Riley stood in front of the expansive mirror in her bathroom, mouth hanging open, as she carefully applied a thick layer of mascara to her already long lashes. She then put on some finishing touches with a light pink lip gloss and rosy blush, both of which accented her features perfectly. Silver high heels were positioned near the door and she stepped into them gracefully, careful not to chip her freshly painted toes. She looked at herself in the floor-length mirror beside her bed; soft curls with a black ribbon, dark jeans the barely grazed the floor, a sparkly black tank under a black crushed velvet jacket, and diamond earrings. She had decided a bare neck was prettier than one cluttered with jewels.
Riley looked pretty, there was no doubt about it, but she didn't feel pretty. Going out to dinner with James while Ben was still angry with her just didn't feel right. She felt like she was betraying a friend. She felt like a total heel.
Nevertheless, she was going out to dinner with a charming guy who was interested in her, and there was no way she was going to ruin that friendship as well all because of some argument. She just wished Ben would get over it and act mature about the whole situation; that's the main thing that made her extremely mad.
Riley grabbed her black clutch off of the nightstand and opened her door to head to the elevators. She checked her cell phone to find it was 6:45. Being early never hurt anyone, and she was sure James was probably thinking the same considering the restaurant they had chosen was high-end and most likely crowded. As she walked down the hallway, a door opened to her right and out came a handsome young man also dressed in dark jeans and a black top. The entire ensemble was ruined, though, by a dirty Yankees cap perched upon his head.
"Oh, hi," was all Ben could to mutter to the beautiful vision he saw headed his way. Riley's face remained unchanged at his sudden appearance.
"Hello." She did not stop when she reached his door, but continued down the hall as if he were only a petty acquaintance. Ben quickened his steps to catch up.
"Riley, wait up. Don't you want to walk together?" he questioned, falling into pace with her. "We are, after all, going to the same place if you forgot."
"I didn't."
"Oh…ok then. Well would you mind explaining to me the reason you're giving me this extremely chilly cold shoulder? I think I'm going to catch a cold if you continue," Ben got right to the issue, but tried to make the conversation as friendly as possible.
"Very funny, Ben. I suppose you think you're being funny? Well, it's not funny. Not one bit. It's actually rather juvenile and stupid if you ask me," she answered him bitterly. Not once did she meet his gaze as they waited for an elevator.
"Sorry. Just trying to lighten the mood a bit." When Riley didn't respond, he added, "I guess it didn't work." An elevator chimed its arrival and they stepped inside, Riley taking the liberty of boarding first. The doors closed and she finally spoke.
"You are an idiot."
Ben was silent for a minute, trying to figure out what he had done to upset her. He knew, of course, the major reason, but the current reason he was unsure or unaware of; he didn't know which was worse.
"I am?" The elevator doors opened to reveal the familiar sprawling lobby. Riley exited first and began walking briskly on the tiled floor towards the High Peak Café, making Ben run to catch up once again.
"Yes, you are. I won't bother telling you why because I'm sure you are already fully aware."
"Riley, I don't understand—" he started to ask until she cut him off.
"Ok, look. Around the corner is the restaurant, and I'm almost positive James will be there waiting for me," she began in a stern and serious voice. Ben looked around him and realized they were almost there; he had been so wrapped up in Riley he hadn't noticed where he was going.
"Obviously you know I am mad at you, and for some reason you are mad at me, because why else would you have invited yourself on our date?" She didn't let him respond although his mouth opened to protest. "So, we are going to put our differences aside for the rest of the night and attempt to be civilized. At least, I need you to be because I, of course, already am. Got it?"
"Um, okay, sure. But why are you—"
"Shut it, Ben. We aren't pretending to be talking yet," Riley hissed in chilled tones. He watched her as she primped her hair, smoothed her hands down her jacket, and put on a smile.
