Like the Great Stone Dragon...I am aliveeeee. (Barely)

Wow. Just Wow. Words cannot even begin to describe how amazing your reviews were for the last chapter. I'm so happy you all enjoyed it and got my vision. I'm sorry I'm terrible at updating. A reviewer mentioned their birthday was on the 6th. Happy Birthday. I really wanted to get this out on your actual birthday, but better late than never? I'll keep this short. The chapter clocks around 25 pages. Get a snack. Get some pie. Happy reading.

Chapter 16

"Hi Baby Girl"

"Mom?"

Maya blinked rapidly. This wasn't happening. It had to be a bad dream. Yeah, bad dream. That's it. I'm still in bed with Josh.

"Okay...you can wake up now…" She mentally pleaded with herself, "Any time now…"

Seconds moved like hours.

With the sinking realization that this, in fact, was not a dream, Maya trailed her eyes to the man standing next to her mother. A ghost of a memory trickled through her mind. A memory of the same man standing in the doorway as he left her for good. She tried to blink the memory away, but she couldn't do it. It wasn't a memory at all.

Her father was standing in the doorway.

She opened her mouth to speak, but a deep voice beat her to it.

"You know Kitten, it's hot when you wear my clothes, but I don't think it works both ways."

All three sets of eyes snapped to Josh as he leisurely walked into the room. Maya's tiny crop top stretched across his frame, barely covering his chest.

Josh's cocky grin fell from his face as he saw Maya's shocked expression. His eyes trailed to the other two figures.

Oh shit.

He immediately dropped his hands to cover himself, thankful that he'd decided to put on his boxers, and rushed to Maya's side.

"Josh Matthews! It sure has been awhile…" Katy began talking at a mile a minute.

Maya studied her mother's almost unrecognizable face as she rambled on about nothing. Her cheeks were sunken in against her thin face. Her eyes were shadowed by puffy purple bags and her hair was brittle and dry. Her body was so thin, one strong gust of wind would likely knock her over. It was almost unnoticeable, but Maya could see her head bobble with every other nonsensical word that spewed out of her mouth.

"Hungry? I'm starving." Katy frantically opened the pantry door, as if she would find it stocked with food.

Finally, Maya found her voice.

"Mom. What the hell is going on? What is he doing here?" She flung her arm in the direction of the man in living room.

Greedy eyes raked up and down her body. Maya tugged on the hem of her shirt, suddenly feeling exposed.

Josh took a bold step in front of her, ignoring his ridiculous appearance.

A bark like laugh echoed off the walls as he mocked Josh's possessive gesture.

"Maya. That's no way to greet your father. Look at you, so grown up." His eyes glanced over her again, "A whore just like your mother."

Josh's hands balled into fists, his eyes narrowed to glaring slits.

"What did you call her?"

Kermit laughed.

Maya's hand clutched onto Josh's arm.

"Oh?" Kermit wheezed, "Are you the boyfriend? Huh?" Kermit shoved Josh's chest, causing him to stumble into Maya.

"Go to the car." Josh mumbled at Maya.

"Josh…" Maya breathed.

Josh's eyes followed Maya's to a thick black holster resting against Kermit's hip, not holding a gun, but a knife. A knife that Maya knew very well.

Kermit smirked. "Not so tough are you now boy?"

Instinctively, Josh wrapped an arm around Maya's shoulders.

"Come on. We're leaving."

He led her out the front door, keeping his arm tightly around her until they reached his Jeep. He opened the passenger door and waited for her to climb in.

After Maya was safely seated. He moved to the back of the Jeep and rummaged through his gym bag. Most of the clothes were dirty, but he didn't have much of a choice. He pulled out a pair of wrinkled jeans and quickly slid them on before returning to Maya's side. He eased her crop top over his head as he reached her, then gently handed her the shirt and a pair of athletic shorts.

"You might have to roll these a couple times."

Wordlessly, Maya turned sideways in the seat to face him. She slipped on the shorts, then pulled off the oversized shirt, modesty forgotten as the moonlight reflected off of her pale skin.

