True." She glared as she took a sip. "Wait, if you don't have your license what are you doing at the office?"
"I'm a vet tech, which isn't totally true the doctor there technically lets me see animals. But, keep that on the down low." It was dark outside, except for the candle that was lit by Lucas. The wind rustled the leaves on the trees and she grinned. "What's that smile for?"
"No reason." He inched slightly closer to her and she giggled. "Fine, I was just thinking about one of the times we were out here." Her freshly polished nail pointed to the L dangling from her neck.
"Yeah, I thought about that earlier too. You were wearing that yellow dress with the boots I got you for your birthday." Riley glanced at him and saw he wasn't even looking at her, he was day dreaming. "Your hair was longer and curled and," He laughed, "you used the whole bottle of bubbles that I brought out in like an hour. Mostly because you tripped and spilt quite a bit of it. You were so mad at yourself, but you were so adorable." He laughed lightly. "And you cried when I gave it to you. I thought you didn't like it, but you turned around and hugged me, hard, I fell backwards. Because I wasn't ready for it." Lucas blinked a few times and glanced back at her with a small smile.
She took a sip of wine still staring at him. "You thought about that a lot did ya'?"
"I spend a good portion of my time thinking about you, or looking at pictures of you, or spending time with you." She giggled.
"You know what I wanna know?" He raised his head slightly. "Why did you wanna go back home to Texas?" Lucas scrunched his nose and almost couldn't look at her. "I'm just curious, was it the school or your Pappy Joe?"
He chuckled. "Yeah, um the school was awesome. But, Pappy Joe was getting older and needed help with the ranch. Once he passed away, he gave it to me."
"Lucas i'm sorry, I had no idea. I used to call and talk to him occasionally even after you left. He was a great man." He nodded. "So, what'd you do with the ranch?" Riley casually leaned back on her arm to get closer to him.
"I still own it technically. I am having one of my cousins watch over it and hired a couple of hands to help work it." She could tell he wasn't too thrilled about having to pass off the work. He always felt like he had to do all the work. The look in his eyes was a little upsetting.
"Lucas, is the only reason you're back because of me?" The green eyed man pulled the sandwiches out of the basket. "I can tell you wanna go back to Texas. Even though you're a doctor now you'd find a way to help work that ranch."
"I'm not going anywhere." Even when it was so dark outside his eyes pierced through her. "Especially not without you."
"Come on, don't-"
"You don't. Don't push me away, I know what I want and I want you. Would I like to be at my grandpa's ranch, absolutely. But, I would love more than anything to marry you." A light pole flicked on, but neither one blowed out the candle. "When I marry you, we'll talk about it. But, until then I go where you go." Riley tucked her lips in.
"I didn't mean to strike a nerve."
"You didn't strike a nerve. You just, you still do that sometimes." He expressed.
"Do what?"
"Put other people's happiness in front of your own. That got you into a lot of trouble last time."
"I do recall. But, that's not what i'm doing." She took a giant gulp of wine.
"Yes it is. You think i'd rather be in Texas, so you're using your magic powers over me to go back. You don't want me to leave. That's why you crushed those flowers earlier." Her palm hit her forehead.
"Did I tell you I have some scratches from those thorns?"
"You were trying to 'steal their blossoms'." She laughed covering her mouth to ensure nothing came out. "That Charlie Gardner man, i'm surprised he didn't brain wash you to hate me."
"Nah, he can't erase 6 years of good memories because of 1 bad one." Her eyes widened at that realization. Why was she just now thinking about this? She'd spent 5 years dwindling on their relationship and she just now thought about that? Riley came to the conclusion fairly quickly that she was the biggest idiot on the planet. She knew what she had to do tonight and right now she needed to play it cool. "I wish we could choose what we want to remember."
"Yeah, me too. It'd make this whole thing between us so much easier." They sat in silence for a few minutes. "Have you scheduled your kiss with Charles yet?"
"Why are we so weird? You still want me to do that?"
"Yep, prove me right Riley. You'll be happy to say those words this time." Riley closed her eyes and let the breeze blow her hair and Lucas gazed upon her beauty. "You're so beautiful Riley." She opened her brown eyes and looked at him. "I love you." She grinned and let those words soak in. He was waiting on her, waiting for her to be ready just for the opportunity to be with her. That's the sign of true patience and love, anyone can say I love you, but not everyone can sit and wait to prove it's true.
Pure instinct and emotions took over, sensibility. "I love you too." Lucas' warm lips crashed onto hers and she felt a tear fall on her cheek. "Wait, why are you crying?"
"I haven't heard those words in 5 years, at least not directly. They've all i've been wanting to hear since I came back." They touched foreheads. "Don't worry I know you aren't ready, but i'm going to keep waiting. I just, I freaking love you Riley. You have no idea."
GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW
Lucas just left from dropping her off at her home and Riley hurriedly changed clothes. "Denim shorts, and a t-shirt. Casual." She knew she couldn't be dressed up, not where she was going.
Hello?
Hey Charles. You busy?
No. I'm not. Did you want to grab a bite to eat?
I've eaten actually. Ice cream?
Sure, we can go to a vendor and just walk around. Let's see, there's one 2 blocks away. Meet you there in 10?
Perfect.
