Lucas was grateful to have another person around but Smackle has the subtlety of a bomb.
"I think that's the expression, Riley is back huh?" Smackle asked and Lucas pulled at his collar.
Smackle sighed and fixed his collar which made him relax. She smoothed the jacket and looked him in the eye.
"Lucas, are you okay?" She asked.
"Don't tell Alli," Lucas asked.
"Don't tell me what?"
Lucas spun to see Allison with a confused look on her face.
"That Lucas has been lying to you," Smackle said.
Lucas panicked as Allison's eyes widened. He knew he should have told her about their relationship the first day he saw her. The truth will always come to light.
"He's not a suit guy, back in high school, all he wore was flannels, he was our country boy," Smackle coolly responded.
"Oh, Isadora, that is not funny!" Allison exclaimed and chuckled.
Lucas laughed uneasily but silently thanked Smackle. Smackle squeezed his elbow and floated towards the bar. Lucas turned to Allison and sighed.
"Alli did you tell Maya or Farkle you invited her," Lucas asked.
"Surprise?" Allison exclaimed lamely.
Lucas tried his best to ignore the sinking feeling of all the awkwardness that was going to ensue. He had to at least send Farkle a text.
Lucas Friar: Alli invited the X
Farkle Minkus: I know?
Lucas Friar: Yours!
Farkle Minkus: Oh.
Riley nurses her second drink, the first one did a good job at soothing her nerves. She was hesitant to take a second drink, afraid to seem like a lush.
"A white wine please?"
Riley turned and her mouth gaped open at the small girl, a well-woman next to her. Isadora Smackle has gotten slightly taller, her long black hair was chopped right above her shoulder. She didn't have her glasses on and was wearing a bit of makeup. Her skintight dark green dress hugged her small frame but it wasn't her style. Riley knew Smackle felt as uncomfortable as she did.
"Hey Smackle, oh I mean Isadora, fuck … hi?"
Isadora chuckled and leaned over to Riley.
"You can still call me Smackle, how are you Bubbles?" Smackle asked.
Riley smiled at the genuine question and tried her best to answer nonchalantly.
"I'm fine," Riley said and took a small sip.
"You're at a dinner that is being thrown by your ex's fiancé for your dying uncle after not seeing everyone for four years, you're dying inside," Smackle exclaimed.
"There goes the Smackle I know," Riley mumbled.
"I'm here Bubbles, it's been a year for me and I'm sure Allison didn't tell Farkle I was coming, but it will be great to see him," Smackle said and smiled.
She didn't know, Riley could feel her stomach turn. It wasn't her place but she didn't want to burn the only bridge she had.
"Smackle he's um…" Riley began.
"With Maya?" Smackle responded as the bartender handed her a drink.
Riley raised an eyebrow and Smackle smiled once more.
"I know, I orchestrated their whole relationship; they just don't know it," Smackle said as Riley tried to understand.
They both turned to hear Allison squeal and Riley looked over her shoulder. Farkle and Zay had walked in holding some large bags. Maya has come back from the restroom but her smile faltered when she sawSmackle next to Riley.
"Please everyone come to the table" Allison announced as she grabbed the bags.
"Fuck," Riley mumbled her anxiety at an all-time high.
"If you're worried about Lucas don't, he's still highly attracted to you, he's been stuck on you since you walked in but I don't condone cheating so relax Riley," Smackle said and walked over to join everyone.
That was not what she needed and Riley could feel her stomach twist. She looked for him and his green eyes were locked on her. He didn't instantly turn away and she could feel his eyes scanned her. She bit her lip as the pain in her stomach continued. Their eyes met and he turned away from her leaving her flushed. She grabbed her drink and walked over to the awkward group that was once her friends.
She didn't take a seat as everyone stood around the overdressed table awkwardly. Maya had walked over to Farkle who avoided all eye contact with Smackle. Lucas refused to look away from Allison and at one else. Riley instantaneously walked to Zay. He smiled at her and she smiled back relieved he was there. Zay wrinkled his nose in a way Riley knew he was asking if she was okay. She gave him a soft half-smile and leaned closer into his frame. She was okay if he was there, but her smile fell when she saw Lucas glance their way. His eyes looked away from the two. Riley guiltily stepped away from Zay who was confused by the act.
"Riley?" Allison asked.
Riley's eyes widened when she realized Allison had been talking to her this entire time. She didn't hear a word she said.
"I'll do it," Farkle said.
Riley silently thanked him for taking the reins and she turned to him.
"Josh … I don't know how to begin, he's being a good friend, I would say the glue to hold us together," Farkle began.
Riley pieces together that Allison had wanted Riley to start the dinner with words about Josh.
