Lie To Me

Riley’s P.O.V.

*1 month ago*
I checked myself out in the mirror one more time before walking down the stairs. “This is as good as it’s going to get.” I mumbled to myself.
As I reached the bottom of the stairs Sarah was waiting for me.
“Are you excited?” She smiled.
“I feel like I’m going to throw up.” I replied.
“You’re not pregnant are you?!” She joked.
I playfully hit her, “No! I just. I haven’t considered marrying since...”
“Luke. I know, but Hunter is perfect.”
“That’s the problem.” I chuckled, “No one is perfect.”
“Are you not going to say yes?” she questioned, I questioned myself. I truly haven’t considered marriage since Luke. He grew up next door. He was my best friend; my first love; my first heartbreak. Hunter came into my life when I wasn’t looking for anyone. He picked up all of my pieces.
“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” I smirked, grabbing my purse and heading out the door.
“You suck!” She called after me.
----
A short drive later I made it to our favorite restaurant on top of Lookout Mountain.
“Hello, beautiful.” Hunter kissed my hand.
“Hello, handsome.” I smiled, kissing his cheek.
We went hand in hand into the country club for dinner. The path to our table was candlelit with rose petals.
“How romantic.” I spoke.
“I try.” he chuckled.
The waiter poured the wine and brought our favorite appetizers. We sat on the deck under the stars. My stomach was in knots.
*5 years ago*
The waiter poured our waters and waited patiently for our order.
“Sorry, I haven’t quite decided yet.” I shyly spoke.
“No worries, ma’am. I’ll check back in a few minutes.” the waiter kindly replied.
As she walked away I turned back to Luke, “How can you afford this place?” I exclaimed.
“The band is picking up gigs. Anddddd I’ve been saving since we were 16 and you said you dreamt of coming here.”
“2 years of saving? Luke...”
“Riley... I have something to--”
“Have we decided?” he was interrupted.
“Uh, yes we’ll have to steaks, medium.” he quickly replied.
“It’ll be out shortly.” she smiled, walking away.
“Did you ever think we’d end up in the states?” I asked.
He chuckled, “No.”
“I’m glad wherever we go, it’s together.” I blushed.
“Me too.” he blushed. After a short pause he spoke again, “Riley... Will you be my girlfriend?”

*Proposal Night*

“Riley? Are you okay?” Hunter asked.
“Of course.” I smiled. Liar.
I had known for months that tonight was the night Hunter was proposing, yet I still couldn’t come to terms with it- with letting Luke go for real.
“You know, about a year ago we met here.” Hunter smiled.
“We did.” I replied.
1 year ago Luke stood me up here after I was giving him one last chance.
“I remember the cute dress you were in and the way your hair fell. I was taken back at how beautiful you were; are. Slowly I got you to trust me and you became even more beautiful...” Oh god... Here it is... “Riley Ann, you are my best friend, and I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
“Will you do me the honor of...” He’s really doing this. He’s getting down on one knee... “Marrying me?”
“Hunter..” I gasped, shocked mainly at the ring. “I-- I--”

“Present Day*

“What are you doing here?”
“The ring on your finger made me come back.” Luke smirked.
“Made you?” I scoffed.
“Don’t do this Ry, please.” Luke’s eyes filled with tears like the last time he begged me not to.
“Luke.” I choked up.
“Riley.” he cried.

Notes