Chapter 4
"MY BEST FRIEND IS BEAUTIFUL!" Exclaimed Maya. "I haven't seen you this fancy since-"
"Last years charity auction, where Charlie bought me? Ugh, I sincerely hope that doesn't happen again." Riley put her earring back on and stepped back to stare at herself in the full length mirror. The jeweled waist line seperated the white chiffon from the lace overlay on top, overall she was pretty okay with the way she looked.
"I'm surprised your dad lets you leave the house looking like this." The blonde giggled.
"I'm 18, but he was the reason my dress was very conservative last year. But this year, I don't care if an 90 year old man buys me, it's one date, one night and it's for CF. To help find a cure for my little brother." The brunette slipped on her royal blue heels. "Walk me out?"
"NO!" Cory exclaimed as soon as she stepped into the living area.
"Dad, please don't. In the end i'm going, in this dress, to an auction to help cure my little brothers disease." Her forehead was creased and softened when her dad hugged her.
"You're the best big sister anyone could ask for. Love you sweetheart."
"Love you daddy."
Topanga scurried from the kitchen. "Hold on, picture. Say cheese."
"Cheese!"
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"Riley Matthews, how is your brother?" She nodded her head but didn't use her words. "So, please head back behind the curtain at 8 o'clock that's when we start the auction.
"Yes m'am." Riley's heels clacked against the marble floor of the hotel lobby. The wooden doors opened and it was just as beautiful as it was last year. Tables covered in white table cloths, and lights hidden behind white chiffon fabric, it might as well have been a winter wonderland theme. The brunette put on a smile to look presentable and friendly, to start making her rounds of introductions. The dancer hoped more than anything she'd be able to bring in a sizeable donation. The record was $2101 and that record was held by Missy Bradford from last year, she only did things like this for the attention but either way, a donation is a donation.
"Riley?" Her brown curls flipped around when she heard his voice.
"Oh thank God." The brunette gave Lucas a hug, that he happily accepted. "Wait, what are you doing here?"
"I convinced my parents to donate, but I had to come to represent the family. What are you doing here?" She glared and a sarcastic smile came to her face. "You're being auctioned off?"
"Ding, ding, ding." Lucas' jaw dropped when he finally got a good look at her. "Thank you for choosing to donate though, it really means a lot."
"LUCAS!" Riley moved her head to see who shouted his name. "I was wondering where you disappeared to."
"Lindsey this is my friend Riley. Riley this is Lindsey my girlfriend." The brunette smiled.
"Hi, it's so nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you." The girls shook hands.
"All good things I hope." Lindsey uttered.
"Oh, absolutely." The green eyed man was a little uncomfortable with the situation but they seemed to be getting along. Then again, Riley got along with most everyone.
"I love your dress, are you being auctioned off?" Riley nodded. "Lucas, you should so buy her. I trust her more than that Missy girl." Her dainty fingers covered her mouth to stop a laugh.
"That's Missy Bradford, she's a delight." The lights flickered on and off which was Riley's cue to head to the back. "Lindsey, in case I don't get to see you after this it was such a pleasure to meet you and thank you for allowing Lucas to do this." Riley was nice but she wasn't that nice, and Lucas could tell she was being a little fake. He was right too, as soon as she turned around the brunette dropped the smile and felt really weird, why was she jealous?
"Hello Riley."
"Hey Missy, you look beautiful. Thank you for coming out tonight, especially since you brought in so much money last year." No matter how hard she tried Missy couldn't find a mean thing to say back, which was unusual for her.
"Missy! You're up." Ms. Bradford sauntered past Riley and onto the stage.
Ding Ding
I didn't get a chance to tell you but, you look absolutely incredible.
Her eyes rolled, hoping he wouldn't buy her. Riley was unfortunately starting to become too close to him. He constantly flirted, which wouldn't bother her if he was single, but since he was taken she constantly put him in his place. Now that she knew how sweet Lindsey was, she understood why Lucas couldn't break up with her, even if he wanted to. If Lindsey and Riley had grown up together they would've been friends. For sure.
"Ms. Matthews." She set her stuff down and walked out onto the stage with a small smile on her lips.