"Must be a Matthews thing," Zay jokes, which made Maya chuckle.
"Although … he may be leaving us, his spirit never" Farkle finished as Maya rubbed his shoulder.
"Thank you Farkle, everyone please sit, find your place cards," Allison said as she took the head of the table. Riley perused the table and saw her name in light pink ink, on a plate right next to the other head of the table, right next to … him.
Zay picked up his card which was on the other side of Riley.
"Partners," Zay teases as Riley sits between the two.
Across from her Farkle sat smack in the middle of Smackle and Maya. He had the same look she did and mentally killed Allison.
"So, it's a prix fixe menu so they will bring h'ordeuvres, and I got a beautiful bottle of champagne," Allison announced.
Riley wrung her hands in nervousness. A part of her thought to knock over a candle, start a fire, evacuate this hell.
"So Riley, I kind of know everyone but you, please tell me about yourself, are you in school?" Allison asked, staring at Riley.
"Yes," Riley said and Allison's eyes begged her to continue.
"I'm a double major, Education, and English," Riley said.
"You're following your dad's footsteps?" Maya groaned which made everyone laugh.
"I don't understand?" Allison said uncomfortably.
"My dad was our teacher in middle school and high school," Riley answered as she even felt Lucas laugh.
"Is that allowed?" Allison asked.
"Apparently," May said as she continued to laugh.
"Oh god remember the debates he made us do?" Farkle asked.
"Riley ate my cookie once,"
"I apologized!" Riley exclaimed as Maya doubled over.
Riley tried to not let the happiness get to her but one look at Allison and it was gone. The blonde was uncomfortable, out of place, she didn't understand the inside jokes.
"But I won't do that, I think I want to teach elementary," Riley answered segueing the conversation.
Allison looked relieved that Riley pulled her back in.
"Amazing, um so I'm assuming you don't live in the city? Or we would have met earlier!" Allison exclaimed.
"No, um … I actually live …." Riley fumbled as Lucas went rigid next to her.
He was intently listening to her, and Riley couldn't.
"Far away," Riley lied.
Before Allison could continue Maya jumped in.
"Alli, where's the food I'm starving!" Maya exclaimed.
"Word," Zay added.
Riley squeezes his thigh as a thank you. He leaned back and placed his arm behind her chair. His fingers lightly caressed her shoulder blade and Riley had to stop herself from melting. She didn't expect him to be so bold and not next to him. Riley glances at Lucas and he was staring at Zay's hand, everyone else was listening to Allison but he stared. He caught her eye but didn't look away. He wanted her to know he saw them. His jaw clenched and looked away from her.
"Riley," Lucas said and Riley jumped from his voice.
"Huh?" Riley asked.
"Are you okay?" Allison asked.
"I thought I heard my name,"
"Yes Lucas just told me you two were one another's prom date, I must see the photos," Allison said and Riley could see the concern in the Blonde's eyes.
"Oh god maybe my parents have them, but we also had the roof party that following weekend and Maya threw up on Zay," Riley said with a smirk.
"That's only because he spiked the punch and didn't tell anyone," Maya said as Zay held up his hands in defense.
"Lucas dared me, he needed liquid courage," Zay said and then realized where it was going.
"For what?" Allison asked.
Lucas leaned back in his seat and turned to Allison with a smile.
"Uh to kind of kiss that girl I told you about," Lucas said as Allison melted.
Riley was confused with the smile Allison had and Lucas's moment. She turned to him and she could see him fidget for a moment.
"Oh Boo Bear I love that story, you guys have to hear how he talks about this girl, he was madly in love with her," Allison cooed.
"You're okay hearing that?" Farkle asked and tried not to look at Riley.
"Well, of course, love is ever-changing, and it's great that he felt that love for her, I had many chaps that I fell in love with. However, he won't tell me any specifics about her besides that they fell in love in college," Allison said and waved at Lucas dismissively.
Riley sank, he wasn't talking about her, he was talking about someone else. She couldn't believe that he had another true love, but of course, he did, he was Lucas Friar.
"Well, what's so great about it Lucas?" Smackle asked as Lucas fidgeted once more.
"Well he told me about the time, he was going to propose, and he had this idea to take her to his lodge they had visited, he was going to design it to look like a red leaf she had given him, and he was going to give it in this ring box they held jelly beans, and it's so silly but cute," Allison gushed and it clicked for everyone.
He had lied, he lied to Allison about Riley. He had changed their age, but it was about her, he was going to propose to her at the ski lodge. He thought about marrying her, so young,
"Alli stop, they don't care," Lucas interrupted.
Riley turned to Lucas, and the words came out before she could stop herself.
"You were going to do that?"
Everyone stopped and stared at the two, and Lucas hesitated as he watched Riley stare at him. He could feel her tremble and she was hanging on his every word. He was surprised that she wanted to know, and he tried to look away from her but he couldn't.
"I was in love," He said softly.
"That in love to be married," Riley asked.
"Absolutely," Lucas swallowed.
The chatter of other deep voices pulled Riley from Lucas. Riley turned to see the waiters bringing the food, and it broke up the tension.
"I need a moment," Lucas said and leaped out of his seat.
"I'll check on him," Riley said quickly following him.
"Riles!" Maya called as Allison watched Farkle grab Maya to sit back in her seat.
Lucas turned the corner towards the restroom and leaned against the wall. He needed to catch his breath, being around Riley, being so close after so long was going to kill him.
"Marriage!" Riley whispered as she turned the corner and Lucas jumped.
He hadn't expected her to follow him, let alone confront him about his choices. She looked furious and he couldn't understand her, but he wasn't going to let her in. So he placed his guards back up and moved away from her.
"You know most girls find that a compliment," Lucas said and tried to keep the cool persona.
"Marriage! Lucas, we were in high school!" Riley exclaimed.
"Your parents did it, didn't you tell me your mom proposed to your dad?" Lucas accused.
"They have an everlasting once in a lifetime love," Riley said.
"Well, we did too! Until you abandoned me! For what? You want to go around being angry, but you left, not me! You left me!" Lucas snapped.
Riley couldn't do this, she would break down, she would confess about Isabella. She would want to explain she left to protect him. She turned to walk away when she felt his hands spin her back.
"I deserve to know why you left me," Lucas said, his eyes wide and pleading and Riley stuttered.
"Lucas let go please," Riley whispered and he did.
"Thank you," Riley said.
He rubbed his face in frustration and turned away from her. Trying to control the anger he felt for her right now, and she placed her hands on his shoulder. He wanted to scream, he wanted her to hurt as she hurt him but he didn't want to do this. He did not want her to comfort him, especially when she was the one that was causing pain.
"I would have said yes," Riley confessed and regretted it as soon as she said it.
He spun around and she stumbled back into the wall. His hands wrapped around her waist to catch her from falling and he held her. They were close together, and she could feel her heart hammering in her chest. They couldn't, they shouldn't, but they both leaned towards one another.
"So you're fine?"
Riley turned to see Zay standing there, his eyes locked on them in this position.
"Zay," Riley began and he walked away without another word.
"I can't do this," Lucas said and walked away in the opposite direction and into the bathroom.
Riley ran after Zay and she grabbed him before he got to the table.
"Zay listen nothing happened and nothing was going to happen!" Riley pleaded.
"Riley! I saw you, I saw the look on your face, I'm not stupid," Zay gritted and snatched his wrist from her grip.
"Everything okay?" Farkle asked as he sauntered over and could see that Riley was close to tears.
"Peachy," Zay gritted and walked back over to his seat.
Riley looked over Farkle's shoulder and could see Maya and Smackle avoid eye contact with one another and smile at Allison who rambled.
"I didn't think he would have brought that up," Farkle mumbled.
"What?" Rile asked.
"Lucas, the proposal, I didn't think he would say anything about it, he hasn't in years," Farkle said and Riley slumped.
"You knew?" Riley asked.
"I went with him, to get the ring, Riles Lucas was madly in love with you, and if you tell him about Isabella," Farkle began.
"I'll ruin his perfect life," Riley finished as Farkle began to start up again.
Riley went around him and sat back in her seat staring at her plate where some sushi had been placed. An empty chair to the left of her, Zay giving her the cold shoulder on her right. She just wanted to go, she wanted to hold her daughter and forget this entire experience.
"Are you okay darling?" Allison asked as Lucas sat back down.
"Great." He said and gave Allison a struggling smile.
"I'm sorry, I forget that it is a sensitive subject, we can digress and move on! Riley?" Allison questioned.
Riley tried her hardest not to snap on the Blonde, but she felt annoyed that every question was directed to her. She had to remind herself, to Allison she was the newbie and had to accept the prodding.
"Yes," Riley asked.
"I know I must be a bugger, but I just wanted to say you're wearing a wonderful gown, it's gorgeous and fits your frame quite lovely," Allison said.
"Thanks, Maya lent it to me," Riley said as Maya waved Riley off jokingly.
"Do you guys hang out when you're in the city? I try to get Miss Maya to hang out all the time but she is quite busy with her art, work, and her little scientist," Allison rambled on.
"No," Riley swallowed.
