Warning: Angst headed your way!
Riley's article had come out even better than she was hoping. Mrs. Jackson loved it so much, it actually became the front cover of the paper. Riley couldn't believe how much she had enjoyed being around the baseball team. She always thought of baseball as being boring, but it had turned into one of her favorite places to be. For several reasons, actually. One of which was heading down the stairs right towards her.
Riley and Lucas had continued to spend time together. He was occupying most of Riley's mind these days, and with prom coming up, she couldn't help but hope that he was going to ask her. But Riley couldn't help but notice that every time they starting talking about the future or where their relationship was headed, Lucas seemed to change the subject. He was very polite about everything and was never rude but it just seemed like he didn't want to discuss it.
"Hey you," Lucas said and kissed her cheek. "Can I interest you in a smoothie after school today?"
"You could probably talk me into it. I actually want to talk to you about something, anyway."
"Uh oh. Am I in trouble?"
"Not yet." Riley smiled and headed off to class.
GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW
Riley knew she was falling hard for Lucas. But she knew that if she let herself fall much further without knowing where he was at, she would get hurt. She had no interest in being his side girl or his friend with benefits. She was just going to ask him where he thought their relationship was going.
Lucas had sent her a text saying that he was running late and to just meet him at Topanga's. She went in and found a table and waited for him to arrive. She pulled out her phone to text Maya.
Riley: Just got here. I'm still not sure what I'm going to say to him.
Maya: You got this, Riley. You just need to ask him what you guys are.
Riley: Haha... I'll try my best.
Maya: Call me after you talk.
Riley watched the people around her. There was an old couple in the booth in front of her. They were sitting on the same side and he had his arm wrapped around her. Behind her she could hear a young family with a toddler who was giggling. Across the room there was a young couple just talking. She couldn't help but feel hopeful looking at all these people around her. If they can find something, why couldn't she?
She waited. And waited. And waited.
Soon she realized that it was 6:00 and she needed to head home. She couldn't believe that he hadn't shown up.
'This is what I get for being so positive.' Riley thought as she left Topanga's and headed home.