The Road Trip │Chapter 6
Riley is twenty-one years old, who does whatever she is supposed do. She stays in her safe zone never wondering out, until something happens that makes her rethink her life. Riley decides to do something for herself and hit the road for a solo trip. While trying to figure out her life and find inspiration to start writing, she meets a green eyed stranger. Is it possible to feel an instant connection with someone, and know they are the one for you? Riley and the stranger seem to think so, but will something come in the way of stopping them from being together?
chapter 1 │chapter 2 │chapter 3│chapter 4 │chapter 5
I’m sorry it took forever to get this chapter out, but it’s finally here. I already started the next chapter, and I want to have it out by Sunday.
As soon as I leave Lucas’ family ranch, I have to distract myself from going back. I really had no idea it would be this hard to leave behind a person I had just met. Whenever traffic is at a full-on stop, I find myself checking my phone to see if I have any text messages from Lucas in hopes that he got my number.
What was I thinking? I should have just given it to him. What was I trying to do? Play hard to get, I kissed him before I left for goodness sake.
After driving for hours later, I find myself in San Antonio. The way Uncle Shawn described the Riverwalk on his blog, along with the pictures he had taken, it was beautiful; I knew I had to visit.
I made a few wrong turns, but I manage to find the hotel I made reservations at. I park the car and check the time; it was almost three. It took longer than I hoped to get here. I grab my things from the back and make my way inside to the front desk, and I talk to a friendly gentleman to check in.
Right as I open the door to my room, my phone starts ringing. I move inside, letting the door close behind me. I drop my bags on the floor and shuffle through my purse. When I finally find my phone, I see ‘mom’ across the screen.
Hey mom. I say as soon as I hit accept.
Hey Riley. How’s everything going? Where are you, now? My mom asks.
I just check into a hotel in San Antonio.
Mhm. So, how come you didn’t tell me that you were staying with a young man and his family? Your father was panicking has been the whole time.
A chuckle escapes thinking about how melodramatic my dad can be. I clear my throat. Honestly, I didn’t want to hear anything you had to say about the matter. I gulp as soon as the words escape, but I continue. I know how you feel about Devin, and it was enough having Maya there rolling her eyes every time Lucas and I had a conversation.
I understand, and I’m sorry…I want you to feel like you can share everything with me the way you do with your father. There is a slight pause. He told me about what happened with Maya.
I walk over to the bed and plop myself down letting out a sigh. Yeah. I, uh, did she make it home okay? I’m not quite sure if I’m ready to talk to her, but I want to know if her flight landed safely. And I assume she already talked to you. I try to make my voice as stoic as I can.
Actually, I haven’t heard anything from her. I can try calling her if you’d like.
No, I’ll call Uncle Shawn and ask him.
Are you okay? I know that must have been a deep betrayal. Her voice is filled with concern.
I wasn’t, but I’m okay now. Because of Lucas, but I don’t say that out loud. My heart flutters thinking of him. I want to tell my mom everything that I’m feeling. I always wanted to have that mother daughter relationship, but the strain in our relationship is still there.
Are you sure?
Yeah. I say with a little bit of uncertainty in my voice. I cough once clearing my throat. I’ll be okay, and if I need to talk, I pause for a few seconds, and I can hear my mom’s breathing on the other end, I’ll call you.
Really? I can hear the bliss in her tone causing a small smile to form on my lips.
Yes. I assure her. You’re my mom, but you have to promise me something.
What is that? She asks with eagerness in her voice.
You have to actually listen to me to what I’m saying not just hear it, and you can’t assume that you know what’s best for me. I want to share everything with you, but I can’t do that if you are going to try to control everything I do. I inhale deeply and hold it for a second before exhaling. I don’t want to continue to push you away. Sniffles from the other end make its way through the phone, and my heart slowly sinks; I didn’t mean to make her cry. I just wanted to tell her how I felt. I want to work on our relationship. Mom, I’m-
Don’t. She stops me before I can apologize. I know I can be controlling. I just…I just only ever wanted what was best for you, and I thought I knew that. I can hear the sob in her throat that she’s trying to hold in. There is a second of silence before she speaks up. I’m sorry you had to run away for me to figure that out.