As she put her crop top back on, Josh moved to stand between her legs. He brought his hands up to cup both of her cheeks and tilted her head to look at him.

Her expression was blank. Her eyes showed no emotion, simply the numbness of her soul. She tried to form a cohesive thought, but she'd forgotten how. Words right? What are words?

Josh placed a soft kiss on her forehead. The warm spark of his lips ignited her mind again.

"Maya? You okay?"

She opened her mouth to speak several times, but words still didn't want to come out. She couldn't even manage a nod yes or no.

Josh let out a long sigh, his words were barely audible, as if he didn't mean to say them out loud, "Come here Babe."

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest. Her head tucked under his chin, he let his hand tangle into her hair.

Warmth enveloped her, causing the icy numbness to melt away. Finally, her voice returned in a raspy whisper.

"Why did she call him?"

"I don't know." Josh mumbled into her hair.

"She was high off her ass. What the hell happened to her?"

Josh pulled away to cup her face again.

"Let's get out of here okay? We'll figure everything out when we get home."

Home? Maya scoffed at the word. She didn't have a home. Homes were for people with families and she sure as hell didn't have one of those.

She looked around as she felt the Jeep move. She hadn't noticed Josh slid her into the seat and buckled her in. The chilly night air whipped through the open Jeep. Maya narrowed her eyes in the darkness around them.

"Wait, where are you going?"

Josh glanced at her with a soft grin.

"I'm getting you tacos. You said you were hungry."

Maya couldn't help but crack a small smile. So what if she didn't have a real home? Maybe she didn't need one.

Lucas let his fingers brush the soft skin of Riley's shoulder. His arm was lazily draped across the back of her seat. She gave him a sly glance as she continued to drive. He shifted his long legs in the passenger seat, trying to stretch as much as he could.

"You know that story James and the Giant Peach?" He smooth voice asked.

Riley rolled her eyes. "My car is not that small."

Lucas scoffed, "I feel like Lucas and the Giant Blueberry."

"My car is not that small." She repeated, although Lucas could hear the grin in her voice. Riley pulled the blue beetle into Chubby's parking lot.

"You know…" She playful trailed off, "Some say men who drive big trucks are overcompensating."

He raised his eyebrows at her, "oh yeah?"

Riley nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders and climbed out of the car. She waited until he couldn't see her face to cringe. Overcompensating? Riley what the heck are you doing?

Lucas quickly opened the door and met her on the driver's side. His hands easily found her hips and pulled her against him.

Words rolled of his lips, accentuated by his Texan accent. "So you think I'm overcompensating for somethin'?" His head dipped down to rest against hers.

Riley bit her lip. Her mind echoed with the whispered rumors from the previous week. What the heck am I doing? Is this still flirting? Why do I keep thinking about his…

Her cheeks flushed at the words her mind wouldn't admit. She knew the familiar sweltering heat sensation wasn't too far away. She didn't know how to answer the question. Why did I even get myself in this situation? What am I supposed to do? Admit that I've thought about his….I mean not that I have…

In a blind panic, Riley did the only thing that seemed right.

Her hand gripped the back of his head and she crashed her lips to his.

Lucas was taken by surprise by her spontaneous kiss, but eagerly responded. Her long fingers threaded into his hair. Texas Lucas was itching to take over.

Cold metal tickled Riley's back as Lucas pinned her against the side of her car. His hips pressed into hers. Heat bubbled along the surface of her skin. The hands on her hips drifted lower. His fingertips grazed her backside. Heat clouded her mind like a humid summer day, making her thoughts go fuzzy. She tried to fight the foggy feeling, but it coaxed her in deeper. Giving in just a little couldn't hurt? It felt so good...

Lucas's lips eased hers apart. Riley eagerly let him. Her hands slid from his hair, to graze along his muscular chest. His hands twitched as he fought to keep control over Texas Lucas.

Distracted by the desperate effort of his hands begging to pull her hips into his again, his lips found a mind of their own. They nipped at her bottom lip, before trailing away to her jaw.

He was nowhere near prepared for what would happen next.

Riley let out the tiniest of whimpers.

Sirens screamed in his mind.

Again.

