Changes-21
Here is an update. It's a little longer since it has been a while. Homecoming is finally here. Hope you guys enjoy this update. Thank you for all the kind reviews. I glad you guys are enjoying it.
Riley's POV
I take one last spin in the mirror, and look at my dress. Today, I truly felt like a princess. After hours inside of the mall, I knew this dress was it, with just one look. Maya nodded her head with approval right away to knowing it was it also.
It was a strapless light pink dress with a sweetheart neckline, the bodice was beaded with floral details. The dress was a skirt was made of chiffon that flowed effortlessly. The skirt was thigh length that hit just above my knees. So, it passed my father's test.
Barely, but it did.
Maya and my mom helped him get to more reasonable expectations. Otherwise, I was going to be covered from head to toe, if it was up to my father.
I couldn't wait till Lucas saw me in this dress.
"Wow." I heard a breathless Lucas say from my fire escape. My heart beat quickens knowing that he is here now.
I spin around with a surprised look on my face, "Lucas Friar." I make my way over to the bay window and take a seat. He reaches his hand out and caresses the side of my face sending shiver down my spine. "You aren't supposed to be here for a few more minutes." I manage to get out
"Came a little early." Lucas said. He leans in and gives me a quick kiss. "Glad I did. You look amazing."
"You will have to sound the same, when you see me in a few minutes, or my dad will know you were here." I joke giving him another quick kiss.
"That won't be hard. I feel, this dress, will give me the same effect all night." Lucas said while lazily running a finger up, and down my arm now. Leaving goosebumps with each trail of his finger. He kisses me again softly on the lips. I relish in the feeling of his lips against mine for a moment before pulling away and resting my forehead against his. We both needed air after that kiss. Lucas finally says, "I did come early, for a reason."
"Not that" I tease him.
"You are making it hard to remember, the real reason." He confessed. He closes his eyes for a moment to gather his thoughts. "Where are your letters?" He finally asked me.
I stand up, and go to my closet and get them from the top shelf. I bring them back to the bay window, where he is now seated, and I sit down next to him. He looks incredible with his grey suit on and light blue pressed shirt. I give him the box and he looks through them and stops and pulls out one. I notice it was one of the Riley only ones. I can feel my cheeks start to blush.
"I want you to read this one." Lucas said while handing the letter to me.
I start to take it from his hand but jump from the knock on my door.
"Riley." My mom called from the other side of the door. "Maya and Josh just got here. Are you ready yet? How much longer till Lucas gets here? I'm ready for some pictures."
I can hear the excitement oozing from her voice. Lucas' features are almost pale since he's in here.
"Just a minute. Lucas just texted me. He literally just pulled up." I shout out to my mom, while I'm shooing him out of the window. He takes the letter and puts it in his suit jacket pocket. I hated lying to my mom but if she knew he was in here right now, she could kiss homecoming goodbye.
"Okay, we are waiting in the living room." Her mom called out.
I look in the mirror to ensure Lucas didn't smug any of my makeup or mess up my loose curls. I had to reapply my lip gloss and that is it. I grab a light pink cardigan I bought to go with the dress. Just another thing to help my dad not freak out tonight. I close the box of letters and held to the living room.
Shawn and my dad are sitting at the kitchen table talking. While my mom and Katy are getting their phones ready for what I'm sure will be an onslaught of photos before we go.
I look at Maya who does a quick spin her dress. She really did look like Cinderella to me. She just needed her hair in a updo. She wore a light blue dress that really set off her eyes. The top bodice was lace and the skirt was tulle skirt.
"You look amazing." I tell Maya, who smiles at me warmly.
"Thanks, honey. You look amazing yourself. Where is Lucas? I thought he'd be knocking down the door. As if on cue there is a knock at the door. "There he is." She teased.
I blush and rush over to the door. I open the door and Lucas is on the other side. He smiles at me and looks me up and down.
"Hey, wow you look great." He tells me again. It did feel like he truly meant it and saw me for the first time. Like he promised he would. He bites his bottom lip while he is still looking at me and taking me in. Looking at his lips. I notice he has my lip gloss against them.
I lean forward and kiss his lips quickly to make it look like this kiss caused it. I pull back and he has a dazed and confused look on his face that makes me smile. It was our first kiss in front of my parents. I take my thumb and run it over his bottom lip. I can feel his shutter a little from my slip touch. I show him my thumb and he nods at me now knowing what was going on.
