Hello everyone. I know it's been a while from updates. I'm in the process of moving for my job. Almost done yeah. Here's another chapter. Next chapter will be homecoming. Thanks so much to all those that reviewed and keep reading this story.
Changes 20
Lucas Pov
I put my hand against the steel beams, that hold up the bleachers. I stare back at the beauty in front of me. Riley blushes before putting her arms around my neck. Her fingers lightly run through the hairs on the nape of my neck. I can't tell you how good that feels every time she does that.
"What?" She asked me almost breathless with a small smile.
"Nothing beautiful, just thinking about how lucky I am." I tell her before closing the distance between us and kissing her lips. The kiss was soft and sweet at first. Then I feel her bite down and tug my bottom lip, trying to deepen the kiss.
I know I should pull back, and break away. We don't have much time, before both of our teammates start looking for us. I know Missy will be looking for Riley any moment now. They usually head out on the field now to start getting the crowd hyped up for the game. It's the homecoming game son I know she will be looking for everyone soon. I'm sure she is anxious to go out.
We had only 30 minutes till the start of our homecoming game against the John Adam's Saints, our biggest rivals. I had just gotten my uniform on, and was doing some leg stretches on the field.
Then I saw Riley walk out of the locker room. Her long chocolate brown hair flowing in the wind. Made my heart skip a beat. A small smile curves her lips when she looks at me. I could read her face she was thinking about something. She looks around before she locks eyes with me again, and she gives a quick tilt of her head to the back of the bleachers. I can hardly keep the smile off my face when she did that.
I stood quickly and I told Kyle I'd be right back so I can loosen up with a few throws to him. I head over to the water coolers to make him think I'm just getting some water. Then I made my way over here.
Here I am now unable to pull away now. I feel one more playful tug on my bottom lip. She was being persistent tonight. I pull her in closer to me with my left hand and let it rest in the small of her back, while my right hand still gripped the beams of the bleacher. I oblige and open my mouth to her and I feel her tongue slide against mine. I groan from the sensation.
I break the kiss from need of air. I feel heady from that kiss. I try to gain control of my breathing but the way she was looking at me made me want to just kiss her again.
"You are going to get us in trouble." I said against her lips then giving into the urge to kiss them again.
"Me." She replied innocently against my lips. Yes, you I wanted to say. She licks her bottom lip and looks into my eyes teasingly. She pushes herself up to the tip of her toes and presses her lips against mine again. She rests her head against my chest and then looks back up at me with those beautiful brown eyes of hers. I tilt my head back down to steal one more kiss.
"Yeah, your idea." I said against her lips. I give her, one more hard kiss on the lips, before pulling away from her. For both of our sakes.
"It's not like I twisted your arm." Riley said with a smile. No, she would never have to twist my arm to do that again. Now I'm going to be thinking about doing that again the whole game. I look back at her. Her lips were pouty from our kiss. I took everything in me not to lean in for one more kiss. We wouldn't make it to the game soon.
She smiles at me mischievously. I twist my finger around the stray lock that fell in front of her face. Screw it, my lips crush back down on hers. I hear her laugh against my lips. "Who's the trouble maker now."
"Learned from the best." I tease her. She blushes and then looks down at her feet.
"You're going to love my dress for tomorrow." She said excitedly. She links her figures through mine and kisses me softly again. It wouldn't matter what she wore to the dance. I just enjoyed spending time with her.
"I can't wait." I tell her. She smiles at me and steps forward putting a hand on my chest.
"I better get out there. They should just start to line up for formation right now." Riley said. She smooths her hair and her uniform out before looking out. She looks out from behind the bleachers and she sees part of the team lined up. She sighs when she sees she isn't the only one missing. She starts to head back, but before she goes she turns back and looks at me. "We going to the diner tonight?"
"Definitely." I tell her. I pick my helmet off the ground and wait a second before I leave from behind the bleachers myself.
Tonight, the bleachers were full. Full of current students and alum since it was the Homecoming game. Even this full isn't nowhere near the full stadiums he saw in Texas. I still get that same feeling though when I go out onto the field. That rush of adrenaline and excitement.
Bright flashes of light catch me right in the eyes, startling me for a second. I close my eyes and mutter, "Maya."
"Huckleberry, had to repeat our tradition for the big homecoming game." She said what looked to me that signature mischievous grin. Still a little blurry though. The bulb seemed brighter than usual this time.
I'd hardly call getting blinded by her flash tradition. It was one tradition he could do without.
"If I fumble or throw an interception tonight. I'm blaming it on your candid portraits." I tell her while running my hand over my face.
"Don't blame my photography skills for your lack of performance tonight." Maya quips back at me. "I doubt that will be happening tonight. We are undefeated with that arm."
"You are risking my eyes with every snap of that thing though." I tell her while covering her camera again. She rolls her eyes and lowers the camera. I keep it still covered. I know her. If I move my hand, she will snap three more.
"Oh my gosh, I'm done Huckleberry I swear." She said with a laugh. I go to lift my hand and I see she is already moving hers too. I put my hand back on the camera and she just laughs harder. "You are a tough one tonight."
"Just need to concentrate, not be blinded." I joke to her. She sighs and puts her camera in her purse. She looks at her phone and puts it in her bag. She pulls it right out again and does the same thing, "Something on your mind?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Last night got me thinking," Maya starts but stops. I look at her to go on she rolls her eyes but does. "I sort of liked having dinner with everyone last night. I sort of, want to ask Josh to dinner at my place." Maya confessed and sighed after letting it all out.
"So, go for it." I tell her. He's crazy about her. I don't see what the big deal is, but she looks back at me like I said the most idiotic thing ever. "What?"
"I just don't want him scared off, Lucas. It's not a just go for it thing." She huffs at me.
"I don't believe he will be scared off, it's just dinner. It's not like you are asking him to move in."
"It does say, hey I really like you and hope this is going somewhere." Maya said while looking down at her feet. For someone that seemed to exude confidence, rejection was her greatest free. Even though she would never admit it. Her father was to blame for this. I take my hand and tilt her chin up so that she is looking at me. She needed to hear see when I said it. I bring my hands back to my side once I know she is looking at me and going to listen.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Josh feels the same way about you. I really like you and hope this is going somewhere is what he feels. I saw the way he looked at you last night. He cares deeply about you." She smiles from that confession.
"You and Riles make it look so easy. I know I would be a bottle of nerves. Even though I've know his parents all my life." Maya sighs and laughs at herself after that confession.
"Mr. Matthews still scares me." I admit which makes her laugh harder. I laugh at little too after saying it. "It's worth it. I'm sure Josh will feel the same way. So ask him."
I don't know if what I'm saying is ringing true to her. Since she hasn't said anything yet. Then she finally mumbles, "I will."
"Good." I smile at her and nudge her with my helmet and she smiles back at me.
I stop and try to think back to a time that Riley has been over my place for dinner. When I stop to think about it. I don't think she ever has been over. I know her and Maya think alike on things. I don't want her to think I'm not serious about this, because she hasn't been to dinner with my parents.
"What?" Maya asked reading my thoughts.
"I starting to think about it. I don't think Riles has ever been to my place either."
"Huckleberry." She said in a shocked tone to me. She extends her hand out for a handshake., "Both of us have to get this corrected like tonight."
"Agreed." I shake her hand and laugh a little.
"I can't believe it." Maya repeated. "I could have sworn that she's been over there like a million times. Now I'm starting to think back. I don't think I've been invited over to your place either." She teased.
"If I brought you over to dinner, she might make me move back to Austin right away." I teased Maya. She hits me on my arm with all her might after that joke. "Ouch throwing arm."
"You can take it." Maya all but snarled which makes me smile wider.
"Alright I have to do a couple of throws, to warm up." I tell her.
"Good luck." She calls out to me. While I make my way onto the field. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see Charlie and Mike talking on the sidelines. It catches me off guard since they run in to very different circles.
"Coach was about to send a search squad after you." Kyle teased while throwing me the ball, I bring my hands up to catch it quickly. This brings my attention back to him.
I smile and run my hand over my face before putting my helmet on, "I wasn't gone that long." I toss the ball back to him and he catches it. He shakes his head.
Kyle smirks and looks over at Riley then back at me, "Longest drink of water yet this season. I thought you went to John Adam's school to get it." He laughs at his own joke before throwing the ball back at me again.
"Just be ready to catch some touchdowns tonight." I warn him before throwing the ball back at him, my eyes turn back to Mike on the bench but Charlie is long gone now. I know I didn't imagine that.
"Remember their linebackers are fast. You have to stay mobile tonight. Otherwise you will be on the ground more then you like." Kyle reminded me with one last throw. "It's time line up. 5 minutes to kick off."
I nod my head and follow behind him to the sidelines. The crowd was getting louder since it was getting closer to the start of the game. I look over at Riley who smiles at me and shakes her pomp oms before they started their next routine. This was the last routine since it was the start of the game.
Kyle was right their linebackers were fast. Almost every throw I did was rushed and on the run. Kyle did a good job of keeping up and making the play. The score was close the whole game. Now the game is tied up and we are on our last drive with just 20 seconds left in the game.
Coach took a time out and now we are huddled up on the sideline ready for our next play. If we didn't get this play it would be overtime.
"The linebackers keep inching closer to the line, leaving the middle open coach." I tell him.
"Reading my mind Friar." The coach smirked. "Let's run this screen pass to Kyle."
We break from the huddle. We line up in our spots on the line. Sure enough the linebackers were showing blitz again. I would have to make this screen pass fast. I call the play and break from the line as quick as I can with the ball. The linebacker Hayes seemed to be pushing his way through the line right at me. I get the ball off just in time before he grabs the front of my jersey bringing me down to the ground.
I push myself up on my elbows to see if I even made the throw. I can't see anything but from cheers and that they were running away from me not towards me told me I must have. I stand to my feet just in time to see Kyle cross the end zone for the touchdown right before time ran out.
I run down the field to my teammates to celebrate. This was the hardest game all season.
The best feeling all season is right now seeing Riley run up to me after this victory. She wraps her arms around my neck and leans up to kiss me on the lips. I relish in this feeling since we hadn't been able to do this all year.
"Good game, Lucas." She whispered in my ear. I pull her in closer to my buddy and I hear her giggle in my ear. My heart felt like it literally stopped beating when she did that. "I was thinking.." She started and trailed off.
"Go, on." I tell her before putting her down and looking at her.
"Well Farkle thought of it. Everyone is going to be at the diner. Maybe we can pick up a few pizza's and head up to the rooftop of my apartment. We all just hang out there. Unless you want to go. I know it is sort of tradition for the football team. I'd like to hang with our friends."
"Sounds good to me. Let me shower and change and we can do that." I tell her. She smiles since I agreed with her.
"Ok, I'll meet you by your truck in 20 minutes." Riley said before heading
"Deal." I tell her before heading to the locker room. When I get to the locker room doors. I see Charlie and Mike talking again. I knew I wasn't imagining it. What could they be talking about?
Josh POV
I can no longer prolong this. I look down at my phone and cringe. The dramatic flair was high in his last text from Cory. One might have though I killed his dog or something. Cory wasn't going to let me cancel on another "guys" night.
Usually one Friday out of the month, Cory would invite Sean and I over to play poker and have a few beers with Shawn. This was his version of guys night. We'd usually talk about sports, family, and relationships.
The relationships, part of this whole thing scared me the most. It would be the first time I'm in the room with Cory and Shawn since I started dating Maya. I know these two. They aren't going to let this opportunity go. They are going to give me the third degree.
Shawn and Cory were the masters of the third degree. One boy had the courage to ask her out in high school. He even asked Shawn and Cory if he could take her out to the movies. I give him a point for chivalry. He happened to do it at our guys night. Bad timing. I clinched my fist under the table to hid my displeasure. He definitely didn't seem like Maya's type to me. I was right the relationship barely last a month. The poor guy had to go to the third degree for about two hours, just for a movie date.
I had missed the last 3 nights that were planned. The July one I had to go back to Philly for Mom and Pop to help around the house. That was understandable.
The second time it was on Maya's birthday in August and Shawn wanted to cancel this one too. They tried to pick other Friday nights in August but I made sure none meshed up. Moving back into the apartments, work, and school. Whatever excuse that prolonged this. I knew if we had one in August they'd have a million questions.
September, I used every excuse I could for school. I thought I would get out of this month on the clear. October, November, and December would be easier since it was the holidays. They usually forgot anyways. We'd pick back up in the New Year, by that time their questions would be answered without the third degree.
Every cancel, and reason I gave, I could see it starting to make Cor agitated. Even though he hadn't said it, which was surprising. He doesn't hold back, and he is a man of routines and traditions. Breaking those routines and traditions seemed like a slap to the face to him. I knew I was going on borrowed time anyway with my excuses.
I was prepared to respond back in his text that I'd make it this time … or maybe that Sean had food poisoning. Believable since he will eat anything. I mean anything especially if it were free.
Today, Cory pulled the sneak attack. He called Sean this morning, instead of me.
Sean, instead of me!
