Lucas gripped the football tightly before launching it across the field into Josh's arms. Usually, football helped him forget about his problems, but anger continued to haunt him. He felt betrayed. How could his best friend do this to him? Why would his best friend do this to him? After all I've done for him….
"Geez, I know you've got like the greatest arm of the century, but you don't have to knock the wind out of me! It's just a warm up!" Josh yelled as he threw the ball back.
Lucas caught the ball with ease.
"Sorry." He yelled as he threw the ball again, with less force this time. He felt disgusted with himself. Just as Zay had no right to tell Maya about his past, Lucas knew he had no right to throw the whole Maya situation in his face. He didn't even know what the Maya situation was. Zay's first call to Lucas when he moved away from Texas years ago, was about this amazing blonde bombshell who he couldn't stop thinking about. Lucas knew Zay had been pining for her since he met her. It was wrong to use one overheard conversation between Josh and the other guys in the locker room against his best friend like that. But then again, it's wrong for Maya to play him like that, Lucas scoffed to himself as he caught the ball. His mind drifted back to the altercation with Missy this morning. Had he over reacted? Probably. Did he care? Not really. Lucas couldn't get the image of Riley trembling against the lockers out of his mind. When he spotted Missy tormenting her, he couldn't help his reaction. As usual, his anger had taken over and he saw red. He didn't care if they were in the middle of the hallway or not. Was everyone else blind to what was going on? Why wasn't anyone trying to help her? It was obvious that wasn't the first time Missy had cornered Riley like that. Maya made that fact clear when he confronted her in the art room. Lucas could feel the vice like grip of anger creeping over him again. From what he could tell, Riley was upset with Maya and Josh for being too overprotective…
Realization dawned on Lucas. And I just did the same exact thing, his mind scolded him. He angrily threw the football again. He was supposed to be able to forget about his clusterfuck problems right now, not dwell on them.
"DUDE!" Josh groaned as the ball nailed him in his padded chest.
"ALRIGHT HUDDLE UP!" Coach Thompson's sharp whistle filled the field. The team circled around him.
"Okay, I've got the official captain votes. Congratulations to our new head captain, Josh Matthews and his co-captain, Lucas Friar." There was a polite applause, but coach Thompson noticed the team's stiff behavior. "Friar, take QB. Let's start runnin' some plays, halfback screen. Let's go!"
Lucas internally groaned. Great, get the ball to Zay.
"No! Come on guys. Zay what the hell is wrong with you?" Coach Thompson yelled for what seemed like the hundredth time. The setting sun gleamed onto the field with the small amount of light it had left. They had been practicing for hours, with little to show for it.
"I got this Coach. Give me a minute." Josh took off his helmet and jogged over to the frustrated running back. "Zay, what's going on? You're forgetting routes and dropping passes."
Zay took off his helmet. "Sorry. I'm just off today." He mumbled.
"Is this about what happened with you and Lucas earlier?" Josh asked.
Zay laughed sarcastically. "Sure. We'll go with that."
"Look. I know you're upset, but you have to leave it off the field okay?"
"Yeah...I know." Zay sighed.
Josh slapped Zay's heavily padded shoulder. "Let's nail this last one so we can all call it a day."
They both put their helmets on and returned to the huddle.
"Ready? Or do you two need another heart to heart?" Lucas spat.
"Shut up." Josh snapped.
They ran the play again, Zay successfully making his catch this time. It was completely dark by the time coach Thompson blew his whistle to end practice. The team huddled up one final time.
"Well. I have no words for you other than, that was a complete shit show. If you keep playing like this, we can kiss any chance at state goodbye. We are a team. One team. You have to trust in your teammates to get their job done. All of you. Friar, Matthews, Babineaux, my office, now. The rest of you, get out of here."
Lucas, Josh and Zay reluctantly followed coach Thompson off of the field to his office in the locker room. The three boys filed into the office. Coach Thompson slammed the door shut and leaned against his desk.
"So, is someone going to fill me in here, or am I going to have to guess?" He questioned.
They remained silent.
"Is this about who I named team captains?"
More silence.
"No? Let's see...Someone slept with someone else's girlfriend?" He suggested.
Zay and Josh awkwardly looked away from each other.
"Okay. Look, I don't know what's going on with you three, and frankly, I don't think I want to know. What I do know is that you three have been in two fights already. If I catch you fighting with each other again, you're off the team." Coach Thompson threatened.