I didn’t leave because of you. I left because it’s something I needed to…but. I stop myself, not really sure of what I wanted to say.
But what? My mom asks, and I can hear the uncertainty in her voice. I part my lips to speak, but she cuts me off. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.
I…I don’t know, and maybe that’s the problem. I hear my mom sigh deeply, and I know she wants to say something. What are you thinking?
Me? Nothing. She responds too quickly, and I scoff. I don’t say anything and let the silence captivate the both of us.
I clear my throat. Mom, what is it? I know you’re thinking something.
Have…have you ever thought that you went searching for the wrong thing? You’ve always known who you are. Yeah, you’ve staggered off your path in the past, but you stayed true to you; finding yourself was never the problem. I take in everything she just said. You’re Riley. You have a heart made of gold who sees the good is everyone. You’re a fighter when you want to be. I think you get that from me. My mom jokes, and we both chuckle; and tears start to form in my eyes. You’ve always known what you wanted to do with your life, no matter how much I tried to convince you otherwise…Riley, you’ve always been you no matter who was by your side, whether it was Maya or a boy. Maybe instead of trying to find yourself, you needed to find something that’s been missing.
I absorb every single word my mom just spoke, and my mind instantly goes to Lucas; I have no idea why. I blink a few times pulling myself out of a daze, releasing a heavy sigh. And maybe this trip of yours have brought you out of your comfort zone, but that doesn’t change who you are. You’re having an adventure that is going to make for great stories, but you are still you. ‘Topanga,’ I hear someone say in the background. Give me a minute…Riley, I hate to do this, but I have to go.
It’s okay.
I love you, Riley.
I love you, too…Mom, thank you for the insight.
I hear her sigh in content. Thank you for letting me be there. I can hear the happiness in her voice, and it causes my lips to curl up into a smile.
After getting off the phone with my mom, I stare off at the wall; pondering on everything my mom just said. Mostly about me finding something that I’ve been missing, and why my mind automatically went to Lucas; just the thought of him fills my stomach with warmth.
I stand up from the bed and grab my bags. I didn’t realize one was open, and when I grabbed it by just one strap some of my things starts to fall out. I bend over to pick everything up, and I notice a piece of paper; my name written in the front. At first I think it’s the letter Maya wrote me, but I take a second look; I don’t recognize the handwriting. I unfold it after I toss everything onto the bed.
Riley,
You are one extraordinary person. I’ve known you for only a few days, but I find myself wanting to know everything there is to know about you. You’re leaving soon, but that doesn’t mean our story has to end.
Lucas
I read his name, and the pitter patter of my heart quickens. Underneath his name is his number. I ruffle around the bed until I find my phone buried under my bags. I punch in his number, and then a text.
Me I don’t want our story to end either.
I hit send, and I stare at my phone waiting for a response. I can fill my heart start racing in my chest, and it doesn’t take long for a text to come in.
Lucas :) I was wondering when or if you were going to find the note, but I’m happy you did.
Me I was regretting not giving you my number. I wasn’t sure if my sister was going to give you my number.
Lucas HAHA she would have made me work it, but it would have been worth it. So, where are you at now?
Me In San Antonio.
I grab my laptop after sending the text. I walk over to the desk that’s in the corner of the room and open my laptop. I look up tours of the river, that Uncle Shawn said I had to do. When I find the website, I grab my phone, skipping Lucas’ test, and press in the number. I talk to a friendly woman who arranges for me to be on a boat at seven tonight.
I let out a long sigh. Instead of checking the text from Lucas, I call Shawn. I’d be lying if I say I wasn’t worried about Maya. The phone rings and rings, but I don’t get an answer. I wait a minute before trying again and still no answer. I wait for the beep to leave a message.