"There. Now I'm ready. Wait a few seconds before you come behind me; I don't want it to look like we're together." Ben frowned in disappointment. He knew she had to be really angry with him to act his way. He felt so distant from Riley, so far from who she was before. And he didn't like it at all.
"Ok, I'll wait," he agreed.
"Good. See you there." She began to walk away, but suddenly turned back around with one final statement.
"Oh, and take off your stupid hat, it completely ruins your outfit." Snatching it off of his head, she thrust it into his arms forcefully. With that Riley disappeared around the corner.
Ben wanted to shoot himself in the head. He felt like the lowest person on the face on the earth. Correction, he felt lower than the lowest person on the face on the earth. All of this sneaking around and love triangles made him sick to his stomach, not to mention the fact that he was losing his best friend. He wished that he could take back everything he had done, all the mean things he had said, but he couldn't. It was impossible to go back and fix it. Now there was only one way Riley would be able to forgive him and understand it all—he had to make her fall in love with him. Unfortunately, the only way that would happen is with Cheyenne and Khyliee's plan, which would take its first step that night at the Café. And it was exactly opposite to what he wanted to do at that moment, but it was the only way things would progress quickly enough. So Ben would obey Riley's orders and pretend that nothing was wrong. He would laugh at all of James' jokes, flirt constantly and openly with Cheyenne, and be the polite gentleman that every girl swooned over. He hoped it would work.
As she turned the corner, she saw James positioned by the hostess podium—early, just as she suspected. He didn't see her at first and was standing with his hands folded in front of him, patiently searching the slow crowd that was arriving for dinner. Riley grinned to herself. He is so cute! So innocent and sweet looking, just standing there waiting for me. This night would be perfect if not for someone…James finally spotted her, his vacant expression lighting up considerably, and he smiled, making Riley melt in her heels. He took a step towards her as she got to him and grabbed her hand, giving it a light and graceful kiss. Riley's breath caught in her throat at the gesture and she blushed lightly, looking down at her feet.
"You look absolutely radiant, Love," he complimented genuinely.
"Thank you," Riley replied in a quiet and humble voice. Never had she felt so special to someone! British boys really knew how to treat a lady, that's for sure.
James held out the crook of his elbow, eyebrows rose.
"Shall we?"
Just as Riley smiled again and linked arms with her date, Ben appeared around the corner leading a gorgeous blonde with his arm around her waist. Immediately, Riley was entranced by her piercing brown eyes. You wouldn't think that a deep chocolate brown would be able to 'pierce' anything, let alone someone's thoughts, but hers certainly did. The pair of them were smiling as they approached, but Riley didn't notice because she was deep in her own thoughts. She had no idea who the girl was—she was expecting the brunette Ben had been conversing with earlier in the day, so Riley was shocked to see a completely different (although equally beautiful) girl latched to Ben's side. She stared at her rudely, not caring if she noticed or not. James spoke, recognizing Ben from when they visited in the ski shop
"Hello Ben!" James greeted in a friendly voice, reaching out his hand to share a handshake. Ben returned it and nodded his head in recognition.
"Riley, James, this is my date, Cheyenne. Cheyenne, this is my friend Riley and her date James," he introduced. They all shared respective acknowledgement of each other and then went inside, following the hostess who had taken their name.
The restaurant was beautiful to say the least. Everywhere you looked a wall was occupied by a stone fireplace, giant animal head, or cozy alcove. A large picture window overlooked the snowy mountainside that now gleamed under the soft moonlight and blanket of stars. The hostess seated them at a half-circle booth that faced the wonderful view and then left them to decide on their meals. Riley leaned over to James and whispered in his ear.
"James, this place looks really expensive, are you sure its—"
"It's fine, really. I make a lot more working at the shop than you'd expect," he laughed in reply.
"Ok, good, because I wouldn't want to put you out or anything."