All three boys opened their mouths to protest, but coach Thompson held up a hand a to stop them. "Josh, Lucas, you were voted team captains. That means you have 22 guys out there who respect you and look to you to lead this team. Now I'm going to leave and you three…" Coach pointed at them. "...need to do whatever it is you need to do, so we can get past this. We can't be a team if we're divided." He stormed from the office leaving the three boys in an awkward silence; each avoiding his glance as he left.
Zay was the first to break the silence.
"Lucas I'm sorry okay? You were right, I shouldn't have told Maya anything. When it comes to her…" He glanced uncomfortably at Josh.
Lucas thought about the position Zay was in. If Riley asked him to do anything, Lucas knew he wouldn't be able to resist her, or the smile that sent his heart into overdrive. "It's okay man. I understand. I probably would've done the same thing if it were Riley. I just really don't want her to find about Texas in a way that will hurt her, you know?"
Zay nodded in agreement. "You've got to tell her, soon."
"He's right." Josh added. "Also, as a third party with no personal interest in the matter whatsoever…"
Lucas rolled his eyes at him.
"What did happen in Texas?" Josh asked.
Lucas sighed. Well, might as well get the truth out there. "I have some anger issues. I got into a lot of fights back in Texas because of it. My last one got me kicked out of school."
Josh narrowed his eyes at him. "And that's why Maya went into her overprotective mother-bear mode last night." The puzzle pieces were starting to fit together. "Now I see her point. How can I trust you to be around my sister if you have these anger issues?"
"Lucas has never, and would never, physically hurt a girl. Especially Riley." Zay stood up for his best friend.
"Thanks Zay. Like he said, I could never hurt Riley. I came here for a fresh start. I'm working on my anger problem." Lucas explained.
Josh was quiet for a moment. "Okay. I believe you, but take this as your last warning. Riley is very sensitive to violence. If you sincerely want to be with her, you cannot let your anger get the best of you."
Lucas cocked his head at Josh's statement. "What do you mean by sensitive to violence? You're a boxer for christ's sake."
Josh shook his head. "I know, but she hates it. I think she lets it slide because of our family's tradition. Sorry, but that's all I will say about it."
Lucas turned to Zay and raised his eyebrows at him.
Zay waved his hands in the air. "No way. No Sir. I've learned my lesson. It's not my story to tell. Don't ask me."
The all laughed at his answer.
"Good." Luccas stated. "And I'm sorry about the Maya thing. To both of you. It's none of my business and a low blow at that."
"I forgive you. I deserved it." Zay mumbled.
"Hey, if you want to give Maya options, more power to ya. I won't stop you. Maya does whatever she wants, if she decides she has feelings for you…" Josh trailed off. He never actually considered Maya having feelings for anyone. It seemed to go against her whole ''go with the wind" perspective on life.
"I understand. We just want her to be happy." Zay finished for him.
"Yeah...happy….anyway…." Josh shook his head to clear it of Maya, like a bad etch-a-sketch drawing. "...Lucas was right, that was a low blow. I declare one free shot to Zay."
Lucas groaned. "Aw come on! I'm pretty sure we both deserve a shot."
"Nope. Too late. Hands at your sides, pretty boy!" Zay declared.
Lucas stood stiff with his hands at his sides. Zay took no time hesitating to deliver a quick jab to Lucas's stomach, successfully knocking the wind out of him.
Lucas doubled over as he attempted to catch his breath. "Zay you're so dead." He gasped in between heaves.
"And that settles it. How about dinner at my place? We can go over the playbook so you yahoos don't screw up the routes again." Josh suggested.
"Ma! I'm home! And I brought friends!" Josh yelled through the house.
"She's not home." Riley answered from the living room. She was curled up on the couch in her favorite oversized purple pullover and leggings from Victoria's Secret. Her hair was hastily pulled into a loose messy ponytail.
"Where's Mom?" Josh asked, walking into the living room.
"She is working late. Didn't you hear her this morn-Lucas! Hi!" Her eyes fell on Lucas as he entered the room. He was wearing a simple pair of black mesh athletic shorts and a red AHS Football t-shirt, his hair a little damp from his post-practice shower. Of course he looks like a god. Riley looked down at her outfit and felt her cheeks turn red. She didn't expect him to appear unannounced in the middle of her living room. I should be doing something much more glamorous and interesting than watching a movie in my pajamas, her mind scrambled.
"Hey." Lucas grinned at her reaction.
"Well, where's Dad?" Josh interrupted their moment and plopped down on the nearest chair.
"Hey Cupcake." Zay followed, taking the end of the couch leaving the spot next to Riley for Lucas.
"Sorry." Riley whispered as she hurried to move her legs from the couch for Lucas to sit. He replied with a quick wink and pulled Riley's long legs back up on the couch and into his lap after sitting down.
Josh raised his eyebrows at the pair. "Where's Dad?" he asked again.
"Um...He went to take Mom some dinner." Riley tried to concentrate on the conversation and not on the feeling of Lucas's hands on her calves.
"What are we supposed to do for food?" Josh whined.
"Yeah, I was told there'd be food." Zay added.
"There's pizza money in the kitchen." Riley answered.
"Then why didn't you order anything yet." Josh demanded cruelly.
"Dude, lay off." Lucas warned.
"We didn't exactly give any heads up that we were coming." Zay attempted to ease the situation.
"It's okay." Riley addressed Zay and Lucas. "He always gets hangry after practice."
"I do not!" Josh griped at his sister.
"Yes you do." All three responded.
Josh stood and stormed into the kitchen. "I do not." He grumbled.
Zay and Lucas both laughed.
"So what are we watching Cupcake?" Zay nodded to the TV.
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." Riley answered, turning her attention back to the movie.
"Yeah for like the 7 billionth time." Josh yelled from the kitchen where he was ordering pizza.
Riley felt Lucas's fingers begin to stroke her calf. He couldn't help himself, especially when she looked so adorable on the huge couch. Stop focusing on her on legs! Lucas forced himself not to imagine his fingers drifting higher and higher up to her thighs. Think of Dumbledore. Old hairy Dumbledore. Lucas tried to watch the movie, but his hand continued to stroke Riley's leg over his lap. Okay new topic. Dumbledore isn't working.
"Have you talked to Maya yet?" He asked.
"Can you two just make up already? The house feels lonely without her." Josh plucked the remote from Riley's hand and took his seat again.
Riley noticed Zay's body stiffen. "No. I haven't talked to her."
Josh changed the TV to ESPN.
"Hey! I was watching that!" Riley exclaimed.
"And now you're not." Josh answered simply.
Riley huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes met Lucas's. She attempted to move her legs to stand, but he held them tighter and playfully shook his head.
Riley stuck her tongue out at him.
Lucas responded by tickling her legs. Riley squirmed around until her eyes fell on the doorway.
"Hi Daddy!"
Lucas immediately dropped her legs.
"BOYS!" Mr. Matthews yelled, pointing at the two boys on the couch with his daughter.
Riley, now free from Lucas's tickling hands, used the opportunity to jump up from the couch.
"Hey Pop!" Josh greeted.
"BOYS!" Mr. Matthews exclaimed again.
"It's just Zay and Lucas." Riley calmly explained.
"Hey Mr. Matthews." Zay waved.
"Hi Sir." Lucas added.
"YOU!" Mr. Matthews pointed at Lucas.
"Josh invited them over." Riley explained to her dramatic father. "I'm going upstairs anyway." She darted up the stairs to her room before he could protest.
Riley picked up her ukulele and brought it to the bay window. She began to play whatever came to her mind, from Ariana Grande to Disney songs. Playing felt therapeutic to her. She could release her negative energy from the day and focus on the music instead. Riley had no idea how much time had gone by. She was in the middle of "Let it Go" from Frozen when her door opened.
"Hey Cowboy. Knock much?" She teased.
Lucas stood awkwardly in her doorway. "Sorry, I didn't mean to barge in, I thought it was Josh's room."
Riley smiled at him. "Other side of the hall." She pointed towards Josh's room. "But you can come in." Riley quickly scanned her room and prayed there was nothing embarrassing laying out. Lucas sat next to her in the bay window.
"I'm sorry Josh took over down there...he called for you a while ago, when the food got here...you didn't come down though, and now I see why..." he motioned to the ukulele
Riley shrugged. "It's okay he does it all the time."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Lucas pulled the instrument from her lap.
"Maybe you can knock his ego down a few pegs at the scrimmage tomorrow?" Riley suggested.
Lucas grinned. "I'll see what I can do."
Riley laughed softly. Lucas took her hand in his. "God I love your laugh." He murmured, leaning his head against hers.
Zay's voice from the doorway caused the pair to sigh. "I hate to break up this love bird moment, but Mr. Matthews is gonna charge up here any second." He ducked out of the room faster than he had appeared.
"Goodnight Beautiful." Lucas placed a soft kiss on Riley's forehead and stood to leave.
Be bold Riley!
"Wait!" Riley jumped up and wrapped her arms around him. Lucas pulled her to his chest in a tight hug.
"Goodnight Lucas" Riley whispered. Lucas gripped her tighter. He knew he'd have to leave before Mr. Matthews caught him in his daughter's room, but a few more seconds couldn't hurt right?
"Geez Huckleberry, You'll see each other tomorrow. It's not like you're shipping out for the war."
Riley jumped away from Lucas and looked to her now open, bay window. "Maya! What are you doing here?"
"Well, I was coming to see you. I didn't realize you'd be…" Her eyes playfully looked between them. "...Occupied." Maya climbed through the window and sat down on the window seat.
"I'll see you tomorrow Riley." Lucas gently squeezed her hand and left the room.
"Bye Huckleberry!" Maya called after him.
Riley sat down next to Maya. They were both quiet for a moment before simultaneously exclaiming, "I'm sorry!"
"No, you first." They said at the same time again.
Maya placed her hand on top of Riley's. "Me first."
Riley nodded for her to continue.
"Riles, I'm so sorry for overreacting about the whole Lucas thing. I shouldn't have gotten so protective of you. I'm really happy for you, honestly."
"I'm sorry for yelling at you this morning. It was uncalled for and, as it turns out, I do still need you to protect me." Riley threw her arms around her best friend.
"Just not from Lucas." Maya hugged her back. "I heard about Missy this morning. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you."
Riley pulled away and shook her head. "It's okay. She didn't do anything too awful, just told me that Lucas was hers and I should back off."
Maya laughed loudly. "Ha! She wishes! After what I just saw, she doesn't stand a chance in hell!" she scoffed. "Don't worry Honey, we'll put her in her place…maybe Josh can teach you to throw a decent punch!"
"Maya…" Riley warned.
"Kidding! Maybe." Maya grinned and pulled Riley into another tight hug.
Riley's door violently burst open. "BOYS!" Mr. Matthews yelled as he leaped into the room.
Riley and Maya laughed at him.
"There's no boys Dad." Riley giggled.
"No boys?" Mr. Matthews questioned.
"Nope. Just me Squirrelly." Maya teased.
He glared between the two of them. "No boys." He warned as he backed out of the room. Riley and Maya laughed at him.
"Thunder…" Maya started as her laughter subsided.
Riley shook her head. "Not so fast Peaches. We still need to talk about you."
Maya waved her hand dismissively. "Nah, I'm fine."
"No, you're not. Don't think I haven't noticed. You were crying yesterday and you've been...uh...visiting Josh a lot. It's like you're pushing me away." Riley stated.
Maya instantly felt guilty. "I'm not trying to push you away I'm just trying to stay strong for you."
"Maybe it's my turn to be strong for you. What's going on Maya?"
Maya hesitated. "It's just...my mom...she's been dating all of these guys and this new guy, Doug, I can't stand him. She spends all of her time with him. She never even comes home anymore."
Riley pulled maya into a hug. "Oh Peaches! Why didn't you just tell me!"
Maya shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. It's embarrassing. Here you are with this perfect family and I don't even have one."
"That's not true!" Riley exclaimed. "You're a member of this family and you always will be." Riley suddenly understood why Maya stayed with Josh so often.
Maya hugged Riley tighter. "Thanks Riles. Thunder?"
"Lightning! Forever." Riley whispered. "Stay the night?"
"Of course." Maya answered.
Josh woke up the next morning groggy and grouchy. He had spent the whole night tossing and turning. His brain restlessly refused to let him sleep. Instead, it dwelled on Zay's statement about Maya. So what if she could have feelings for him...It's not like I actually have feelings for her...Josh looked around the room and realized, for the first time in a very long time, he was alone in his bed. And for a reason he couldn't place, he felt very unsettled.
I am so sorry for the long wait. My dad has been very sick for the past year and was admitted to the hospital right before Thanksgiving. For me, stuff like that really gets in the way of being creative. Also, Wow. The reviews have been so positive! I love reading your thoughts and opinions. Your reviews really make my day during this difficult time, so thank you a million times. A few people were upset with the way Lucas acted in the last chapter, but worry not, I have a master plan ;) Same goes for Joshaya fans... The next chapter is going to be a good one for our good ole rucas readers. As always don't forget to review, follow, favorite, all the things!
Lilly.