"This beautiful young lady is Riley Matthews. 18 years old, and a competetive dancer. When asked what brought her here to be sold tonight her response was 'my little brother August'. Who would like to start the bidding?"
"$500 dollars." Charlie stepped out onto the center of the floor, of course he was here. His family donated ever since they dated.
"$750." Lucas raised his hand and threw a wink her direction, which meant little to nothing considering Lindsey was on his arm. Again, not realizing why she cared so much.
"$1000." The brunette tried her hardest to keep smiling, even though it seemed like her and Charlie would be going out on a date.
"$2000." Lucas shouted with confidence. Charlie glared his direction and cleared his throat.
"$2500." She was trying to stay calm and collected, but she felt her knees begin to shake.
"$3000." The green eyed man yelled. The crowd gasped, heck Riley gasped.
"$3000, going once, going twice. Sold! Ladies and Gentleman that is a new record. Congratulations. Please collect your prize on the stairs to the left of the stage." The brown eyed girl took a few deep breaths and collected her stuff to meet Lucas at the bottom of the stage.
"I'm glad he stopped. That was my limit." He held out his arm and her arm looped through it. "So, what now? I've never done this sort of thing before."
"Now, we set up a time for you to take me out on a date."
"A date? I didn't know that." He amusingly lied.
"Bull crap, yes you did. What'd you think you were buying?" Lucas shrugged his shoulders. "You're so smug."
"Congratulations on breaking the record Riley!" Lindsey divulged with a smile.
"Thanks Lindsey, thank you for letting him buy me. That money goes a long way." She glanced at the time on her phone. "I actually have to get going I want to go see Auggie before he falls asleep." Riley hugged both Lucas and Lindsey, though she wasn't sure why and hastily left the building. He wanted to follow her out, he wanted to go see Auggie since it had been a few days but Lindsey hanging on his arm stopped him.
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Hey.
Hey Josh, what are you doing?
A whole lot of nothing, i'm pretty lame.
Preaching to the choir. Mom and Shawn went out of town again so i'm pretty bored.
Have you broken up with Aiden yet?
No. Not yet.
Damn, I was wanting to come over and kiss you, it's been almost a week.
I feel like I should do it in person. I told you that.
You did and I said i'd wait. But, a video chat would work. Right?
Haha, funny. I may have to though, it's been 4 days since we've talked, or even texted.
He's insane. Literally. How could he not want to talk to you?
Wanna go see Auggie?
It's pretty late. You can come with me tomorrow though.
Are you asking me out on a date?
I'd like to say yes, because that's all i've wanted to do for, forever. But no, our first date won't be in a hospital.
Would you like to come over and watch a movie?
I'd love to but, there's one problem.
What's the problem?
It would be pure torture to not kiss you.
Just come over and we'll behave I swear.
10 minutes.
Maya hastily called Aiden, he answered but it must've been accidental. She heard a lot of moaning and his name, a lot of his name. The blonde dropped the phone on the kitchen table, pressed speaker and then mute. She continued to act normally as she poured herself a glass of wine, she'd have to explain that to her mother later, but right now she didn't give a damn. Occasionally she'd nod her head and laugh at the noises. "Doors open." Josh entered the home and his look of happiness turned to a look of horror.
"What the hell is that?"
"Oh that? That is my boyfriend having sex with another woman." She took a big swig and tapped her fingers on the table. "I called to break up with him and he accidentally answered, I don't really know how that happened though." Josh hated that the woman he cared for was being cheated on. But, he also was happy that she called to breakup with him, even though a kink got thrown into the plan.
"I'm sorry Maya. I really am." She wasn't too upset though, it could've been because she was expecting it or because Josh seemed to make things easier but she hung up and after taking another sip of wine sent a text.
-So after a very interesting 10 minute phone call that you accidentally answered. I got to thinking we should break up. Later hater.
"So, guess what?"
"What?" He mumbled, still not believing what he just heard.
"I'm single." Maya picked up her wine glass and sauntered towards her bedroom. Like a puppy dog, Josh followed.