Hey Uncle Shawn. I was just calling to see if Maya landed safely. So, if you can please let me know. Bye.
I hang up and swipe over to Lucas’ text.
Lucas Is it too much if I say I wish you were here instead of there? :)
The corner of my lips lift, and a small giggle escapes.
Me Not at all. I’m sorry I had to leave.
Lucas It’s okay. I understand, you went in search of something and you have to find it.
I reread the words over and over, and I can’t help but think that I might have; but it sounds insane. Stuff like that only happens in movies, right?
I set my phone down on the desk and move over to the bed. I start shuffling through my things looking for something to change into. I go into the bathroom and splash water on my face to freshen up. As I pat my face dried, I catch a glimpse of my face. I see the light that eludes in my eyes, and I haven’t seen them this bright in a really long time. It almost makes the person looking back at me unrecognizable.
I run my fingers through my hair, and sometimes I still forget that I chopped my hair off. It something I don’t regret. I slide on my pair of blue jeans, toss on a black t-shirt with an olive green jacket on top and slip on my favorite pair of two inch booties. When I finally look at the time, it’s only five. I grab my purse from the bed, and as I make my way to the door my phone dings from the desk. I side step to grab, and I see a text from Uncle Shawn across my screen.
Uncle Shawn Sorry I missed your call kiddo. I’ve been swamp with work, but Maya’s okay. I’ll talk to you later I have to get back to work.
After I read it, I tuck my phone in my pocket and walk out the room.
When I get to the Riverwalk, I first find where I’d be loading the boat for the tour. I didn’t want to struggle finding it later, so I stay close by. I have a couple hours before my tour of the river, so I find a restaurant nearby. I get seated at a table outside near the water. Usually I take in my surroundings, but I’ve been glued to my phone since I started texting with Lucas.
We haven’t been apart for a whole day, but I miss him. If I’m being honest with myself, I didn’t think I’d miss him this much.
A waiter come and takes my order, and as soon as he walks away my phone dings. I grab it thinking it’s Lucas, but I don’t recognize the number.
Unknown Riley?
Me Yes?
Unknown It’s me, Hayley.
Me Hi! I’m so sorry I didn’t say bye, and I’m sorry Lucas and I got home late and we didn’t talk anymore.
Unknown Hayley It’s okay. I was a little disappointed. It’s okay if I text or call you when I need advice about boys or whatever. It’s just I liked talking to you.
I chuckle to myself.
Me Of course, it’s okay. That’s why I gave you my number.
Hayley Yaaay!
She proceeds to gush over Brandon, but I don’t mind it at all. I’m just happy to be someone she feels comfortable enough to share all of this with. She goes on to tell me about clubs she wants to join around school, but being shy makes it hard. I tell her if she shows people the Hayley she showed me she has nothing to worry about.
Texts from Lucas and Hayley come while I eat, and I respond between bites. They continue even as I work around, and before I know it’s time for me to make my way to the boat.
When I take my seat on the boat, I don’t notice groups of people filling in the seats around me; I’ve been too distracted with my phone. I didn’t realize we were moving until I looked up and saw that I was surrounded by a new setting.
Music feels the air from the bands playing in front of the same restaurant I ate at earlier. People around, whether they are eating or not are clapping and smiling; enjoying the sweet sound.
I try to listen to the tour guide give talk about each landscape; the five bells that represent the five bishops, the tree that grows out of a wall, the building that appears as an optical allusion, and more, but I only catch little things he sees.
Before Lucas I’d be enjoying this, but right now, all I can think about is how I wish he was sitting in the empty seat next to me.
Trees start to cascading over the river and lights are hungover the bridge in the distance. It’s breathtaking. I open the camera app on my phone and snap a quick picture. I instinctively send it to Lucas.
Me I wish you were here.
I type out the message once and delete it. I try to find something else to right, but that’s the only thing I want to tell him right now. So, when I type it out, instead of deleting it. I press send. It doesn’t take long for my phone to glow with a new text.
Lucas Me too. It’s beautiful.
