Lie To Me

Luke’s P.O.V.

“Riley! Please just tell me what you went through. Please. I want to understand. I want to make this right.”
She turned and half-smiled at me.
“Only if you take me home and make the best breakfast of your life.”
“You have a deal.”
--
Riley fell asleep on the ride home. I carried her to the bed and let her sleep a few hours before I made breakfast. I made chocolate, chocolate chip pancakes, with bacon, sausage and hashbrowns.
“Ry! Breakfast is ready.”
She groggily came into the kitchen rubbing her eyes.
“Thank you.” She smiled, taking a huge bite. “This is SOOOOO gooood.” she spoke with food in her mouth, I couldn’t help but laugh as I joined her.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” I smiled. I sat back admiring her for a moment. Her hair was in a messy bun from earlier this morning and she sat in my American Apparel underwear with my favorite Green Day shirt. She is so beautiful.
“Orange juice?” I asked.
“Please.” she replied, mouth still full.
I poured her a glass.
“I’m sorry about this morning.” she replied.
“Please don’t apologize.”
“I shouldn’t have told you this couldn’t work.”
“Can it?”
“We’ll see after I tell you everything.” she replied, moving to the couch.
I followed her and sat at the opposite end just in case.

Riley’s P.O.V.

*3 1/2 years ago*

The tabloids are flooded with a girl all over Luke. Apparently she is Insta famous. I tried texting and calling Luke all night, but I got no response.
“Sar! Can you come here?” I cried.
“Hey, what’s the matter?”
I showed her my phone and she immediately pulled me into a hug.
I cried for hours before falling asleep.

*3 years ago*

A video leaked of Luke talking dirty to a girl while on the phone. I could only assume it was Arzaylea. I didn’t bother trying to get ahold of him this time. I went to my parents and snuck some alcohol. I had Sarah come over and console me as I drank all of my problems away. When she fell asleep I called someone I personally never thought I would turn to.
“Ashton? It’s Riley. Do you have a minute?”
“Yeah, Ry. Anything for you.”
We talked for hours. Ashton was filling a void that Luke created.
“Thanks for listening, Ash.”
“Anytime. Seriously.”
“God, why couldn’t it have been you?” I chuckled.
“Riley...”
“Sorry. I should go.”
“Sometimes, I wonder the same thing.”
I hung up before replying. I felt sick to my stomach. My best friend was in love with him, and he is Luke’s friend and bandmate; but drunk me wanted everything about him.
*2 1/2 years ago*
Luke cried himself to sleep after telling me what I already knew. When I knew he was fully out, and not getting up, I went to the room next door.
I knocked, “Ashton?” I whispered.
“Riley?” he asked, answering the door scratching his head, “What’s wrong? Why are you here?”
Before I responded I leaned in and kissed him. He pulled me into the room and shut the door. I could taste alcohol and cigarettes on his breath... Just like Luke. In seconds our clothes were on the floor and we were on the bed.
“Are you sure?” he asked. I kissed him as reply.
--
I collapsed on the bed next to Ashton. I softly cried to myself, hoping he wouldn’t hear.
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.” Ashton sighed.
“Ashton..”
“Don’t. I knew it was a mistake. You should go.”
I grabbed my things and snuck back into Luke’s room before he woke up.

*2 years ago*

I left on the plane to MSG and never looked back. Sarah stayed in New York with the boys, so I knew I couldn’t even turn to Ashton. I got home and sulked to myself. I slipped back into my depression and shut everyone out.

*1 year ago*

Luke asked me to meet him, and I never hated either of us more. Him for asking and me for saying yes. I finally felt good. I was ready to move on and be his again. I lost my patience the first 5 minutes of him being late. After an hour past I just wanted to go home and crawl back to my shell.
“Excuse me, miss?”

*Present day*

Tears ran down my face and I could see the shock and anger in Luke’s face.
“Please, just don’t tell him I finally came clean. And please, god, don’t tell Sarah.”
“So you just want to live on lies and secrets?” he growled.
“Luke I--”
“How could you?! He was my best friend!”
“The same way you slept with Arzaylea and random girls.”
“Random being the key word! Not Sarah! Not your best friend!”
“Luke.”
“Riley.” he scowled.
I cried harder from his tone. “I’m so sorry, Luke!” I spoke in hysterics. I put my face in my hands. Quickly, Luke wrapped his arms around me.
“It’s going to be okay.” he spoke, but somehow, I wasn’t sure it was.

Notes

Ah, snap. I said it could get worse...