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Riley pushed the dance room door opened and found a coffee being handed to her. "What's this?"
"Coffee with about 7 sugars in it. It's a Monday I figured you could use a pick me up." She started laughing. "I lost count of how many you put in there a few weeks ago, cut me some slack." Lucas took a sip of his coffee and sighed. "So, about that date."
"The one we aren't going on?" His smile turned to a frown quickly.
"Why? I thought that was part of the deal." She giggled.
"Lucas, it's not a good idea. Especially not after I met Lindsey, she's super nice by the way. But, you have a crush on me and that would be completely unfair to both you and Lindsey to go on a date with me feeling that way." His head moved from left to right.
"First of all, it's a fantastic idea. Lindsey is a great person and she was okay with us going on a date." He mumbled.
"She also doesn't know you have a crush on me."
"Stop saying crush, i'm not in middle school, it's bigger than that. I have feelings for you, yes but i'm not going to do anything and you aren't either. Now, don't make me call the directors of the fundraiser and tell them you aren't holding up your end of the bargain." Riley stopped in her tracks.
"I despise you."
"So, Saturday night okay?" He suggested.
"No, Saturday is my competition so this entire week is no go. I'm going to be training non stop." Her brown eyes turned from Lucas to a new couple holding hands and heading straight towards them. "It's about damn time!" Riley hugged her uncle and best friend. "Why have I not heard about this already?"
"I called you but your phone was dead and it happened last night." He slightly nudged her arm, causing her to giggle.
"Oh gross." The brunette kissed her best friends cheek and walked away. "Do whatever you want but don't tell me, please!"
"Congratulations y'all." Lucas pronounced. The blonde smiled and laid her head on Josh's shoulder. The quarterback hadn't seen Josh this happy before and he was glad that he finally got the girl he wanted. Only a little jealous. "Are you going to the competition on Saturday?"
"Yeah we both are. Did she not invite you?" Lucas didn't say anything. "Come with us. Honestly, she gets so caught up in the nerves of the competition she completely blanks. In a few days she'll mention you being there and realize she didn't invite you. It's just the one dance and then the ceremonies later that afternoon, it's a long day and not a lot going on but i'm sure she'd love it if you came."
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Domino motion, jump starts when we touch.
The blackout approaching.
Here it comes now, wish m luck.
It's all over.
It's all over.
It's all over in a flash.
I can't remember, what have I done now.
Riley stopped her prep when she heard a noise on the garage door. "Hello?" There was another knock. "Hello?!" This time with a little more terror in her voice.
"Open the door beautiful." Her brown eyes rolled, but she did as instructed.
"Yes?"
"What are you doing?" Lucas asked.
"Practicing, competition is tomorrow." He laughed and followed her into the dance room.
"Do you always practice so late at night? It's 11, shouldn't you be in bed?"
"If you thought I was going to be in bed, then why are you here?" The green eyed man smirked.
"Touche. I figured you'd be up." The brunette started practicing turns, and for whatever reason her stomach fluttered, she could only assume it was nerves from the competition.
"Still not answering the 'why are you here' part." She stopped her turn and inhaled deeply.
"Why didn't you invite me to come watch you tomorrow?" She tilted her head and searched her mind.
"I didn't?" A smile of relief plastered Lucas' face. "I'm sorry, even if I didn't invite you, it's obviously implied."
"Oh, I thought you were mad at me or something." She disagreed and laid down on the floor. Lucas, never missing an opportunity to be close to her laid down beside her.
"Why would I be?"
He cleared his throat. "I don't know, women are hard to read. They're acting one way and thinking another."
"You don't have to worry about that with me, i'm going to tell you how I feel and what i'm thinking, it is too confusing any other way." Her brown eyes moved towards Auggie's Art Wall.
"Riles, how do you feel about me?" Her eyelids fluttered several times before they actually closed.
"Lucas, you're seeing someone, and I am not dating. You're pretty stubborn, you know that?"
"So i've been told but what if there was no Lindsey, and what about after your competition?" Riley rose from the ground and sauntered closer to the art wall.