He wanted to hear it again. And again. And again.

Texas Lucas took over.

He wasted no time, bringing his lips back to hers. One arm wrapped around her waist, while the other gripped at the back of her thigh and wrapped it around his hip. Riley's lips parted in a small gasp, which Lucas used to slip his tongue against hers.

The heat was unbearable. Riley's heart exploded in her chest. A stirring sensation grew in in the pit of her stomach.

Air.

She needed air.

Abruptly and reluctantly, Riley tore her lips away.

Her chest heaved and brushed against his as she tried to catch her breath.

As quickly as he appeared, Texas Lucas was gone.

Lucas let his eyes stay closed as he regained control. He was furious with himself. How could he be so stupid? How could he lose it like that? What a dick move. I'm such an idiot. She's going to be so mad at me.

A small squeak broke his fury. Lucas opened his eyes again and realized the hand holding her thigh must have squeezed a little too hard.

Immediately, he dropped her leg and took a step back.

"Riley! I am so sorry. Did I hurt you?"

Riley could see the concern flooding his eyes and shook her head.

"No...no, you didn't. Just surprised me."

Lucas pursed his lips into a thin line. His voice was stern and cold, "I'm sorry. I got carried away. It won't happen again."

"It's okay. I got a little carried away too."

Riley took a small step forward, but Lucas took another step back, shaking his head.

"No. It's not okay. I won't do it again."

"Lucas…" Riley took another step toward him. Her small hand cupped his cheek, "Listen to me. You're not the only guilty party here. It's okay."

Unable to help himself, Lucas let his cheek lean into her cool touch. His anger at himself slowly began to ease away.

Riley wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do or not, but he just seemed so upset with himself. She placed a gentle kiss against his lips, she hoped it reassured him that everything was fine. She bit her lip as she pulled away.

"So Cowboy, we good?"

Lucas couldn't help but smirk at the nickname.

"We're good. Come on City Girl," he laced his hand with hers, "Let's get inside. I believe you have an after party to attend."

Music filled the diner from what Chubby tried to pass off as an old Jukebox, but in reality, was an aux cord behind the counter. Red and white balloons floated through the air and back to the floor as they were kicked by dancing feet. All of the tables were pushed together to create one long table along the side of the room, occupied by the show's cast members.

Riley was trying to focus on her conversation with Maddie, she really was- but the smooth tickling sensations of Lucas's fingertips absentmindedly brushing her shoulder made concentrating difficult.

Another brush.

Extremely difficult.

"So what'd you think?" Maddie's voice demanded Riley's attention.

"What?" Nice one Riley.

"About dance classes?"

Riley snorted, which she hoped Lucas didn't hear. "What?"

She could feel Lucas's chuckle, even though he seemed to be deep in conversation with Farkle.

Maddie playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh stop it! You have a natural talent for it. Just a few dance classes to learn some technique…"

Riley laughed sarcastically and sipped her chocolate shake. "What are you? Bananas? I'm not a dancer!"

"Not yet, but maybe with a few classes…"

Farkle leaned over Lucas to add, "She's got a point you know Wifey. If you want to consider a future in show business, you need a better dance background."

"Not helping Farkle." Riley turned back to Maddie, "How about I think about it?"

"Fineeee."

The bell on the front door tinkled, causing the long table to quiet. Riley whipped her head around, in hopes of seeing Maya, but her shoulders sagged when she saw it wasn't her.

Maddie rolled her eyes as a group sauntered through the door.

"Ugh. What is she doing here?"

Riley shrugged her shoulders. "Beats me."

"She is such a witch. She broke up me and Bobby."

Riley nodded silently, not wanting to comment too much on the topic.

"I don't even get why either. Like, she's obsessed with a new guy everyday…" Maddie ranted, "...especially your boyfriend."

Riley gave her a confused look. "Excuse me?"

Maddie glanced at Lucas and lowered her voice so he wouldn't hear.

"Mr. QB One. Texas God? Like hello? Don't tell me you didn't know..."

"Lucas? No I knew that she was obsessed with him...um…" Riley cleared her throat "...he's not...I mean...we're not…"

Maddie's mouth fell open. "What?! Girl what are you talking about? You guys aren't dating?"