My dad gets up from his seat. I can see Lucas' eyes follow him.
"She gets back here at midnight no later." He demands while hitting the back of his chair.
"Yes, sir." Lucas said while shaking his head.
"Midnight." My dad stresses again. I just shake my head to let him know we got the curfew.
My dad looks back at Shawn for backup. When Shawn does nothing, my dad shakes his head towards Josh. Letting Shawn know he should be doing the same thing. Shawn nods his head getting it now.
"Romeo, midnight you got it." Shawn follows suits.
Josh groans after he calls him that. Which makes us all laugh. Shawn hasn't let him live that down since he found out that Maya's nickname for him.
"No groaning." Shawn said while waving his hand at Josh. "Where are your manners like Lucas? Yes sir." Shawn laughs while standing up now and walking over to where my dad was.
"Yes, sir." Josh said while running his hand through his hair.
"We will be sitting here waiting. A minute late and so help me…" My dad said while shaking his head.
"Cor, relax. They get it." My mom said with a laugh. "Besides you are messing with my picture time." She snapped back at him. She starts to get us all grouped together by the bay window.
"She so stepped on your tough dad bit," Shawn said with a laugh walking over now and picking up his own camera from the end table. Shawn starts to snap his own pictures. "You'd think they'd ask the professional, Baby Cory." He said while winking at me that makes me smile brighter.
"This isn't a bit or an act. It's real." Cory said while looking at Lucas one more time. Making everyone laugh. "It is real." He said sternly while walking back over to the kitchen table.
"We know it is bro." Josh told him with a smile. He slaps Lucas on his shoulder, "Cowboy is shaking in his boots still."
This makes Cory smile a little before he takes a sip of his coffee. That will be his fuel to keep him up to midnight. Any other night. He'd be in bed well before midnight hit.
"Have fun tonight, be safe." My mom said while pulling me into one last hug.
"We will," I tell her giving her one last squeeze before pulling away.
I take Lucas' hand and head out the door with Maya and Josh right behind us her hand interlocked with Josh's also. I see her turn and smile at him. She looked happy, truly happy for the first time that I have ever seen her with a guy.
"Ohh Betty is clean tonight," Maya called out from behind before rushing over to Sean's car and running her hand against the hood.
"Special occasion," Josh remarked. He walks over and gives her a quick kiss. Josh turns to me. "Even cleaned the back seat if you are riding with us, or are you and Lucas riding together in his truck?"
"They're riding in his truck," Maya said with a wink to me and opening the passenger side door.
"See you there then," Josh said shaking his head and closing the door for Maya before going over to the passenger side.
Lucas and I walk over to his truck. He helps me get into the truck. It was easier than the first time I tried to get in here. As soon as he gets in I slide over to his side of the truck. He looks at surprised.
"Where's the letter?" I ask him. He smiles and pats his coat jacket. Letting me know it is still in safe keeping. "Let's read it."
"I thought you'd want me to get to the school right away. You still have to take pictures for homecoming court." He reminds me with a smile.
"I still can't believe I'm on the court. I knew for sure you'd make it."
"Me, technically I'm new here." Lucas said with a laugh.
"Star quarterback and extremely-." I stop when I realize I'm saying this last part out loud and not in my head.
Lucas pulls me in close to him now, "Don't stop now extremely what?" He asked me against my ear. I take a sharp intake of breath.
"Hot." I finally admit with a blush since he wasn't going to let me go and start up this car unless I told him. I slap his leg to create space wanting to go back to my side of the truck now.
"Not so fast Ms. Matthews." Lucas said while reaching for my hand and pulling me back into his chest. He kisses the top of my head and I snuggle up into his embrace now. "Well this is one man's opinion but you are extremely hot to me too." Lucas confessed. I bury my head into his chest after that confession. "You are also smart, kind, beautiful, giving, compassionate, friendly, the list could go on and on. You are a part of the cheerleaders, student government, yearbook. National honor society, and tutoring program. I don't know how you didn't think you wouldn't be on court."
"I'm nothing like Missy Bradford the usual type that wins." I confess.
"I'm glad you are not like her. I think the school is tired of the usual things." Lucas tells me. I smile since he is trying to reassure me. I hope he is right. The school didn't need the usual things anymore. I couldn't get too excited for this. I just felt it was going to be the same old same old.
He takes his keys out of his pockets and puts them in the ignition. "We better get going before Maya starts to talk."