Almost as beautiful as you.
I hint of red sneaks it’s way to my cheeks, and I sit there smiling foolishly at my phone.
After another ten minutes, the tour comes to an end. I look down at my phone and it’s barely going to be eight. I think about walking around for a little longer, but instead I choose to head back to the hotel and take a nice shower.
I finish towel drying my hair after I changed into a pair of pajamas I have. I let out a long sigh as I throw myself on my bed. It feels nice to finally lay down a relax. Even though my body feels exhausted, my mind is racing with thoughts. I need to talk to someone. I blindly reach for my phone from underneath my pillow. I start to push in Maya’s number, but quickly erase it and start to push in Farkle’s.
Hello? He says through a laugh.
Farkle? Did I call at a wrong time?
What? No. Sorry, what happened?
I sigh. It’s nothing. It can wait.
Riley, if you are calling at ten at night it can’t wait. What happened?
I groan. I left Lucas’ house this morning, and all day I’ve been talking to him…It’s not bad, it was great…amazing even. But, all day I’ve been missing him. It sounds crazy I know, but earlier when I was talking to my mom she told me that maybe I was looking for something I was missing. I instantly thought of Lucas. I take a deep breath. It sounds crazy doesn’t it. Me having these strong feelings about someone I literally just met, but I can’t shake them. I smack my hand to my forehead. I’m crazy, aren’t I?
I listen to Farkle sigh deeply. One, Riley you aren’t crazy, not even one bit. I don’t know him, but I did talk to Isadora about him to make sure he was a good guy. He laughs. She did the same with you to me. Apparently, what you are feeling, he is feeling the same. He asked you to stay with him?
Yeah…wait how do you know?
He called Isadora and told her. You should have heard him on the phone he was rambling on about you. So, it’s safe to say you two are both smitten with each other.
But Farkle it feels more than that. I can’t explain it, but-
As soon as you seen him, you felt a spark.
Exactly! I exclaim.
He chuckles slightly. I know exactly how you feel because I felt that the first time I saw Isadora. It’s not in your head; it’s real.
What do I do Farkle? I need my genius best friend to tell me what to do.
Riley, He inhales and exhales. I can’t tell you what to do, but I’ll tell you this; if I had the option of going back in time, I wouldn’t have spent all the time I did away from Isadora. When I was away from her, I spent every minute missing her, waiting for the next time I would be able to see her. Sometimes when you meet someone, you just know.
Are you sure this is Farkle? He laughs. You’re such a romantic. I never realized.
If you want to know what I would do? I’d turn around and go back. You left to explore, find something missing, find inspiration. It sounds like you might have found it. Just because you won’t be visiting new place doesn’t mean you won’t be having an adventure. You’ll just be having a different one than you planned.
Silence consumes my room as I’m trying to absorb everything Farkle just said. Maybe Farkle is right; he does know almost everything. I hear giggling coming from my phone, and I know it isn’t Farkle. Do…do you have company? I didn’t mean to pull you away.
Huh? No. Well, it’s…it’s Isadora. After she called me, I realized how much I had missed her. So, I might have convinced her to come visit me. ‘It didn’t take much convincing,’ I hear someone shout in the background, and laughter follows.
Now, it makes sense. You said ‘you should have heard him on the phone’. Was she already there?
Yeah. After talking all day, we wanted to see each other. So, she caught a plane late last night. Maybe the universe does know what it’s doing after all. Farkle jokes, but I hear a slight sincerity in his tone.
Well, I’ll let you spend all the time you can with Isadora. Tell her I said hi. And Farkle…thank you.
Anytime. I hang up the phone and lay back, staring at the ceiling. Everything Farkle said right now, and everything my mom said this morning are circling around in my mind. I grab my journal jot something down really quick before turning off the lights and forcing myself to bed.
When I wake up, I sit up rubbing my eyes and looking at the clock mounted on the wall; it’s already noon. I slept for more that twelve hours, I guess I was really exhausted. I throw my legs so they are hanging off the bed and reach for phone that is lying on the dresser charger.
I scroll through the text messages from Lucas, my parents, Auggie, and Hayley, and the few missed calls from my dad. Today, I decided to leave my phone alone and think about what I’m going to do for the rest of this trip.
Once again, I search through my bags and put clothes off to the side before walking over to the bathroom.
I turn on the shower, and give it time to warm up while I brush my teeth. The whole time thinking about what the next step I’m going to do. I didn’t think I’d be this conflicted on a trip. I was supposed to go on an adventurous road trip, maybe meet some friendly people. Not come on a road trip and possibly fall in love. Wait did I just say love? I pull myself back to reality when I notice the bathroom start to steam up from the shower.
After my shower, I apply a bit of makeup and get dressed. I grab all my things. I give in and grab my phone, but only incase I get lost.
This is the first time I don’t have any plan for the day. I have used Shawn’s blog as places to see, but I decided I need to see something for my own. I drive for about twenty minutes before I find myself at a dance studio. I have no idea what I’m doing here or how I found it, but I park the car.
When I’m inside, a friendly teenager at the front counter immediately greets me. “Hi! What can I do for you?” I walk over, and I notice she has purple streaks hidden in her dark brown hair.
“Hi. I don’t really know. I’m visiting San Antonio, and I somehow found myself in here.”
She smiles. “Well, have you ever been to a dance studio?”
I shake my head, but then remember Zay’s and his sister’s dance studio. “I have a friend who own’s a dance studio in Beaumont, Texas.”
“Alyssa and Zay’s Dance Studio?” She inquires and I nod my head. “They are really good friends of my mom. Anyways, are you looking to take a class?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure, maybe.”
I watch her click through the computer a few times before returning her attention to me. “We have a hip-hop class that starts in about ten minutes, if you’re interested.”
I scrunch up my noise, but stop once I realize what I was doing. “I, I’m not…nevermind. That sounds great.”
She gives me a friendly grin. “Great. It’s in room two.” She tells me the total for a single dance session, and I pay. I look down at what I’m wearing, thank goodness, I decided to go with a pair of leggings today with a v-neck and plain sweater.
I take a deep breath before making my way to the room.
When I get inside, I see a few women my age and one guy. They are all sitting in a circle stretching, laughing, and talking. I try to close the door slowly, but it slips out of my hands and slams shut.
They all turn to me, and I feel uncomfortable under all their gazes. I clear my throat before holding my hand up and waving.
A tall redhead pushes herself off the floor and smiles at me. “Are you new?”
“Ye-“ I clear my throat, “yeah.”
“I’m Amanda,” she holds out her hand, and I take it in mine.
“I’m Riley,” my voice cracks slightly.
“Are you nervous?”
“A little,” I laugh nervously. “I’ve only ever been to one other dance class, and I didn’t dance until the class ended and the room was empty.” A buzzer goes off, and the guy slides across the floor to shut it off.
She smiles. “Well, I don’t want you to feel pressured. You join whenever you are ready.” I nod. I watch her take the front of room and everyone else slowly starts to stand up. I slowly start to back up, but stop once my back hits the wall. “Okay. So, I’ve been putting together a little something for you guys.” She takes a step to the side to the radio. She plugs in her iPod and scrolls through a song before stepping back.
The music start, and I watch her do one move after another. It doesn’t take long for one person after another starts to join and copy each move; some adding their own personal touch to each move. I stand in the back and shift my weight from one foot to other. Each time I think about jumping in, I step back. I tell myself the next time, but when it comes I change my mind.
This goes on for the entire class, and each time I can see Amanda give me a soft smile. It’s a little comforting, but it doesn’t make my nerves go away. By the time, I think I muster the courage to join, Amanda is moving towards the radio to turn the music off. “Okay, that’s enough for today. I’ll see you guys Thursday, same time.” Everyone grabs their belongings and start to move out of the room. I start to follow, but Amanda stops me. “Riley,” I turn to face her, “the room isn’t going to be used for the next twenty minutes or so. You can hang around here…you know if you want.” She smiles at me before walking out and the door closing behind her.