Riley bit her lip, "No?" her answer came out more as a question than a statement.

"You're joking…" Maddie gave her a grin, "that's funny. Good one."

Riley shook her head again. "No, really I'm not joking. He's not...not my boyfriend."

Maddie laughed again and narrowed her eyes at her, "I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not."

"What? Why?"

"You two are, like, all over each other." She leaned her head closer to Riley's and dropped her voice to a whisper. "Everyone has seen you making out. Like after the show….oh wait I get it. Are you guys, you know, a friends with benefits kinda thing?"

"What? No!" Riley whisper-yelled. "We're just….just...actually I don't know what we are. I guess we're kinda dating, but we've never been on an official date. Unless you count the football after party...wait was that a date? Did I miss my own first date?"

Maddie gave Riley a sympathetic look and shook her head. "Maya is a saint. Look, I'm not Maya, but word of advice. You better make it official. Soon. Before word gets around. Everyone assumed you were a couple. If they find out you're not, girls will be all over him...and not just Missy."

Riley bit her lip again. "That didn't really make me feel any better."

Maddie giggled. "Sorry, I'm not the best at this kind of stuff. But if it helps…" she glanced at Lucas again. "He is sooo wrapped around your finger. When...and I mean when you become a couple, you two will be great together."

"Thanks Maddie. I'm sorry about Bobby really."

Maddie shrugged her shoulders. "It's okay. Hey so your brother…"

Riley held up a hand to stop her. "Nope. No. Not gonna go there. Also Maya will tear apart any girl who tries. You have been warned."

"Ha! I figured. It was so romantic how he was waiting for her tonight. Have you heard from them?"

Riley sighed. "No. Not yet."

"So if he needs a rebound?" Maddie teased.

"Stoooopp!" Riley groaned.

"I'm kidding. I'm going to get more fries, do you want anything?" Maddie offered as she stood up.

Riley shook her head, "No, thank you."

She glanced around the diner. It was so surreal to see it packed with the show's cast. She did it. They did it. Maybe it was a good thing the drama department was almost shut down. If it hadn't, all of these new and talented people wouldn't be interested in theater, but now? Something magical is bound to happen.

Warm breath tickled her ear and pulled her attention from her thoughts.

"For the record Beautiful, It wasn't a date. When I take you on a date, you'll know. There won't be a single doubt in your mind."

Shivers vibrated through Riley's body.

"So," she whispered, "your moment will be your moment?"

She felt Lucas grin against her cheek.

"Exactly. Speaking of which…" he playfully nudged her shoulder and with a wolfish grin, jerked his head toward the pseudo dancefloor.

Riley shook her head at him.

"Come on Beautiful. Dance with me?" The Texas charm was strong, but Riley shook her head again.

"I can't dance."

Lucas brought his head down to her ear again.

"We both know that's a lie."

Goosebumps tickled her arm at the sensation of his lips brushing against her ear.

"I don't know how." She whispered.

"Then I'll teach you. Dance with me Riley, please?"
Without waiting for an answer, Lucas stood and offered his hand to her.

Letting out a nervous sigh, Riley took his hand and let him pull her out of her seat. Lucas led her to the group dancing to a slow country song, wrapping one arm around her waist, the other still holding her hand.

"Hello beautiful, I've never seen you before
Do you live 'round here, what's your name beautiful?
The way you looked at me, girl it took my breath away"

Reality seemed to fade away. There was no way, she-dorky clumsy Riley Matthews, was swaying to the melody in the arms of a gorgeous southern boy. Lucas's eyes were light, the perfect shade of meadow green. As the music briefly picked up, his eyes twinkled before he easily spun her once.

Riley blinked a few times as he led her back into his hold.

Lucas cocked his head at her, "What are doing?"

Riley smiled softly. "Just trying to make sure all of this is real."

He grinned and brought her hand up to drape around his neck, before letting his arm lazily wrap around her waist. His forehead dropped to rest against hers.

Her cheeks flushed at their new position.

"Trust me," Lucas mumbled, "it's real. By the way…" he added, "You are an amazing dancer."