"I thought we were going to read the letter." I pout.
"Oh, we are. I want you to read it the same way we read a letter the last time." Lucas said with a wink to me. I blush remembering the last time. "Buckle up. We have been down here too long. I don't want your dad coming down and bringing you back upstairs." I do as he instructs me while we head to the dance.
Maya's POV
I interlock my hand with Josh's and look up at him as we walk into the dance. I thought Riles and Huckleberry were right behind us but they hadn't pulled in yet, so we decided to walk in. I could tell Josh was a little concerned so I rubbed his arm and told them Riles probably forgot something and Mr. Matthews gave them one more third degree.
He gives me a quick smile and then pulls me closer to him.
I keep trying to read his features. I hope he isn't upset about that. I also look for any hints of being bored. I know that he doesn't want to do this, and is just doing it for me. This is another reason why I like him so much. Because he is kind and considerate and will do anything for the people he cares about.
"What are you thinking about Cinderella?" He asked me. I was so lost in thought that I almost didn't hear the question.
"You called me Cinderella." I say with a half smile. Sean used that nickname not him usually.
"I did." He said before kissing me on the check.
"Yeah." I say with a head nod. "First thing that is on my mind. I need to vote."
He looks at me curiously before asking, "vote?"
"Riley and Lucas are on the homecoming court." I told him quickly.
"Riles, didn't tell me. I know she didn't tell Cor or Topanga." Josh said. He laughs before finishing their thought, "or they'd be here right now."
I laugh too, because yes, they would be here if they knew. Riley had Smackle and Farkle not give Cory his copy of the newspaper. She had to bribe them not to make the usual announcement over the PA with the court members names. She had done a good job of hiding that information.
The smile on his face makes my stomach twist in knots. I smile and look at my feet. "Yeah, I don't think she would have told me but we go to the same school. She can keep it from her teacher dad but definitely not a student. We all talk together."
"She tells you everything." Josh said quickly not buying that.
I look back up at him and smile. He's' right and I'm glad we are so close that we can do that. So, I do tell him the truth why she hasn't told anyone, "she doesn't think she will win so she isn't excited about it."
His face falls and it was laced with disappointment after I stated she didn't believe she could win. "She's a Matthews, she will win." He said with a hint of arrogance.
"What were you, homecoming king?" I ask him with crossed arms jokingly. He just smiles back at me which confirms it. I never knew this about him. Playing the long game, I missed some things. "Really?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, I was homecoming king." He said with a laugh. "It's not something I will put on my resume or anything." He jokes with me before taking my hand in his. I thought he would be like me. The outsider on events like this. "Riley is the girl who wanted to be asked to winter formal like six months in advance. She so cares about being nominated. I know she will be stoked if she wins. I wish she would have told everyone." Josh said quickly
"Things change Romeo." I tell him softly.
"Do I get a vote?" Josh teased me while taking my hand and pulling me in close to him.
"Unfortunately, no since you are not a student here." Farkle said from behind. He was holding Isadora's hand.
"We can turn a blind eye." I insisted with a smile. The two geniuses were not having any of it. They both gave me a stern look. I was only kidding.
"How much longer is the voting going to be?" I ask them both. I look around the gym to see if I see Riley or Lucas yet.
"About a half an hour." Farkle told me while looking at his watch.
"Riles and Lucas better get here before the vote ends. Who's counting the votes?" I ask them.
"The treasurer and secretary always do." Smackle said while leaning into Farkle. The treasurer was Charlie and that made me feel uneasy he was doing it.
I shake my head and cross my arms over my chest. "The vote might end up Riles and Charlie then."
"He's not even on the court." Farkle said with a laugh.
"Exactly." I all but yell. "He will lie and say he was a write-in vote."
The both laugh at me and shake their heads. "I don't think he will stoop to that level."
Really, I wouldn't put anything past him anymore.
"He kept her letters without her knowing." I remind them while starting to walk over to the table.
"Well, that is why Darby, is there with him." Smackle tells me. That doesn't make me feel any better on the matter. We walk towards the table where they are taking votes. Charlie and Darby are sitting at the table.
"Hey Maya."
"Charlie." I say softly. I pick up a ballot.
"Is she-?"
"I'm not going to answer any questions about Riley for you." I tell him flatly before he could finish his statement. He frowns and simply nods his head. I put my vote into the ballot box.
Smackle and Farkle follow suit and vote alongside me.