"Nothing you do could ever put me out," James commented sweetly, staring into her eyes. Riley did back but soon looked away. His eyes are so intense! If I stare long enough I might get lost and gape like an idiot…but they are nice to be in…
Ben was watching them intently as Riley whispered in James' ear. He suspected they were exchanging flirtatious nothings, but he could never be too sure what Riley was up to. He turned to Cheyenne and gave her a knowing look. She nodded almost undetectably, but Ben saw it and knew that it was time for part one of their grand plan: make Riley feel bad about their date.
Once Riley had vanished to find James after their little 'talk,' Cheyenne had stepped out of the nearby book store and touched Ben's arm from behind him.
"Hey Ben!" she said.
"Oh, hey Cheyenne! I'm glad you're here, just in time too. Alright, so you know what to do, right?" he replied.
She nodded, "Yeah. First we flirt and whisper, then I laugh at pretty much anything you say, and then—the finishing touch—we suggest going into the lounge for hot chocolate and cuddle like our lives depended on it." Cheyenne laughed at the absurd things she was naming off like everyday activities. Well, they were actually, but not the kind you planned ahead of time. Ben did along with her and then smiled.
"Exactly." His smile faded and Ben sighed in agony. "This will never work! Riley will be way too involved with British Boy to even notice I exist! What the heck am I doing here anyways?" He emphasized 'British Boy' while rolling his eyes.
"Ben! Stop that kind of talk right now! You are not even allowed to think one negative thought all night, you understand? This will work, you will get Riley to like you, and once and for all you will fall in love!" Cheyenne told him determinedly.
"How can you be so sure?" he questioned dejectedly.
"Because, you have Cheyenne Hastings on your arm! Trust me, nothing will go wrong while I'm here, I promise." She then smacked her lips and turned to stand next to Ben. "Now, put your hand around my waist like this. And smile for heaven's sake!" He pasted a smile on and did as she instructed.
"Better?"
"Brilliant!" she answered, trying to encourage him. "Now let's go get 'em, Stud!"
"Are we ready to order?"
The two couples looked up from their menus and nodded at the waiter who was poised with pen in hand.
"Me and the lady are going to split the Chicken Parmesan," Ben told him, sounding a little too proud of himself. Riley's eyes narrowed and she intertwined her hand with James' on top of the table. He looked over at her and smiled, giving it a light squeeze.
"We'll be sharing the Fettuccini with roasted garlic and basil sauce," James said in his lovely accent.
"Excellent, we'll have that right out."
"Don't you think that's a little expensive, James?" Cheyenne abruptly asked of him. "I mean, the portions here aren't too large and that dish is almost twenty bucks!"
James just laughed at her comment, "Why are you women so concerned with price? I only want to get Riley the best possible."
"Well, she's right James, it is kind of expensive, and I don't have to have the best possible, anything is fine!" Riley agreed.
"Nonsense! I want this evening to be one you will always remember, and what better way to start than with a delicious meal?"
Why are you so sweet?! Riley thought to herself. I feel bad for making him pay so much, and I absolutely hate the fact that Cheyenne mentioned it! Who does she think she is anyway, the food police?
"I will definitely remember this night, but I can promise you it's not because of the food," she smirked suggestively. Now it was Ben's turn to narrow his eyes. He glanced at Cheyenne with a pleading look that yelled, "Help me!"
In response, she practically yelped at something unknown to the rest of the party and then began giggling madly. Even Ben had no idea what was going on.
"Oh, Sweetie! Stop trying to tickle me! You're going to draw attention to us!" she said, clearing up the situation for everyone. Ben caught on quickly and grinned at her. Sweetie? Since when is Ben someone's 'Sweetie'? Riley gaped.
"Sorry, I just couldn't resist. What exactly was I doing, again?" Ben responded, reaching over and tickling her stomach, laughing all the while. "Was it like this? Or this?" Cheyenne was bent over in laughter and shrieks as Ben tickled her more and more, every now and then glancing over to see Riley and James' reaction.