"That's only because I have a good partner. Tell me, how does a stud quarterback know how to dance? Is that some kind of weird training exercise? Like Dancing With the Stars?"

Lucas rolled his eyes. "No it's not some kind of training exercise. My mom taught me how to dance. She loves dancing. It's kind of...our thing...I guess. There's been a lot of weddings My dad couldn't be her date to so…"

"So, you took her? Awe that's so sweet."

An image of Lucas dressed in a tux invaded her mind. "Oh yeah. He'd definitely look good in a tux. Heck he looks good in everything." She looked back at him. His eyes had a devilish twinkle to them.

"Thanks, Beautiful. You look good in everything too."

Riley's eyes bulged into saucers. "Did I just say that out loud? Oh my god. I'm so sorry. I'm really tired from the show…" She tried to squirm out of his grasp, but instead he pulled her closer. His lips grazing her ear again.

"Actually, I think you look pretty damn sexy in everything…" or even nothing at all He added mentally. "...Especially in those boots." His hand grazed her thigh.

Flames scorched her cheeks. She knew her entire face must be beet red.

Lucas's lips trailed from her ear to meet hers in a soft peck.

The foggy heat crept into Riley's mind, having learned her lesson, she quickly pulled away.

"Um…I'll...I'll be right back."

Lucas raised his eyebrows at her. "You okay?"

Riley nodded over enthusiastically. "Me? I'm fine…" she took a few steps away, "...totally fine. I just...uh…"

He nodded with an amused smirk. "I'll be talking to Farkle when you get back."

"Right." Riley gave him a thumbs up. Oh my god Riley what are you doing. Put. The thumbs. Down. She turned to begin her spaz run.

"Tell Maya I said hi!" Lucas called after her.

Ignoring him, Riley pushed her way to the restroom, flung herself on the lumpy floral couch and dialed Maya's number.

Two rings.

"Come on Peaches…" she muttered to herself. "Pick up pick up pick up."

Voicemail.

"Dang it!" She dialed again, but still no answer. "Maya. Where are you!"

Riley quickly typed out a text instead and put her phone face down on in her lap.

"Okay. Just breathe Riley. He's just flirting. You can flirt too." She leaned her head back against the couch and closed her eyes. "I have nothing to worry about."

'That's right Riles.' Mental Maya agreed, 'Obviously he likes you. And you like him. What's the big deal?" Mental Maya asked.

'The big deal is that he's smooth and I'm extra chunky peanut butter. Clearly he knows what he's doing and he's a jock and he's so gorgeous it hurts and I'm a dopey bird."

Riley didn't get a chance to decide what Mental Maya would say next. The stall door banged against the wall, causing her eyes to fly open.

Missy smirked and walked towards her.

Riley glared at her. "So have you just been hanging out in there this whole time or…" Ha! Maya would've been proud of that one.

Missy narrowed her eyes at her and made a show of washing her hands.

"So Smiley. I didn't realize Lucas had a thing for…" she eyed Riley up and down… "ladies of questionable morals…"

"Excuse me?"

Missy scoffed. "Now now Smiley. I thought you were smart. Sluts. Lucas likes sluts."

"I'm not even going to dignify that statement with a response."

Missy smirked again and fluffed her hair in the mirror. "I mean, it's no surprise considering his track record."

Riley stood up from the couch.

"Oh shut up Missy. You don't know a thing about him."

Missy turned to face her with a smug grin, one eyebrow raised, "Hmm...or do I?" She took a threatening step toward Riley. "Or maybe Smiley, you're the one who doesn't know a thing about him?"

Riley's phone dinged with a message.

"Oh!" Missy feigned surprise, "You better get that."

Missy flipped her hair over her shoulder and bumped into Riley on her way to the door.

Riley rolled her eyes and waited for her to leave before checking her phone. It was probably Maya texting her back.

She looked down at the screen and narrowed her eyes. It wasn't Maya.

Instead, there was a message from an unknown number, no text just a photo. Riley knew better than to open messages from unknown numbers, but what she glimpsed in the photo stopped her heart. Curiosity got the best of her and she tapped on the image.

Lucas?

Her eyes had deceived her. That photo was Lucas, but not the Lucas she knew.

His hair was longer and messy. His eyes were dark and hooded, void of all emotion. His jaw was clenched and bulging. His face looked cold...almost cruel. Chunky letters on a sign decorated the bottom of the image.

"Friar, Lucas James.

Ht. 6'0 Wt. 185

EYE. Green

DOB. 7-13-00"

This wasn't a just a photo. It was a mugshot.

Riley fell back onto the couch. The room was spinning. She covered her face with her hands and took a shaky breath. Okay. Let's try to think this through. 1- I don't even know if this is real. Cleary Missy has her hands all over this, but would she really go as far as photoshopping a fake mugshot? Maybe that was a bad driver license photo? Although I wouldn't put it past her. She's done worse after all. But what if she didn't fake it? Then B-how did she get it?

Riley chewed on her thumb as her thoughts spiraled.

3. What would she gain by doing this? Does she want Lucas that bad or does she just want to ruin my life? If she's trying to ruin my life...maybe she knows Lucas doesn't like her so, instead of stealing him from me, she'll make me think he's some kind of criminal and then I won't like him anymore? But, what if and I mean what if, Lucas was arrested? What if that's real? I'm sure there would be an explanation...like he checked out a library book and forgot to return it. Yeah. I'm sure that's it. Wait. They don't arrest people for that. If they did, Maya would've been arrested a long time ago. Actually that's not true...Maya doesn't even know where the library is.

Riley stood and began to pace, speaking aloud to herself.

"That's it. She leaves me no choice. I'll have to walk back out there like everything's totally fine, then I'll just ask Lucas about the picture in private...just act normal…" Don't give her the satisfaction of a reaction, She added mentally.

"Okay. You can do this. Just be cool." She muttered as she walked to the door, but tripped on the corner of the couch. "Great. Off to a great start."

Taking another deep breath, she closed her eyes for a moment. Just calm down. The photo is probably fake. Missy is just trying to stir up drama.

As much as she tried to keep calm, her stomach wrenched with nerves. Her lungs tightened, causing her breaths to become rapid and shallow.

Just do it Riley.

Without giving herself time to chicken out, she pushed open the door. The loud celebrations in the diner were deafened by the sound of her pulse pounding in her ears. She knew Missy's eyes were glued to her, but she didn't dare let her panic show. Instead, Riley held her head high and forced a smile as she walked towards the long table. Again, Lucas was deep in conversation with Farkle, but she didn't let that stop her. Fighting the urge to glance at Missy, Riley wrapped her arms around Lucas from behind, and slid into his lap.

Lucas raised his eyebrows at her bold gesture and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Hot daggers burned the back of Riley's head, their owner watching slyly from her corner booth.

Knowing she had an audience, Riley captured Lucas's lips in a kiss. Tilting her head to the side, she did everything she could to make the kiss as theatrical as possible. 'Play to the back of the house' She reminded herself.

Lucas knew the the minute Missy left the bathroom that something was wrong. Her typical smug grin was more pronounced than usual. Cleary she was pleased with herself. She had to of cornered Riley again.

He let his hand thread into Riley's hair.

He knew she was making a show. Riley would never sit on his lap like this...although a small part of him felt guilty for enjoying it so much…

Something was wrong. Very wrong.

Slowly and tantalizingly, Riley pulled away.

Lucas kept his fingers in her hair, letting them gently massage her head. He leaned his forehead to hers, letting their noses bump together before murmuring, "What happened? Are you okay?"

Riley nodded, causing her nose to rub his again. "I'm fine."

Lucas stared into her eyes. They weren't bright and innocent like they usually were. No, her milk chocolate orbs were glassy and almost fearful. Like the slightest movement would cause her to sprint for her lift. Tiny lines around the edges of her eyes gave them a look of worry.

Riley tried to avoid his penetrating stare by looking at his lips, focusing on each curve that gave him such a charming smirk when he wanted.

"Nothing happened." She whispered. Her roaring pulse was beginning to cloud her senses.