"We still have time to vote, right?" Lucas asks out of breath running up holding Riley's hand.
"Yes, you do Huck." I tell him giving him a ballot and Riley one too. "I already voted for you two love birds."
"Thank you." Riley said with a laugh. "But.."
"Uh, no buts." I quickly tell her.
"I was just about to call you." Smackle interjects. "The homecoming court needs to take pictures for the yearbook. I have everyone gathered but you too."
"Maya's not taking the pictures, is she?" Huck asked giving a raised eyebrow to me.
"My talents are on vacation for the night. You have the lovely and talented Sara tonight."
"Good, I won't be blinded." Lucas winks at me and I roll my eyes at him.
"Come on you two, picture time." Smackle instructed Riley and Lucas.
The four of them start to leave. That just leaves me and Josh standing here alone again. I start to head away from the table. From the corner of my eye I see Charlie and Mike talking. Then Mike runs off to join the court pictures. I don't know why seeing them together bothers me but it does.
I feel Josh squeeze my hand so I look up at him. Being alone with him here was starting to set in. Was he bored? I know I keep asking this in my head. I don't want him to be bored and miserable here just for me.
He pulls me closer to him, shutting my brain off from those thoughts for the moment. I needed that, I relish in the feeling of being close to him. I lean into him and smile, "I'm not going to get in trouble for this, am I?" He asked me against my ear. Sending a shiver down my spine. He tilts his head to the teachers that were chaperones. Most of them were caught up in their own conversations not paying attention to the students.
As result have of the student body took it as their opportunity to basically dry hump on the dance floor. I shake my head and turn back to look into his crystal blue eyes.
"I think we are safe." I reply with a smile.
"Good." He said before leaning over to kiss my cheek. "We are at a dance, Ms. Hart. We haven't danced yet."
When she looks at the dance floor. She really didn't want to share her first dance with him here in the midst of that.
"I was looking for the best spot." I tell him with a smile. "I know the perfect place." I take his hand in mine and start to lead him out of the gym.
"I don't want to be hurt by daddio." I chuckle hearing him use my nickname for Shawn.
"I promise you won't be." I tell him and lead him down the hall. I open the door that leads to a stairway. I take his hand before heading up the stairs. I take a hairpin out of my hair and jimmy with the lock on the door.
"I see all signs of him hurting me." Josh whispered in my ear. "Breaking an entry."
"I do this all the time." I confess.
"Do you?" He asked. His voice was laced with excitement. I try to hide the blush. The door opens and I push it open to reveal the roof of the auditorium. You can see the football field and the lights were bright tonight. The lights on the side of the auditorium were shining the school colors. Which made this place even better tonight. The speakers were right outside the door so you could hear the music from the dance.
"I come up here to clear my mind. This is my favorite place to paint." I say while spinning around up here. "The moonlight hits this place perfectly. Whatever little stars I can see in New York I see them best here or at Riles rooftop."
"I see why you are up here all the time." Josh said while coming out now and near me. He takes my hand in his and interlocks them. Now I feel at home. Like homecoming is where I'm supposed to be since it is just the two of us. He pulls me in close while his other hand comes to the small of my back keeping me there. I smile at him while we start to sway to the music.
Riley's POV
I feel Lucas' arm link around my waist and pull me against his chest. I smile and put my hands, on top of his.
"You ready for your close up." He whispered in my ear as we watched Missy getting her solo picture. It seemed like it has gone on forever.
"Ready as I'm going to be." I tell him. I lean back and give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"After this is done you owe me a dance, Ms. Matthews." Lucas said.
"I think that can be arranged." I tell him with a smile.
"Alright, Riley you're up." Smackle said with a smile to me. I pull away from Lucas and head over to get my picture taken. I see out of the corner of my eye Missy goes over and talks to Lucas right away when her date is Mike. I try to push any feelings away that I have over the situation.
"Alright Riley smile for me." Sarah said while lowering her camera and giving me a bright smile. I guess I wasn't doing a good job of pushing those feelings away as I thought I was. I shake my head and get lose and start to do my best smile. "There is the Riley I know." She said while continuing to snap pictures.
Lucas photobombs my last few pictures. Then he comes up from behind and wraps his arms around my waist again and kisses me on the cheek.
"I don't believe it was your turn yet, Mr. Friar." I say.
"I thought you called me over Sarah." Lucas said trying to play innocent.
"Not yet but good pictures. Let me get a few solo ones of you."