James was obviously confused, but he was still smiling to be polite, and occasionally laughing at the absurdity of it all. Meanwhile, Riley was giving Ben a look of pure poison. Her hard stare never wavered either, and soon, when the two had gone on for well over five minutes, she couldn't take it anymore.
"WOULD YOU CUT IT OUT?!"
All tickling ceased immediately and almost every eye in the entire restaurant was on their booth.
"Gee Riley, if you didn't like it you could have just asked us to stop instead of alerting the entire café that we're here," Ben hissed, glaring at her. She sunk into her chair, feeling incredibly stupid, but was still so annoyed that her voice had not been entirely lost.
"Well, I wouldn't have had to alert the entire café if you hadn't been having a freaking wrestling match with Blondie over here!" she snapped through gritted teeth.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Cheyenne defended both herself and Ben.
"It means that you could be a little more discreet about the fact that you are shallowly infatuated with each other," Riley complained. Cheyenne's mouth hung open in horror and Ben soon came to her rescue.
"Riley, I don't exactly appreciate you passing judgment on my date," Ben sternly noted.
"In case you didn't notice, Sweetie, I was passing judgment on you too," Riley said, placing special emphasis on the pet name Cheyenne had given him.
"Well, in that case—"
"Here's your food, sir," a waiter interrupted Ben's sentence, placing a large platter of chicken in front of him and Cheyenne. He then placed the Fettuccini opposite them by James and Riley.
The two couples ate in silence with the occasional, "This is really good," or "Did this really cost twenty bucks?" and the ever popular "Sweetie, you have something on your cheek." This last sentiment was mainly utilized by Cheyenne, who seemed to believe that every time Ben put a forkful of food into his mouth some of it leapt onto his face. She would then proceed to wipe the imaginary piece of chicken or sauce off with her napkin, or sometimes even with her finger, which she first gave a good lick to ensure the stain would come off. By the fifth time this occurred, Riley was almost certain she was just doing it to irritate her.
"Sweetie, you keep getting red sauce all over you!" she whined playfully, turning Ben's face towards hers and inspecting him once again.
"Cheyenne, hun, I think you got it last time," Ben assured her.
"Oh, hey, you're right," she laughed at herself. "But I just love to look into your eyes." For one moment, as Ben and Cheyenne gazed at each other, it looked like they were about to kiss, and Riley was positive she had seen Cheyenne inch forward ever so slightly. After a few seconds, though, they just rubbed noses in an Eskimo Greeting, something Cheyenne had become quite fond of doing; almost as much as wiping food off of Ben's face.
All the while Riley just glared at them, seething under her calm facade. She gave poor James close to no attention whatsoever, except when he asked her if she needed a refill or if she was enjoying their dinner. And being so distracted, Riley always replied with a yes, leaving her with about four full glasses of water.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he questioned Riley for the tenth time that night.
"Yeah, fine. Why do you ask?" she replied.
"Because, and don't get the wrong idea or anything, but you seem to be very much involved in Ben and Cheyenne's relationship, and not ours. I invited you along tonight to get to know Riley Brown, not my silverware," he said in dismay.
Riley's heart sunk down into her already full stomach. She sighed.
"James, I'm sorry, I know I must look like I'm some jealous, over-protective best friend, but it's so complicated to explain and understand. I truly am sorry for all of this stupid crap tonight, I didn't plan for things to go so wrong," Riley apologized. She looked down at her plate and moved around the unfinished pasta, angry with herself for ruining the date.
James tilted up her chin with his soft fingers and stared deep into her eyes.
"Would you like to take a stroll with me outside? There's something I want to talk to you about." All Riley could do in his gaze was nod her concurrence.
To Be Continued...
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Author's Note: Hey people! Well, i have been currently working on my new story, When in Rome (which i hope those of you who haven't read it go and check it out!!!!), so i haven't had a chance to work on this one, but now that it's Thanksgiving break, i got some time! So i gave y'all an extra long chappie to get you by til next time. Hope you enjoy, and if so, remember: REVIEWS MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND!