Lucas walked in the front doors of the high school. He was trying to discreetly look for Riley but saw Billy instead. Billy was a teammate but not much more. He had been the pitcher on the team before Lucas came along so he wasn't exactly Lucas's biggest fan. Lucas was just going to walk around him when he realized who Billy was talking to.

"So what do you say, Riley? You wanna go out with me Friday night?"

Lucas could feel the anger rising from the pit of his stomach until he heard Riley say, "Sorry Billy, I'm sorta seeing someone...maybe... I think."

Lucas couldn't help but smile. Riley had this way of being really mature and childlike all at the same time. Being around her was like a day at Disneyland, a ride on a unicorn, and a swim in Willy Wonka's chocolate river. Except when they kissed. There was nothing childlike about that.

"Hey Riley. Billy."

"I should have known. Seems like whenever I see something I want, this guy is right around the corner getting ready to swipe it."

Billy walked away and Riley grimaced. "I didn't mean to make him feel bad."

"Trust me Riley, when it comes to that guy, you can't win."

Riley didn't say anything. She seemed to be staring at something on Lucas's face. Uh oh, did he still have breakfast on his face? He started wiping at his face as Riley said, "Sorry, sorry. I was just thinking about the other day."

"I've thought about it a lot too. Do you want to maybe talk about it at lunch?"

"I would really like that. I'll save you a spot."

"Actually, I was thinking we could go somewhere. If that's okay with you."

"Of course. Should I wait by the front doors?"

"I'll be here as soon as I can."

Lucas had just the right spot he wanted to take Riley to. He hoped she wouldn't think it was weird.

GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW

As promised, Riley was waiting by the front doors as Lucas rushed from his science class. He couldn't help but do a double take when he saw her. She had on jeans that fit just right, a ruffley black shirt on, and black Chuck Taylors. Her hair was curly but it was pulled back into a pony tail. He couldn't help but laugh at how different her clothing always was. But he thought he liked this look the best. Simple, natural, and down to Earth.

"So where are we going?" She asked as Lucas walked up to her.

"Right this way, ma'am."

He grabbed onto her hand and laced his fingers through hers. He led her out towards the field and noticed she was looking at him and grinning.

"What?"

I had a feeling we were coming out here. It seems like you love this place.

"Well, I do. But that's not the only reason I wanted to come out here."

"Oh really? So what's the other reason?"

"This is the first place I saw you."

When they got to the dugout, Lucas pulled out the lunchbox he had brought with him. "I didn't want you to starve if I took you away from lunch."

"Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?! They're my favorite! You seem to be working awfully hard for something, Lucas Friar."

"You caught me."

"You said you wanted to talk about what happened the other day?"

"Yeah. I just, I hope you know I don't kiss every girl right after I meet them. Most girls I meet aren't half as interesting as you are."

"Honestly I'm a little confused about what made you notice me in the first place. Most guys see Maya first. Not that I blame them, she's the funniest, most beautiful and best friend I've ever had. Why did I stand out to you?"

"I do like Maya. Not in the way I like you, but she does seem like someone I would really like to be friends with. The first time I saw you was when you were taking pictures, remember? You were really invested in what you were doing. I could tell by the way you furrowed your brows when you weren't getting the shots you wanted, and then I could tell when you were getting the shots you wanted because your eyes lit up. I threw that baseball at the fence because I wanted to get your attention. I wanted you to look at me. But then when you yelled at me, you made me laugh. I have to be around people who make me laugh, and you've done that several times since we met. And I think I make you nervous. I like that I make you nervous."

Riley looked like she was trying to think of something to say but she kept giggling instead. Once again, she was making Lucas laugh.