"I guess." I say while stepping out of the picture. I take a seat on the bench and Mikes comes over and sits down next to me.
"Hey Riley." He said brightly. It takes me by surprise since we have been going to the same school for the last four years. He has barely spoken to me.
"Hey Mike." I turn to him and give him a half smile.
"Congrats on getting on the court." He continued.
"Thanks, same to you. I'm sure you and Missy will win this year like always"
He let out a smug smile after I said that. He quickly tries to suppress it but it was too late. I had already seen it.
"I doubt it. I'm not the star of the team anymore." Mike said solemnly. "The whole way here Missy has let me know that." He mumbled under his breath.
"What do you mean?" I ask him.
He frowns and runs his hands through his hair before continuing. "Like Missy's whole family has been homecoming queen and prom queen. Her whole family. So tonight is so much more for her. Every family member that has won, the king was the star quarterback and super popular. She hasn't said but I know she wants her and Lucas to win, to keep the tradition going."
"The tradition seems a little silly to me." I mumble.
He laughs, before patting my knee. "Definitely silly to me too, but so real to her."
He laughed hard enough to catch Lucas' attention. He was now watching us cautiously from the corner of his eye.
"Her mom and dad were homecoming queen and king. So that why the tradition is so real for her. Her cousin Becky same thing and they are together. Her sister treats the homecoming king as the one that got away." Mike grumbles.
"I guess you have a few minutes to get people to vote for you." I tell him while standing.
"I guess so." Mike said with a laugh. "I didn't mean to burden you with my troubles."
I believe, he did try to burden me with his trouble. I bit my bottom lip, thinking of what to say. I barely talk to him all year and now he's telling me all this. He wants me to believe in this just as much as Missy does. The question is, why?
"Hey, they want us to take a group picture, then we can dance before they make the announcement." Lucas said. He walks up behind me and places a hand on the small of my back and his eyes were locked onto Mikes.
"Ok. Let's go."
I walk over with Lucas with the rest of the members of the court so we can take the group picture. I try to not let Mike's words seek in and bother, but they seemed to still hang in the air.
"What are you thinking about, beautiful?" Lucas asked me against my ear. I smile contently and look up at him.
"That dance, I supposedly owe you."
"Oh, you owe me." Lucas said while shaking his head yes. I laugh as we start to head out to the dance floor with him. We start to dance in the middle of the dance floor. Smackle and Farkle join us dancing next to us.
I look around for Maya and Josh. I see no sign of them. Then I see them walk in discreetly. Where have those two been? They walk over towards us and start to dance now too. It felt good to be with Lucas and all my friends on the dance floor. If someone told me this was going to happen a few months ago. I would never have believed them.
The principal comes to the stage and taps the mic. It was time to announce homecoming king and queen. I could feel the butterflies growing in my stomach. "Can we get the court to the stage?" He asked.
"Come on, beautiful." Lucas said while grabbing my hand and leading me to the stage. I try to calm my nerves and tell myself whatever the outcome would be I'm ok with it.
When I get on the stage they have Lucas and I stand next to Mike and Missy. Great is all I can think. I can't help to think about what he told me earlier. Good luck Mike mouths to me before looking forward. I bite my bottom lip and look over at Lucas.
Charlie comes on stage with the envelope for king. Just to make the situation more awkward to me.
"The race was extremely close. But our new homecoming king is Lucas Friar." The principal said with a smile.
The student body starts to applaud and some start to chant. I turn to face Lucas, who has a warm smile on his face. He reaches up and caresses my cheek before leaning in for a quick kiss.
He breaks away and rests his forehead against mine. "Told you so." He chuckles and kisses my forehead. "They are waiting for you to be crowned your highness." I tease him once more. He kisses my lips again quickly before turning to face the principal. The place the crown on his head and sash over his shoulders. He looks at me and winks, then mouths "Good luck."
Mike and the other members of the court for King walk off the stage now. He tries to show that he is ok with the results but you could clearly see he was not. His jaw is tight and his fists were clinched after they announced everything. He gave a weak smile and claps. One thing that was odd to me his eyes never left Charlie's after the announcement. It made me feel uneasy.
Butterflies are going a mile a minute now, inside my stomach. It seemed like they were drawing out the naming on homecoming queen. Darby walks up now with the envelope for homecoming queen. Finally. I fidget with my hands while the principal opens the envelope. Just to be up here in this position was new. Who would have though the girl that wrote insecure on her forehead years ago could be in this spot?