I knew, I was in trouble, when I heard him say Corey's name. I went into the living to get his attention but he was already screaming of course we'll go, without even asking me mind you. Sean told him we weren't doing anything, because it was free food and beers.
Also he could still go to whatever party he wanted later tonight, since he knew guys night wouldn't probably last past 10 with Cor. The night was still young for Sean.
"Come on before we are late." Sean whined from the door. I could still strangle him. I grab my keys off the counter and make my way to the door.
"Why are you in such a hurry anyway?" I ask him while grabbing my coat out of the closet.
"Free food and booze. Your bro doesn't do the cheap shit either. Of course, I'm in a hurry." Sean proclaimed with a wide smile on his face.
I don't know why I'm nervous. Cor was fine yesterday, when Maya and I were together. No third degree or crazy antics. In fact, he hasn't said anything yet or gave any brotherly advice.
Shit. That is not like him. Was he waiting to do it today, with Shawn?
"Earth to Prince Charming." Sean said while snapping his fingers in my face. "What's wrong with you man? Are we going or what?" He asked me with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, man." I grumble swinging my jacket over my shoulders to put it on. I walk out of the door and down the hall to the elevator.
We get down to good old Betty. It looks like he washed her for the first time in forever. He must be excited about this guys night.
We get to my brother's place in no time. We make our way to the front door. Sean knocks and opens the door at the same time. Shawn is facing the door this time usually Cory is. His eyes lock with mine and he has that look. That protective father look. So it has begun.
"Shawnie, look my brotha and his Seanie." Cory said while standing up from his chair and coming over and hugging me.
"Hey, Cor." I said softly.
"I've missed this." Cory said while slapping me on the back.
"I just saw you yesterday." I remind him before hanging my coat up and walking over to the poker table he had set up.
"That was dinner not this." Cory said while waving his arms around the apartment. "Guys night." He yelled with flair. "No kids, No Topanga just us guys."
"I was starting to think you were avoiding us." Shawn said while taking a sip of his beer and glancing over at me.
"Just been busy with school." I take a seat at the table.
"I thought yo-" Sean started.
"Where are the chips so we can get this started?" I asked Cory over my shoulder. I cut Sean off since I had told him must of the reasons for the cancels were due to Shawn and his job. I didn't need him telling them that.
Cory walks over with the chips and puts them on the table, "In a rush."
"Maybe it's another school project on a Friday night." Shawn said with a sarcastic tone. I laugh at the jab.
"Just serious about my studies, I know foreign to you." I joke back.
"His Cinderella will be calling soon, since the game should just be ending." Sean teased. God don't call her that tonight. I see Shawn's wheels spinning already.
He looks at me with a raised eyebrow, "Cinderella?"
"Sean's nickname for Maya." I mumble while picking up the cards and start shuffling them.
"Really." Shawn almost choked on his beer with that one.
"He has a way with nicknames, just like her." It rolls off my tongue without even realizing it.
"What nicknames has she given you?" Shawn asked with a smirk.
"Are we playing dealers rule this time?" I ask them ignoring the question. I knew it would get a rise out of Cory which it did. He's already squirming in his seat ready to protest.
"Heck, no." Cory said defiantly. "Especially since the dealer has been MIA for this."
"Where is the pizza?" Sean asked. "I thought we'd eat before getting right into it."
"It should be here any minute." Cory said. The buzzer goes off and Sean and Cory both perk up. "Scratch that sounds like it is here right now." Cory taps his arm and they both stand and head for the door. Leaving just Shawn and I at the table.
The table fell silent since it was just the two of us. I was thinking of what to say. Usually conversation just followed between the two of us. He was like a brother to me too. He was always there for the big moments in my life.
"No need to be nervous, and don't lie, and say that you aren't. The nerves are practically radiating off of you." Shawn teases while handing standing from the table and getting a beer and placing it in front of me. He smiled at me before taking his seat again.
"Easier said then done." I mumble.
"Imagine dinners with an army sergeant." Shawn laughs and takes a sip from his beer. "That same man ended up getting Angela and me back together. Nevertheless, every time I sat down for dinner with him my palms would sweat and it was hard to think of what I wanted to say."
I laugh lightly at the image because my hands were doing the same thing right now. I twist my hands on the table trying to think of something to say.
"You thinking canceling these poker games would stop the talk." Shawn said with a laugh.
"Not stop it." I admitted and then stopped. Sean slaps me on the back with pizza in his hand.
"The good stuff." He proclaimed while walking to the kitchen table. I shake my head and laugh.