"Riles isn't in town much, but I hope she will be," Maya said and gave Riley a soft side smile.
Riley returned the smile and could feel Lucas stare at them. He was trying to decipher what happened, what made them connect this way.
"I'll try but hey you can visit me," Riley offered.
Maya's face lit up and Farkle grinned along with her. They knew the invitation was for both of them, and it gave them time to spend with Isabella.
"We can make a trip!" Allison announced and Riley felt her stomach flip.
"Alli, that was for Maya, not us," Lucas interrupted as Allison blushed in embarrassment.
"While I am here, Allison, can we maybe get a coffee?" Riley blurts out as Lucas turns to her.
"That would be lovely!" Allison grinned and Riley couldn't help but feel guilty.
"It's coffee," Riley mumbled to Lucas.
"Oh Riley you are a pleasure, I am so glad we connected even though the circumstances are unpleasant," Allison said.
"It's fine, it's nice to meet you too," Riley said and could feel the tension build at the table.
"Well Riley, now that you are going to be a teacher will you invade your student's private life?" Smackle asked as Maya and Riley snickered.
"No Smackle," Riley groaned.
"Here you go,"
Riley heard and saw the bartender earlier giving Zay a drink, and placing one down for her. He gave her a smirk, and she could feel Zay glare at the interaction and heard Allison laugh. The bartender walked away as Riley's cheeks flushed from the attention.
"Well looks like Miss Riley has an admirer, do talk to him, bartenders have the best stories," Allison gushed.
"No, he was just being nice," Riley said.
"He wasn't," Zay said but didn't look at Riley.
"Zay-"
"He's right," Lucas mumbled
"My boo bear is right, he knows these things besides Riley you are gorgeous," Allison said.
"Not really," Riley mumbled with discomfort.
"You're breathtaking," Lucas said and Riley looked at him.
He smiled softly at her, making Riley smile right back at him. The two stared at one another until Smackle burst the bubble between them.
"Slow down there Lucas, keep the flirting to a minimum,"
"Oh Isadora, I am confident in myself that Lucas can admire another woman," Allison said cheekily.
"Well Riley isn't any woman," Smackle responded.
Riley stared at Smackle while Lucas clenched his drink.
"Beg your pardon?" Allison asked.
"Nothing, I think I had too much wine," Smackle said as Riley sunk in her seat.
"Riley was the It-Girl in high school, any guy was lucky to be with her," Zay answered.
"Zay," Riley whispered.
"Even if she's too blind to see the perfect one could be right there," Zay snapped.
"Zay!" Riley gritted.
"Even if she's too blind to see that someone who is so wrong for her has moved on," Zay continues.
Riley abruptly stood up and walked away from the table. She could hear heels following her and knew Maya was hot on her tail. Riley ran into the bathroom and gripped the sink as she shook.
"I didn't mean to,"
Riley looked in the mirror and saw Smackle with a somber look.
"I thought you were Maya," Riley whispered.
"I got here first I guess she's avoiding the necessary awkwardness, I didn't mean to Riley," Smackle apologized.
"Smackle no one should be put in that situation," Riley apologized.
"Lucas shouldn't lie to Allison but you shouldn't lie to yourself about your feelings, you should go, Riley, you can't keep looking at Lucas as the sun while Zay looks at you the same," Smackle said and Riley sighed.
"It's not fair to anyone, it's going to create heartbreak, trust me I know," Smackle continued.
"Smackle-"
"Please tell Allison goodnight," Smackle said and turned away.
"You're leaving?!" Riley asked as Smackle stopped.
"It's not fair to Farkle or Maya, nor do I feel comfortable lying to Allison, besides I was always expendable" Smackle whispered and turned back to Riley.
"Isadora! No, you're not-"
"Riley, it's ok don't try to fix this, focus on you and … your child," Smackle said and Riley went rigid.
"I don't know what you're talking about"
"It's obvious don't lie, why else would you leave unless something happened, something you couldn't fix, plus you showed all the signs that summer, I'm not blind," Smackle said and Riley began to cry.
They all knew long-winded except him. Smackle awkwardly hugged Riley as she collapsed into her arms.
"Tell him," Smackle said as she pulled away.
Riley sighed and Smackle went in the small clutch Riley held. She pulled out the weeping girl's phone and placed Riley's finger to unlock it. Smackle types expertly and handed the phone back to Riley.
"Text me, if you need to, Bye Riley, I hope you get your fairytale ending, just know there are going to be obstacles," Smackle said and walked out the bathroom without another word.
Riley knew as soon as she started crying it was just too much for Smackle. Emotions weren't her thing but Riley couldn't help it. It was all boiling over together, and she was drowning.
Who was going to save her?