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#yes I fully believe Jack loves baby goats
wellthebardsdead · 1 year
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Tracer: I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO CHEER HIM UP WHYS HE CRYING?!
Cole: happy emotional tears.
Soldier 76: *sobbing trying to hug a bunch of baby goats* I-I sh-shouldn’t have drank the whisky- I c-can’t protect them!
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katdvs · 7 years
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Lucas Friar moved back to Texas at 17, now he’s running for Mayor of Rosewood Springs so best friend Zay and little sister Gigi decide he needs a little help from a political consultant. Riley Matthews found her calling, she found a fiancé, but she never expected to find herself here, of all places.
Cross-posted to FF.net | Soundtrack | Past Chapters
Author Note: So, Thursday night I noticed I was close to my 70,000 post on tumblr and thought it would be super cool if the actual 70,000 post was the next chapter of TCTW. And I was sure I would finish the chapter quickly…but you know real life came up and stuff, so here we are Sunday and I’ve got this chapter done, and I still have time to prepare for my job interview tomorrow—wish me luck! Oh and special shoutout to @gmwpluto because she totally brought something up I hadn’t thought about, and it made this chapter better.
-be your man-
Zay stopped before taking a sip of the dark ale, as a chuckled escaped his lips and he looked at his friend, “That’s what’s going on?”
“Yup” he smiled sheepishly, “sounds like it all worked out.”
“You need to tell her.”
“I will.”
“Like tomorrow.” Zay pressed.
“I have campaign events, meetings, things to do for work.” He took a sip of his drink, running a hand through his sandy blonde hair.
Zay finally took a sip of his drink before setting the glass down on the oak bar top, “It has to come from you.”
He could feel Zay’s dark eyes on him, finally he relented, “Okay, I’ll go to Texas with you tomorrow and I’ll explain everything to Riley and Lucas.”
“Good Farkle, because let’s be honest they might not fully believe it if it came from anyone else.”
Earlier That Day
Lucas joined Topanga and a man he didn’t know on the steps outside the county courthouse. “They haven’t start yet have they? I had a sick goat.”
“Not yet Lucas, we still have time.” Topanga put her hand on his shoulder, “This is Eddie Parker, your lawyer. He’s got the restraining order against Dixie already placed, and he is prepared for any tricks her lawyer might try.”
“Nice to meet you.” Lucas said politely, but really, he just wanted to make sure Dixie couldn’t get anywhere near Riley or Gigi again.
“Lucas, I want you to be prepared, it is likely that her lawyer will try to get her an insanity plea.”
“She’s crazy, but she knew what she was doing.”
“Oh, I believe she knew exactly what she was doing. I think she’s very lucid, taking into consideration the charges, the history, her attorney will most likely try to get her sent to the mental health ward for at least an evaluation.” Eddie looked around, “I met Dixie yesterday, her Uncle tried to hire me as her attorney, she’s desperate, she’ll try to pull out any tricks she can.”
“I just want Riley, Gigi, and the babies’ safe.” Lucas told them, a knot growing in his stomach.
“Of course, and that’s why I called Eddie in.” Topanga reminded her son-in-law, “He’s the best attorney who ever interned for me, I try every year to lure him back to the New York office.”
“I did speak with the DA earlier today, they’re changing the charge from attempted homicide, to attempted murder in the first degree.” Eddie went over his notes, “They’re taking this very seriously, and they told me they plan to request that bail be denied since her Father recently moved away they feel she could be a flight risk.”
“Why is this happening?” Lucas’ brain felt flooded with information as he sat on the steps, “I never gave Dixie any reason to think she and I would get together, I actively avoided her for years. My wife and sister got hurt because she couldn’t accept it, we almost lost our babies because of her.”
“But you didn’t lose them, and Riley and Gigi are both fine.” Topanga sat next to him, “This isn’t your fault, it’s not Riley’s or anyone other than Dixie’s. She will pay for what she did.”
“I knew she wasn’t going to make things easy for Riley, she started a cake fight with her after Riley won the bake-off, but to go this far.”
Eddie looked down at the younger man, he could see the worry etched on his face, permeating from his soul, “Dixie is an entitled young woman, she obviously doesn’t understand boundaries, and people have let her get away with this for far too long.”
“I need her to be safe.”