I take a deep breath as I see the principal start to speak, "this year's homecoming queen is … Missy Bradford."
I can't lie my heart sunk after the announcement but many years of cheerleading made it easy to put up the fake smile and cheer for my cheer captain. I look over at Lucas' who didn't hide his disappointment well. I smile at him to remind him to smile.
"Recount." I hear Maya yell from the crowd. My uncle Josh puts a hand over her mouth to silence the next one that I show know was coming. I try my best not to react from that but a wider smile came across my lips. Missy frowns but steps forward for the crown.
Everything Mike was saying was just ringing in my ears though. But I smile, and clap, until they start escorting the female members of the court off the stage. I sigh and try to shake off any disappointment from this.
I walk down the steps of the stage. I see Mike leaning against the stage, he shakes his head angrily when they have Lucas and Missy start the homecoming king and queen dance. I look over at Missy who is beaming ear to ear. Did she really believe this crap?
"You ok, honey?" I hear Maya ask me from behind.
I turn to see that she is with Josh, Smackle, and Farkle now. They all smile at me tentatively. "Yeah, I told you I wasn't going to win." I look over at Missy and Lucas dancing, it did sting to see that. I remind myself being homecoming queen and king doesn't make you destined to be together. "Besides I don't' think I wanted to win as much as Missy."
"Cough, cough recount." Maya said again with a side eye at Missy. Which makes me laugh. "Dance with us sweetheart." Maya extends her hand to mine. She takes it in hers and starts to sway back and forth which makes me laugh. "This will be her one and only dance with Lucas. Looks like he is dying to get away." I smile after she says this.
"Sure." I tell her, with that confirmation she is taking me to another part of the dance floor where we all start to dance. I still can see Lucas and Missy. I see her try to press her body incredibly close to him while he maintains their distance. Bitch!
I hate that she can make me feel this way. I look down at my feet and back up at my friends goofily dancing to this slow romantic song. To try to make me smile and forget. They are truly the best. Every time I look up and glance over my shoulder, it is like the crowd parts and I can see every touch, every glance, Missy tries to incite with Lucas. I can't help but hear the things that Mike said.
I take a deep breath and remind myself it's one dance. No matter what she thinks it will become, it won't because Lucas doesn't feel that way about her. I'm not that insecure girl, I was.
"You guys have worked up a thirst in me. I'm going to get some water." I tell Maya and Josh.
"I'll come too." Maya offered.
"No, stay dance. I'll be right back." I told her quickly. I start to walk out of the gym to the water fountain by the doors. I try to keep a steady pace not fast even though I wanted to walk fast. If I went too fast people would make a big deal out of things.
I just needed some air. I needed to clear my head without watchful eyes. I take a step outside and take a deep breath in to soak in the fresh air. The autumn night had a chill tonight. I should have left my cardigan on, but when we pulled up to the dance I started kissing Lucas in the truck and that was the first thing to go. Then he reminded me about voting and told me to come on so I left it in the truck. I guess the vote didn't matter though.
I hear the door click behind me. I didn't have to turn to know it was him. I could sense it and my whole body was on edge from it. He steps forward and I let my back rest against his chest, and I take in his woodsy cologne. The cool autumn breeze rumples through again and I shiver a little. I feel him pull away and slip off his coat and rest it on my shoulders. He puts his arms around me and I snuggle in his embrace.
I tilt my head so I can look into those emerald green eyes of his. "Why are you out here alone?" He asked me.
"I just came out here." I tell him softly. I kiss the tip of his nose.
"I was looking for my dance partner and I saw her heading for the door. I thought you were trying to sneak out."
"No, I still have a few more dances in me." I hear him laugh and feel the low rumble against my back. It was welcoming. I feel the envelope rub against my chest. The letter, I smile thinking about it.
"Can I read it now?" I ask him. I needed it after the homecoming results.
"Yes, but read it, like I said." He said against my ear. I laugh and turn my body so I'm facing him. I pull out the letter and press it against his chest.
Dear Riley-
If short-stack of pancakes is in the room. Tell her we already established the rules for this.
I laugh against his chest, "If she was, she'd send the national guards after you. She hates that nickname."
"I know, if she were there with you, if you had read them then. I know that would rile her up, and get her out trying to find a way to me. So you'd be alone." He shrugged his shoulders. I laughed at this confession. "Keep reading." Lucas said while running his hand up and down my back. I shiver from his touch.
