Lie To Me

Riley’s P.O.V.

I had apparently cried myself back to sleep. The smell of pancakes woke me up. I stumbled downstairs with my messy bun and sweatpants.
“I made you favorite!” Sarah smiled.
“Chocolate chip! You know how to make everything better.” I smiled.
“I try. Now what else are we doing today to make you feel better? Shopping?”
“Ooooh. Shopping.” I replied. “I’ll go change.”
I ran up to my closet to find something cute to wear. My ring shimmered in the ray of sun coming through the window. “Hmm.” I shook my head and kept searching for clothes.

*1 year ago*

I waited patiently at the country club for Luke to show. Maybe everything would be different this time. The band was taking another break soon, so maybe we’d have a chance to talk everything out.
An hour past the time Luke said he’d be here.
“That’s it.” I spoke aloud, about to storm out of the restaurant.
“Excuse me miss?” A man called. I turned to see a handsome man with piercing eyes and the whitest smile.
“Yes?” I questioned.
“Hi, I’m Hunter. I watched you sitting alone this afternoon and wondered if you wanted to join me. I could buy you lunch.”
“That’s very nice, but I was supposed to meet someone and I got stood up. I’m in a horrible mood.”
“Are you sure you couldn’t use something to eat? Even their famous cheesecake?”
I blushed, “I suppose some cheesecake wouldn’t hurt.”
“So did a blind date stand you up?” he questioned.
“Ha, not even close. Just an ex boyfriend.”
“Well he is clearly missing out. You look stunning today.”
I blushed again, “Thank you, but I broke up with him and have been feeling like I’m missing out.”
“Whatever the reason, you’re better off without him.” Hunter smiled.
“Excuse me, miss.” The bartender spoke, “This is for you.” she said, setting a vodka lemonade in front of me.
“I didn’t--” I began.
“It was from another customer.” She smiled, then walked away.
“It wasn’t me, but I can’t let you drink alone.” Hunter smiled, and ordered one himself.
I read the napkin, ‘It may not be a jack and coke but a good girl like you is like sweet lemonade on a hot day. Sorry I didn’t make it in time.’
Luke...
“Everything okay?”
I smiled and practically downed the drink, “Perfect. So tell me more about you.”

Luke’s P.O.V.

I saw Riley enjoying the drink with the man who offered to make her day better. Just five more minutes and it could still have been me. I stopped the waitress that gave her the drink before ducking out of the club.
“Thank you for getting her that drink. Could you thank the bartender for not pointing me out? It was for the best.”
She nodded politely before walking away.
“Bye RIley.”

*Present Day*

I met Sarah in my car and drove to the mall.
“So what super cute clothes are you going to get?” Sarah smiled.
“I have no idea.” I laughed, “It just feels good to get out of the house.”
--
We went through all of our usual stores and soon my mind was taken off of Luke. I lost Sarah in Forever 21. It was never really my thing. So I walked through 2nd and Charles. I browsed the books, the music, the pops. I couldn’t help myself and walked to the cash register with more than I could afford.
“Next.” The cashier called.
“Hi.” I smiled.
“Did you find everything okay?” she smiled, bagging everything without scanning it.
“I did.” I gave her a confused look.
“Don’t worry, I’m not stupid. Your fiance took care of everything already.”
I gave her an even more confused look.
“Um. So here you go. Have a nice day.”
“Thank you?” I said, walking away.
I nervously walked out of the store, but no alarms went off.
“Woah girl! So many things! You must’ve spent your whole bank account.” Sarah exclaimed.
“No, but I sure thought I was going to.”
“Sale?”
“The cashier said my fiance took care of it.”
“But he--”
“I know. Maybe we should get out of here.”
“Lunch?” she asked.
“Please.” I replied.
--
Soon we were at a nearby restaurant that was packed full.
“Just two?” The hostess asked.
We nodded.
“I apologize but I only have a half table with another party. Is that okay?”
We nodded again and followed her through the loud crowd.
“Lots of screaming girls.” Sarah spoke.
“They’d all kill for the table you’re getting.” the hostess smiled.
She set the menus down and I looked up.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Riley!”
“Luke.” I growled.

Notes