“She will be.” Topanga assured him, “You love her, she loves you, you’re just starting your lives together, you have this hiccup right now, and years from now that’s what this will be. Just hold on to that.”
“I think I’ll hopefully feel better after the arraignment.”
Eddie glanced at his watch, “We should go in, it should be starting soon.”
Lucas nodded as he rose, helping Topanga up from the spot she’d been sitting next to him. They went into the courthouse, through the metal detectors, before finding the court room.
The trio sat in the back row, so as not to be too close that Dixie could see and misinterpret that Lucas was there to support her.
It was only another minute or so before the proceedings were called into session. “The Honorable Jack Cooper presiding. Today is September 25th. The Case of Texas V. Carmichael.”
Lucas felt a buzzing in his ears as he listened, wishing that none of this had happened. Wishing he could turn back time and do, say something different, wishing he’d gotten on a plane to New York to see Riley when she didn’t show up for his birthday, or told Dixie his heart would always belong to the girl from the subway, but he’d never given her any indication that he wanted her, so would any of that have mattered?
Dixie was brought in to her lawyer, Lucas heard Eddie whisper something to Topanga but he couldn’t make it out. They would explain everything later. For now, he felt like he was underwater as everything happened around him. He could see some of the local busy bodies sitting in, and honestly, he couldn’t blame them, this was big news for their quiet small town.
“Not Guilty your Honor.” Dixie’s voice cut through the sensory overload Lucas was experiencing and he grunted.
Topanga put a warning hand on his arm for him to remain calm, while the Judge continued through the proceedings.
“Bail is denied.” Finally gave Lucas a sigh of relief, at least she wouldn’t be out. It was only then that he realized the death glare his mother-in-law had been giving Dixie the entire time, just as Dixie turned to say something to her lawyer, only for her eyes to fall on Lucas.
“You came to support me.” She cried out as the room filled with commotion.
“Carolyn get your client reigned in.” Eddie shot her a warning look.
“Ms. Carmichael, I will warn you to behave in court or I will add contempt charges to the extensive list you already have.” The judge warned her. “There is a restraining order against you from Friar family, and I think you’ve proven today why that will stay in place. You will be held at the County Women’s Correctional facility until further notice.”
Lucas watched the Judge looking over a calendar, “The Trial will start on January 8th, of the new year.”
“That’s fast, this shouldn’t take too long at all, and the DA will bring her a plea bargain most likely that should be a reality check for her.” Eddie explained once they were adjourned and were getting up from their seats.
“I hope so, I would hate for Gigi and Riley to have the stress of a trial.” He admitted as they moved into the hall, he could feel Harris staring at them.
“Who is he?” Topanga adjusted the shoulder strap of her bag.
“Mayor Harris, Dixie’s Uncle.”
Topanga nodded before turning on her heel and marching straight over to him. “Mayor Harris, Topanga Matthews.”
He nodded not saying anything.
“Going for the strong silent type huh?” She took him in, at one point he’d probably been very popular with the ladies, “You obviously have enormous influence with your niece, perhaps you should use that influence to explain to her how much trouble she’s in.”
“I tried” he confessed, “She won’t listen to me.”
“Try harder, from what I under, she and you do not want the facts of this case dragged out for the public.” She walked away, leaving him to ruminate over what she’d said.
“What the hell is this?” Bonnie stood on the porch as two RVs pulled up the drive.
The screen door slammed against the frame as Cory came out, “What is this?”
“No idea.” She watched as a man got out of a car that accompanied the two larger vehicles. “Excuse me, what’s going on?”
“I have a delivery for Mrs. Friar, two RVs, it says they’ll be hooked up near the barn.”
“I didn’t order any RVs” Bonnie told him as Cory put a hand on her shoulder.
“Is the reservation under Riley Friar?”
The guy checked his paperwork over, “Yes, Riley Friar ordered these.”
Bonnie huffed, “I can’t believe this” before she threw the screen door open and stomped into the house.
“Sorry about that, my daughter ordered these and I have a feeling her mother-in-law is not pleased.”
“Can you sign for these?” He really didn’t care about the family drama, he just wanted to get back to his office before The Young and The Restless started.
“Of course.” Cory quickly signed just as one of the ranch hands came up to the house.
“Dr. Friar, wants these down here, we’ve got the hook ups ready to go.” He explained as he led them away.
Cory quickly left them as he bound into the house and up the stairs.