I wait a second before shuffling across the room to the radio. The music starts playing. I stand there for a minute, trying to get a feel of the music. Just like last time, I move to the center of the room. I count off the beat before I start.
My head slowly starts to roll up, and I throw my hair back. I jump apart waving my hands across my body in front of me. I starts to shake my hips as I take a step back, so my back in facing the door. I roll my stomach as I run my fingers through my hair.
I try to search my brain for the next step, but I’m going blank. I listen to the beat of the song. I slowly start to take a few steps towards the back before spinning around and running to the front; sliding across the floor and launching myself up. I toss my hair back as I shake my body, moving my hands across my chest; the way I did in the first class.
The music stops and once again I hear clapping. When will I learn? I turn around, trying to catch my breath, and see Amanda there smiling at me. “You are amazing! I love that move you threw in at the end. It fit perfectly.”
I smile, “Thank you.”
She moves back to the radio and restarts the song. “C’mon we’ll do it together.” Amanda moves next to me, and we start counting down the beat.
When I finally get to the room, it’s late and I’m exhausted. I intentionally spent the whole day at the dance studio with Amanda. By the end of the evening, she was convinced that I was meant to dance. But, I wasn’t too sure; although I do have a lot of fun, and I enjoy losing myself in a dance.
I knew if I laid down, I wouldn’t want to take a shower. So, I go to the bathroom to start the shower, and while it warmed up I checked my phone; that I’ve successful avoided all day.
I have text after text, along with a few missed calls.
Dad Thank you for opening up to your mom. She needed that, and I think you needed that. It’ll be nice if you called. Are you going MIA again? Okay, forget about your dear old dad.
I laugh a little reading the last message.
Me Sorry, I was out all day. There is no way I would be able to forget you. You’d make it impossible. I’ll call tomorrow. I just got in, and I’m tired. I love you.
I move on to Auggie’s text
Auggie It’s quiet around here without your drop ins. When are you coming home? I miss you. Riley? Are you going to ignore me? Are you still with that stranger? If you aren’t, than you aren’t as smart as I thought you were.
Me What do you mean I’m not as smart as you thought I was?
I hit send and move on to my mom’s text and quickly respond while waiting for Auggie to text back.
Auggie I miss you too Auggie would have been nice.
Me Of course, I miss you. But can you tell me what you mean? Please.
I send it, and I think how weird it is to be asking my brother for any type of input that is about a guy.
Auggie You are a hopeless romantic, and here is someone who longingly looks at you but you leave. I think you were supposed to meet him. If you left, I think you should go back.
I’m a little taken back from his text.
Me Auggie, you might be too smart for your own good. I’ll call you tomorrow. I promise. I love you.
Lastly, I check Lucas’ texts.
Lucas I hope you have a new adventure today, and thank you being so friendly to Hayley. She has taken a real liking to you. You’re a real special girl. I’m lucky to have met you.
I blush as I read the text, and butterflies fly awake in my stomach. I move my fingers across the screen typing in a text.
Me It’s my pleasure. She’s a lovely girl. I’m lucky to have met her…and you.
I hit send and jump into the shower; taking a quick one and heading to bed.
The next day, I pack up everything and check out of the hotel. I’ve been in the car for hours. I had plans to travel to Dallas, instead I find myself back in Beaumont. I guess I’m listening to Farkle after all. I try my best to remember landmarks I seen with the turns I made, but everything is a fog. I pull off to the side of the road and scroll through my contacts and stop when I see Hayley. It rings a few times before her blissful voice is piercing through the phone.
Hey Riley! I can hear the smile in her voice. I didn’t expect a call from you.
I chuckle. Is Lucas with you?
No, he went out to do something for Pappy Joe. Why do you need to talk to him?