The brunette hung up the phone and hurriedly exited her apartment. 1 bad memory can't erase the 6 years of good memories. Understatement wouldn't even begin to describe the word good. They fought, several times, but he was worth fighting for. He still is. How could you be so stupid Riley? Freaking idiot. The brunette stood by the vendor and saw Charles walking towards her, just as handsome as she remembered. "Let's prove you right Lucas."
"Hey beautiful." Riley wasted no time, she raised herself on her tip toes and kissed him. It only lasted for 10 seconds but when she pulled away they both just stared at each other. "Um."
"What'd you think? Anything?" He continued to wrinkle his forehead and shoved his fists in his pockets. "Hazy, fireworks, butterflies? Did you feel any of that?"
"No. I'm sorry, no."
"Don't apologize Charles, me neither. You just answered a very big question for me. Thank you." They stood in an awkward silence, she knew she had to break. "I'll buy you some ice cream for the trouble."
"I'll buy you some ice cream. Payment for a kiss makes me seem like a prostitute." She laughed and looked towards the ground, happy to know he wasn't angry. "It's that Lucas guy right?"
"What?"
"The guy you feel fireworks and butterflies with. The guy I met the other day."
She took the vanilla ice cream and smiled. "Yeah. We dated for 6 years, 5 years ago and he just moved back. Apparently so did my feelings." The new found friend walked with her for several blocks.
"Let me guess. He broke your heart, and you were or are afraid to get back together with him. Even though he wants to."
"Oh, God. Am I that obvious?"
"No, you aren't that's just every girls waking nightmare, every persons nightmare really. Loving someone but not being able to bring themselves to get together."
"Sounds like you know the feeling." Riley licked her ice cream.
"I've been in a similar situation, but I wasn't as lucky as Lucas is. She found someone else."
"Charles, i'm sorry."
"Don't apologize, it isn't your fault. You were my first step in getting back into the dating world, so thank you for that." The brown eyed girl glanced up at him and laughed lightly. "Thank you for being one of my stepping stones to reclaiming my life."
"You're going to make someone very happy someday Charles. You're an incredibly sweet man, and I really appreciate you being honest with me after the kiss."
"When you know, you know." Riley leaned in for a hug and watched him walk away. "Riley! One more thing." He jogged back towards her. "I broke up with my girlfriend of 3 years. I know how he's feeling and I know how you're feeling. Those what was it? 5 years apart? In those 5 years apart he hated himself everyday for what he did."
"Then maybe you can answer this. Why didn't he call?"
He kicked the sidewalk. "Calling the person you love that you broke up with, and saying 'I made the biggest mistake of my life' is a lot harder than it sounds. For my situation, I thought she was fine with out me and didn't want me. No one told me she wasn't okay, no one told me she could barely get out of her apartment." Riley thought back to the multitude of times she told her friends to not tell him anything. Because she didn't want to 'lose', at the time she didn't realize what she was truly losing. At the time, if they told him how awful she was, then she would've lost the break up game. Who's doing better? Who's seeing other people? But, what she really lost, was the one man who could've taken all of that pain away and ended the game.
"Charles. We can hang out anytime."
"I'll take you up on that. And Riley, he's a lucky guy." They knucked and he walked away. Who knew she gained a new friend out of this situation? Universe, you're freaking hilarious.
GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW
Riley touched up the curls in her hair from last night and left her face makeup less besides the wand of mascara. She packed the final few items after getting dressed. Comfortable and cute, her favorite combination. The brunette had on her black leggings, a black and white horizontally striped tank top with a black leather jacket and black flats. There was a knock at her front door, after picking up her luggage she opened the door and was greeted with his gorgeous green eyes. "Good morning beautiful."
"Hey come on in. I just have one more thing I have to do." Lucas shut the door. "You're alone right?"
"Yeah, everyone else is-" He was cut off by her kiss.
"I just needed to get that out of my system. It might be awhile before we can." She stepped away.
"Well then, according to my clock we were supposed to pick you up at 7:30 and it's 7:28-"
"Stop talking and kiss me." The green eyed man had no idea what came over her, but he liked it, correction loved it. He lifted her and put her against the wall, one of her favorite things he did. "Okay, we gotta stop and head out." Riley gave him one last peck and checked to make sure her license and phone were in her purse. Lucas took her suitcase and escorted her to the hallway.
"What was all that for?"
She grinned, she wanted to tell him but not yet. Not when her friends were downstairs waiting for them, quite possibly waiting to make things complicated. She wanted to tell him but not when they couldn't kiss and make love for hours. Not yet. "I just, had a really great time last night. We'll definitely have to do it again." She reached out for his hand, knowing as soon as they stepped out of the elevator they'd have to let go. But, he took it anyways.
"I love you." Riley smiled. "What's that smile for?"
"You." No hesitation. The elevator dinged, letting them know they were fixing to be fed to the wolves. After a quick wink they released each other's hands and sauntered outside. She couldn't help but think about the episode of Sex and the City she watched last night.
Can you ever really forgive, if you can't forget? She glanced into his eyes and saw the love he had for her. Answer, yes.
GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW
Thanks for reading please follow, favorite and review.
Riley's Date outfit: go to polyvore date_in_park/set?id=161209672
Riley's Plane Outfit: h .