Okay now that she is gone. Let's talk, just you and me. We haven't done that in a while and I wish we could really be doing that right now. My favorite thing in the world Riley Matthews is to talk to you. I love the way your eyes light up when you are excited about something.
I feel my cheeks brighten up after. I read this.
"Just like that." Lucas said while caressing my cheek. My heart starts to race when he said this. I force myself to look back down at the letter. My mind was not focused on reading after his touch. But god, I wanted to know what he felt and is still feeling. So I remained focus.
I love when you really believe in something how passionate you can be about it. I wanted to say some things just you and me. Today is homecoming night in Austin Texas. Friday night is always important and people were always at the high school game. Homecoming night almost the whole town is there. Tonight, is a big game night for me. It is against our school's rivals.
This is also a night that we get to go to one of the local high school for their dance. The only time we are actually able to get out of this place. Must of the guys are chumping at the bits to get to go to this dance and dance with Texas East Girls.
"I'm not going to hear about you dancing with some girl on this first letter?" I ask him quickly. Seeing him dance with Missy was enough tonight.
"Just read." He insisted.
I did as he asked. Reluctantly.
One of my friends Haley asked me to the dance.
I look up at him. He just directs his eyes back to the paper. I roll my eyes and again reluctantly look back at the letter. He laughs making his chest move and the letter move. I smooth it out against his chest again, and begin to read.
She has been one of my good friends for a while. I couldn't bring myself to say yes. It wouldn't be fair to her, to be at that dance with her, when I knew all I would think about is you. Were you at your homecoming dance right now. If I didn't act foolishly it would be our homecoming dance. Were you at the dance with a guy? Is he your boyfriend? Do I know him? Hopefully he is good enough for you. I had to tell my mind to stop thinking of all these what if's.
Especially since I don't know. I know, that is my fault for not knowing.
If you give me another chance I know this.
I would make it right between us. Let you know, there is no other girl for me. It will always be you Riley Matthews. That day when Charlie asked you to the dance. I tried to keep my cool not let the old Lucas come out. God was it begging to come out. I realized I didn't have the right to be mad, because I didn't make it official. I was foolish, and thought everyone should know.
Next time If I have the opportunity. God I hope I do. I will make it official between, and dance all night with you.
Lucas
I look up at him and smile and kiss his lips softly.
"Getting ready for this dance made me think of this letter. That's why I came early. I had to have you read this tonight." Lucas started then stopped. "Then I realized I was making the same mistake."
"What are you talking about?" I ask him.
"I haven't made it official Riley." He said with a laugh. I stop and think I thought we had. It felt so official this time since we both said that we wanted this. But he was right.
Lucas smiles since he can tell I'm trying to think of the moment that we had made it official. "So will you?"
"Yes." I said quickly and kiss him. Showing him yes I want this. That I already thought this.
"Riley Matthews." He was prolonging this on purpose. I stand on the tip of my toes to kiss him again. He smiles against my lips.
"Uh huh." I tell him again. He laughs and pulls me closer.
"Do me the pleasure.." I will get him later for all this prolonging.
I kiss him one more time before saying, "Absolutely."
"Of being my girlfriend?" Lucas asked me.
"NO." I tell him before folding up the letter and putting it in his suit jacket. He looks back at me stunned and starts to laugh.
"What about all those yes?" He asks He pulls me against his body linking his arms around my waist.
"I didn't know that was the question." I toss back at him with a smile.
"But a guy out of his misery." Lucas said while kissing me on the cheek.
"I guess, I will be your girlfriend Lucas Friar." I turn so I'm facing him again. "Nothing would make me happier." I tell him seriously now. He smiles before leaning down and pressing his lips against mine.
"That means every dance we are going together." Lucas said against my lips.
"All for it." I tell him again kissing him one more time and deepening the kiss.
Lucas pulls away and rests his head against my forehead. "One more thing." Lucas said.
"Anything."
"Maya reminded me you have yet to come to dinner at my parents' house. I was wondering if you could come over to our house tomorrow night for dinner?"
I stop and look up at him thinking was this true. Now that I think of it. It was true.
"Yes." I tell him again with a smile. He pulls me in closer to him.
"Come on let's get back inside before Maya sends out a search party on us." Lucas said giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. I take his hand and head back inside. I smile at Lucas and let whatever doubts insecurities that were trying to nib at me go. The letter said and he said what I needed to hear.