"You're shaking. Riley please, what did she-"

Riley cut him off with another kiss, which he broke quickly.

Wolf whistles from her castmates vaguely registered to her ears. All she could focus on was the fear snaking into her chest. Fingertips brushed her cheek, prying her attention back to his concerned filled eyes.

"Do you want to get out of here?" He mumbled again.

To the outside world, they looked like a love struck couple, sharing an intimate moment. But their reality was far from it.

Riley nodded, "Yes please." She didn't mean for her voice to sound so desperate.

Lucas loosened his hold on her waist so she could stand. His arm protectively wrapped around her hips as she said goodbye to the cast. He held her close to his side as they walked to the door. They were almost in the clear, when Missy's leering voice rang out.

"Slut."

Rage clouded Lucas's mind, but Riley's hand clutched to his arm. She continued walking as if she didn't hear, but Lucas knew she did.

Trying his best to control his temper and prevent Texas Lucas from appearing for the second time that night, Lucas let the hand resting on her hip slide to the small of her back.

Poisonous, dangerous rage crept over every inch of his body. He needed to get a grip. He needed to get control.

He tugged on Riley's hand as she walked to the driver's side of the car. Riley stopped walking to look at him.

"Let me drive."

Wordlessly, she handed him the keys.

The air was thick. Steam crept along the windows, but not in a way either of them would've liked. They rode in silence, Lucas trying to control his anger, while Riley tried to control her nerves.

Lucas wasn't sure where to go. He couldn't take her to his house, they'd never get a moment alone… and they needed to talk. He could go to the secret cliffside, but he wasn't sure if her tiny car could handle the rocky path. Finally, he decided on taking her home. It was getting late and he sure as hell didn't want to keep her out past her curfew again.

Riley's soft voice broke the silence. "What happened to Zay?"

Her question threw him off. "What'd you mean?"

Riley turned a little in her seat, "I saw him in the audience next to you, but he was gone during the finale. Did he have to leave? Is everything okay?"

"Oh" Lucas laughed slightly, "You noticed that? Yeah he left after Maya's song."

"Why?"

"Well...I think watching Maya sing her heart out to Josh was too much."

Riley sighed, "Oh no. Poor Zay. Is he okay?"

"He'll be fine. I'll talk to him." Lucas pulled into the Matthews's driveway and parked the car.

"Riley…" He cupped her cheek with one hand, "What happened at the diner? What did she do to you?"

"Nothing." Riley looked down at her wringing hands.

"Bullshit." Lucas gently stroked her cheek, "Look at me, please Beautiful. I know she did something...said something…"

"How?" Her voice barely whispered.

"Because I know you Riley. What happened?"

She eyed her phone as she spoke, "You know me and I know you. Right? The real you?"

Lucas's hand fell from her cheek.

"Of course you do. Riley what are you talking about?"

Riley clutched at the phone in her lap. It was now or never.

"So this is fake then?"

The car illuminated with the light of her phone. Lucas squinted to look at the screen.

He heart plummeted to his feet. His mouth went dry. The air that once filled his lungs was gone.

His normally steady voice quivered, "Where...where did you get that?"

"Missy. I think. She was taunting me as usual, and then I got this photo from an unknown number."

Wind rushed past Lucas's ears, even though the car was perfectly still.

"What did she say?"

"Nothing worth repeating, just that I don't know the real you...but she's lying...right? This is just a good photoshop?"

The world was slipping away from him. Control gone. Images flooded through is mind. Riley's beautiful smile. Her perfect voice. The feeling of her lips against his. Her body in his arms. Her cool calming touch.

He had to do it. He had to come clean. She'd never speak to him again. Deluded dreams of a future together taunted him. He dropped his eyes from her gaze as he tried to rein in his emotions, but he couldn't. He couldn't think straight anymore, a dangerous game Texas Lucas loved to play-not thinking.

"Lucas?"

Before he could stop himself, words came spilling from his lips.

"Of course it's fake."

His body stiffened, while relief washed over hers.

See? You overreacted for no reason. Missy is nuts. Riley eyed Lucas, his jaw was stiff and glimmer of cold flames burned in his eyes.