"That's a lot of hypotheticals. Luke, i'm extremely grateful to have you as a friend, you have no idea. Auggie loves you and you've proved me wrong, that all football players are tools. We've become extremely close extremely fast and i'm grateful." His eyes grazed the ground, he didn't want to argue with her tonight. Not the night before her competition.
"Just friends?" Riley didn't answer she turned herself back towards the art wall, which Luke took as a sign of 'no'.
"I wish he could come tomorrow."
"He'll be able to watch you though." Her brown eyes widened. "I went over there the other day and saw he had a cell phone. We're gonna face time when you dance, even if I wasn't invited I was still going to go." The brunette's arms wrapped around his neck.
"You're the best, thank you!" He squeezed just a little tighter, not really wanting to let her go. "You're an amazing guy Lucas. When i'm up there Auggie never stops talking about you." Riley pulled away but only slightly, her heart began to race, and she loved the feeling. It was the same feeling she got when she danced, purely coincidental. Right? His strong arms were still holding her waist. "You can put me down."
"No." His hand moved and put a piece of hair behind her ear. 20 seconds later he was still holding her, and she was beginning to get goosebumps as they gazed into each others eyes. "If you really wanted me to, you would've objected by now. Do you want to kiss me?"
"Lucas, you have-"
"Answer the question." The brunette bit her bottom lip, wanting to scream yes, but trying to stay calm.
"Yes." How could she not? He was extremely handsome, sweet, funny, even made an effort with her little brother. Everything she could want in a boyfriend.
"Kiss me." Her lips lingered, the mere thought of kissing him was enough to make her explode. "Kiss me."
"I can't." She wiggled out of his arms. "I'm sorry, if you were single then yeah. But, I can't. I'm not going to be a homewrecker, or in this case a wrecker since you two aren't married." His green eyes drooped to the floor.
"Don't be. I understand, at least though I know you want to kiss me now. And possibly date?"
"Was that a question or a statement?" He scrunched his nose.
"A little bit of both, and this is me hoping you'll answer the small part that was a question." She giggled.
"Maybe, if I place tomorrow i'll be going to Nationals and that's a little less than 2 months away. I can't have a distraction." He revealed his dimples.
"That just gives me some motivation." Her dance room door flung open.
"Dad, what's wrong?" Riley uttered, knowing there was only one reason he would be coming to get her this late.
"It's Auggie." Her heart stopped.
"Let's go." Lucas followed after them, even got in the same car to go to the hospital.
"Your mom is already there sweetheart, obviously. She never leaves. His CO2 levels have risen and he's been put on full time oxygen." Lucas inched to the middle seat and put his arm around her, Riley happily accepted the comfort as she started to cry. He'd only seen traces of tears, or the onset of them, never full blown crying before. "Sweetheart you have to be strong for Auggie, he can't see you like this. You're his rock." That was all she needed to hear for her to dry it up. "We aren't going to be here all night, since you have competition tomorrow."
"I'm not going." Cory glanced at her from the rearview mirror.
"Yes you are. Auggie wants to see you dance." Mr. Matthews mumbled.
"He's right, he loves watching you. We watch videos together all the time off his phone." Riley's brown eyes locked onto Lucas' and she now knew why she was nervous earlier. His hands grazed her cheek.
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"He's been moved closer to the top of the lung transplant list, but there's no guarantee he will still be here when they do find a match." Riley glared at the doctor and fought back every emotion that was surfacing, she left the hallway and entered the hospital room with Lucas only a step behind her.
"Hey bubba. Can I stay here tonight?" The brunette crawled into his bed, in her usual spot and even Lucas was having a hard time fighting back the tears. "I'm not leaving buddy. I promise." His hand rose, slowly and pointed to a piece of paper on his bedside. The green eyed man stood up and passed it to her so she wouldn't have to get up. Her dimples were exposed but hidden from the tears. Her brown eyes traced the paper and her lips found their place on his head. "Okay Aug."
Lucas didn't ask, in fact he stayed silent the rest of the night. He was there, and that's all Riley would need. He fell asleep in the chair and only woke up when he heard Auggie cough or the sheets rustle, all in all he didn't get a great night sleep.
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