Actually, I kind of wanted to surprise him. I cringe at my words. I barely know Lucas, and what I’m doing feels like what a girlfriend would do for their boyfriend. I…I’m sort of back in Beaumont.
Really?! Her excitement is evident. She laughs. Maybe now Lucas will stop moping around. You’ve only been gone what two days, and he’s acting like he’s never going to see you again. But, I told him there was no way you two were going to stay apart; not with the way you two looked at each other.
I can feel heat rush to my cheeks, and I’m happy no one is around to see. I laugh nervously. I’m a little lost. I’d ask Lucas, but that kind of defeats the purpose of surprising him. Is…is it a good idea? I can turn around. She laughs at my ridiculous thought before assuring me that he’s going to love it, and then giving me their address. Thank you. I guess I’ll be seeing you in a bit.
Bye Riley.
Bye.
I input their address on my phone and pull back onto the road. I can instantly fill my heart race as my phone says it’s only a five minute drive from where I’m at.
The closer I get, the more nervous I’m becoming. The butterflies awake in my stomach as soon as his house comes into view, and my heart is pounding so fast I can hear it in my ears. He has no idea I’m here, and even though Hayley said he’ll be happy to see me I can’t help but think that I’m overstepping my bounds.
When I finally pull up front, I see the front door fly open and Hayley is running out. I barely have enough time to put the car in park and turn it off before she reaches my car. “You’re really here!” she smiles as I get out of the car, and she gives me hug. I look pass her to see her mom walking down the steps waving at me.
“This is a wonderful surprise,” Elizabeth says as soon as she reaches Hayley and I. “Lucas is going to be happy to see you,” she pulls me into a hug. “Speaking of.” I turn around to see a truck slowly driving towards us, and there goes the pitter patter in my heart. A smile takes over my face, and it doesn’t go unnoticed by Hayley and Elizabeth.
As he circles passed us, his eyes meet mine for a second and his eyes light up. He turns his attention back forward, but I can see the upturn in his cheeks. “He’s already smiling. See, mom,” Hayley nudges Elizabeth, “I told you Riley makes him smiley.”
Lucas steps out of the car, and instead of making his make to the back to unload the hay stacks, he walks over towards us; a smile radiating off his lips.
“Why don’t we leave these two alone,” Elizabeth whispers to Hayley.
Hayley huffs. “Are you going to leave this time without say bye?” I pull my gaze away from Lucas and look at Hayley.
I smile softly. “I promise I won’t.” She nods, and they both turn on their heels towards the house.
I look back to Lucas, and he’s only a few feet away. I never thought I’d meet someone on this road trip that I felt this strong of a connection with, but I did; and I don’t want to let it go.
“Hey,” he shyly says.
I giggle. “Hi.
“Hi,” he repeats smiling. I tuck a piece of hair that fell in front of my face behind my eye. “I…I wasn’t expecting to see you. N-not that I’m…I’m complaining,” he trips over his words. It was clear that we were both nervous. The last time we were so close to one another we shared an intense passionate kiss.
I clear my throat. “The plan was to be in Dallas, but honestly, I’d much rather be here.” A hint of red runs up his cheeks. “Do…do you need help?” I gesture to the truck.
He shakes his head as he swats his hand behind him. “I can do that later…So,” he coughs once rubbing the back of his neck, “how long are you staying?”
“I’m not really sure. I have to be back in New York in a week in a half.”
I can see excitement claim his eyes. “You can stay here until then…I mean if you want,” he quickly adds. “Hayley’s been talking nonstop about you and been upset since you left, so she’d be happy.”
I laugh escapes. “Really? I heard it’s you that’s been moping around.” The same hue of red returns to his cheek. “But, I’ll be happy to stay.” I look down at my hands. “I think this might be more fun being here than on the road,” I say quietly.
When I finally look up, his emerald green eyes are staring into my brown orbs. “Well, I’ll show you back to your room.” He smiles.
We both walk to my car, and he helps me with my things; and just like the first time, our hands brush against each other and a swarm of butterflies flutter around in my stomach.