"You okay?"

Lucas shook his head, "Yeah. Fine. I'm fine. I just can't believe she'd do that." Liar. You fucking liar. Stop lying to her.

"It's Missy, she's done worse before. Much worse. Um...so...do you want to come inside?"

He'd forgotten they were still sitting in the driveway.

"Uh, no that's okay. I should probably head home. You've had a long day anyway. You must be exhausted."

Riley nodded. The adrenaline was definitely starting wear off.

"Should I drive you home?"

"No," He gave her small smile, "That's okay. I can walk. It's not far."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah I'll be fine." Lucas opened the door and climbed out. Riley followed his actions.

With a hand on the small of her back, he led her to the front door.

"Text me when you get home so I know you made it safely."

"I will."

Riley wrapped her arms around his neck in a soft hug.

"Thank you for coming tonight." She mumbled into his neck.

Mindlessly, Lucas let his arms wrap around her.

"You have nothing to thank me for. Your show was amazing. I'm so proud of you."

Riley pulled away slightly to place a soft kiss on his lips.

It was so quick, he almost missed it.

"Goodnight Lucas."

"Goodnight Riley."

As she turned to the door, he stopped her. He couldn't do this. He couldn't lie to her.

"Hey, what are you doing tomorrow night?"

He had to do it. Even Texas Lucas knew he couldn't lie to her forever, but tonight was her night. He wasn't going to ruin it.

Riley's face lit up.

"Nothing...why do you ask?"

He could be a man. He should be a man, but the guilt was too much. His mind shut down...creating the perfect playground for Texas Lucas to wreck havoc.
He could tell her the truth...or he could go through life in denial. He could go through with the plan Farkle agreed to help him with...

"Good. I'll pick you up at 8."

Her eyes sparkled like the bright stars above them. "What for?"

"For our first date." He gave her a sly smirk and a wink.

The porch light clicked off and on. Riley winced. "That's either my father, my brother, or Maya...and I suggest you don't stick around to find out which…"

"Right," Lucas laughed, "I'll see you tomorrow."

He waited until she was inside, before walking back down the driveway. Once he was in the street, the weight actions overcame him. He let himself crouch against the curb, his hands clutched in his hair. He let out an anguished groan.

"Fuck. What the hell am I doing?"

Maya's warning echoed in every corner of his mind. It'd be better for her to hear it from me, someone who cares about her, rather than the nasty rumor mill.

Guilt filled his veins like lead. His muscles burned as he forced his thousand pound legs to stand again. The more he moved the worse he felt. He walked faster and faster, trying to escape the pain, until he was in a flat out run.

He couldn't tell her the truth. He couldn't hurt her. He refused to. But Missy had him in a corner now. Clever bitch. And it was all his fault.

So. That happened. Things are stirring up.

I sincerely apologize for taking so long to update. Some of you may know, I work full-time as a producer for a sports TV network. My life has been insane with work. Soon, I want to be able to focus on writing full time, but that's not the most financially responsible option right now. Please stick with me. I promise I'm going to dedicate more time to writing.

This chapter was so hard to write. There have been so many different versions, which is maybe why it took me so long to update.

Again thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I love reading your reviews. Even if I can't reply to all of them. I read every single one. I love when I get a new reader and I get to read their reviews in a flood as they binge through each chapter. You guys inspire me to keep writing...speaking of which…

I've been playing around with a few new stories for the lovely GMW characters….

But for now, what stuck out to you most? Are any of you shocked? Surprised? Furious with Lucas? Picturing Josh in Maya's crop top?

There was a major hint in the last few chapters about what's in-store for everyone. I'm surprised only one reviewer picked up on it. A lot of hints about Lucas's character/Texas Lucas. I can't wait to explore that more. What do you guys think will happen? What do you want to happen?

Again thank you so much for reading. Please like, follow, favorite, do all the things. I'm going to try to get the next chapter out in the next few days...but I make no promises.

Lilly.

PS

I kinda want to do like a Q&A somehow. Would anybody like that? Does anybody care? I could maybe include it at the end of a chapter. As if the ANs aren't long enough.