Shawn laughs and says, "Give us a minute and we'll join you for the good stuff."
Shawn and Cory sit at the kitchen table with the pizza. So Shawn looks back at me now.
"Go on." He stated while leaning back in his chair.
"I was saying not stop it but prolong it yes. Maya means a lot to me." I start and run my hand through my hair trying to form the words.
"Oh I've known that for quite some time." Shawn said with a laugh. "I have eyes."
I look at him confused after that remark. Shawn shakes his head and continues, "I've seen the way you look at her over the years. The way she'd look at you. Any guy that got too close your knuckles would go almost white form balling up your fist." Shawn laughs and hits the table. "If you are scared that I'm going to shut this down before it starts I'm not."
I let out the breathe I didn't even know I was holding when he said that. I smile for the first time tonight.
"I would have showed up at your door a long time ago to tell you that. I know where you live remember." Shawn joked while leaning back in my chair.
"Yeah." I said laughing just thinking about it. "I was kind of scared too, maybe you will disapprove."
"Hardly you are a great guy. I am going to tell you be careful with her heart. I'd hate to have to hurt you for breaking it." Shawn warns me with a stern face. I gulp then he stands and slaps me on my shoulder. "Come on let's go get some pizza before they eat all of it."
"Too late." Sean proclaimed while grabbing another slice clearing that box of pizza. They had eaten a whole box of pizza between the two of them. Cory moves that box to the side and opens the other box.
I pick up a plate and take a slice and sit down and Shawn does the same.
I hear laughter from the other side of the door. My heartbeat quickens knowing it is hers. The door opens, and my eyes connect with hers at the door. She gives me a sly smile while she leans against the door to let Riley, Lucas, Smackle, and Farkle in.
"Um what are you guys doing here don't you usually go to the diner?" Cory asked them all.
"Well hello to you too." Riley teased.
"It's guy's night." Corey told her quickly. "Your mom is with Katy and Auggie is at Dewey's."
"We won't interrupt your game. We are going to the roof." Riley proclaimed while heading to her room.
"That will interrupt my game, because I will be worried about what is going on the roof." Cory yelled back. Making them all laugh.
"Just eating pizza like you guys and watching a movie." Riley said. She comes out of her room with her lap top and school hoody.
Shawn could see the melt down about to happen. He laughs.
"I'll keep the window cracked so we can spy on them." Shawn whispered while opening the window. Knowing good and well they won't be able to hear anything and he winks at Riley.
"Good idea." Cory said quickly. "We will be listening out."
"Okay, dad." Riley said with a smile before kissing him on the cheek. Cory smiles at her but it quickly fades when he sees Lucas. He points to his eyes and him repeatedly letting him know he has his eyes on him. Which makes us all laugh.
I look back at Maya who is still standing at the door. She smiles at me before finally pushing away from the door and walking over to me. She wraps around my neck hard and kisses my check.
"Hey, Romeo." She whispered in my ear.
"Romeo." Shawn said with a raised eyebrow and a stifled laugh. Now knowing what my nickname was. He took it better than I thought. He took everything better than I thought he would. I'm grateful.
"Don't get jealous." She turns to Shawn and smiles before walking over and putting her arms around his neck and kissing him cheek now. "Hey daddio." She teased him like he usually did and kissed him one more time. He smiles contently, like that could never get old to him.
"So, I was thinking maybe next weekend you would like to come over to dinner at our place?" Maya asked me hesitantly. She is still leaning on Shawn's shoulders when she asks me.
"Sounds like the best thing I've heard all day." I smile at her and she smiles back then touches my shoulder. I notice her glance back at the cowboy as she calls him. He just nods his head at her.
"Mr. Matthews you should leave the poker table up. Maybe after the movie we might come down here and play a poker game ourselves with the boys. Strip poker." She yelled over her shoulder playful before running to the front door with Riley.
"What!" Cory shrieks. Making us all laugh. Riley, Maya, Farkle, Smackle, and Lucas all head upstairs before he can say anything.
"Relax Cor, she was just messing with you. Bad joke though." Shawn said while chasing his beer.
"Very bad." Cory scrunches up his face and takes a bite out of his pizza.
"Let's get this show on the road." Sean proclaims since he's now full, from the pizza.
"Alright, but we are dealing first." Cory said while standing from the table and picking up the deck of cards.
It felt good to start this guys night. They were not going to intervene or do some third degree. They trusted him and weren't going to intervene. That was music to his ears.