“What is with these RVs?” Bonnie’s demanding voice could be heard through the door.
“We thought things are a little crowded now, and we’re not entirely sure how long either you or my parents plan on staying. Gigi will be home in a few days, and well we could all use a little space.”
Cory entered the room, “They’re getting set up near the barn.” He told his daughter, “You sure you want it this way?”
“I think it’s best for all of us.” She looked at her mother-in-law, “Tensions are high, and its more for your comfort, and for Gigi’s.”
Bonnie frowned, her eyes fell, “I see. For Gigi.”
“I know things are tense, and she’ll need space. Just like Lucas and I need space.” She rubbed her hands together, “They’re top of the line, total comforts, basically little houses. You’ll be hooked up for internet and cable as well.”
“This is beyond disrespectful!” Bonnie crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Riley.
“Mrs. Friar, you are Lucas’ mother, you will be the grandmother of the children I’m carrying. However, you did show up unexpectedly, insulted me, and Gigi. This is our home, Lucas and I discussed this last night and believe it’s best. You’ll have privacy, my parents will have privacy, and we’ll have privacy.”
“What do you need privacy for?” She wasn’t letting up.
“To rest you crazy woman.” Cory started to guide Bonnie from the room, “Go pack your and Grady’s stuff up. I’ll help you bring stuff out, but first I’m going to make sure Riley will be okay to be left alone for a little bit.”
Before Bonnie could reply Cory had closed the door and was already going back over to the bed. “Are you okay, do you need to go to the bathroom, need any food, water?”
“I’m fine Dad, I’m probably going to try and nap. Lucas should be home in a little while. The RVs are the same, or at least they should be.”
“I get why you did it, especially after that.”
“Where’s Grady?”
“He’s visiting Gigi and then he’s going to meet your Mom at the resort to talk with the crew.”
Riley nodded, “Okay, well I’m going to sleep now.”
“Rest up sweetheart, you’re sleeping for three now.”
“Thanks Dad.” She watched him leave, wondering if she was going to survive the full two weeks if they kept acting the way they were.
“Fallon please get back here.” Charlie raced after his child as a knock came on the door. “Drew don’t open that door!”
It was too late both his children were racing to the door fighting with each other over who got to open it as Charlie slid behind them just in time to see Zay on the other end, “Zay, what are you doing here?”
“I’m in New York, thought I would drop by, see how Maya is.” He rocked back and forth on his feet, “Can I come in?”
“Yeah, sorry, I wasn’t expecting you. Is Riley okay?”
“I think so, I haven’t actually seen her.” He confessed as he came in, greeting both kids.
Charlie raised an eyebrow, “Zay, what’s going on?”
“My…friend, Gloria May is interviewing Farkle for some political website she does freelance stuff for. So, I’m going to try and get a chance to talk to him, find out why he did what he did.” Zay looked around the living room, he still couldn’t really wrap it around in his mind that Maya was a stay at home mom, expecting her third child.
“What did Farkle do?” Charlie studied his wife’s friend, what had been going on. He’d been confused for weeks, ever since Riley had shown up and broken up with Dave. “Zay, what has been going on since Riley came back to town in August?”
“Farkle and Isadora forced Riley out of the company, paid her like a ton of money.” Zay gulped, suddenly remembering why he hadn’t been a fan of Charlie, “And um Riley broke up with Dave because she really loves Lucas who she married like a week after she got back in Las Vegas, and yeah.”
“Does Maya know that?”
Zay shrugged, “I don’t think she does.”
Charlie took Zay by the arm as he brought him back to the bedroom, “Maya, you’ve got a visitor, all the way from Texas.”
Maya sat up in bed, not sure who could be here, “Zay, what the hell are you doing here?”
“I’m gonna talk to Farkle.” He felt a weird tension in the room, “So, how are you?”
“Pregnant and stuck in bed, otherwise I would smack you for not telling me Riley and Lucas got married.” She glared at him.
“So, she told you huh? I figured with their parents both there she would.”
“Yeah, she told me, and you knew, you were there.”
“I was, it was beautiful, I’m sure she’ll send you the video.”
“She already did. I haven’t watched it yet.”
Zay sat at the foot of the bed, “They couldn’t wait to be together, they called me and Gigi and we went to Las Vegas, we got dressed up, took a helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon, had the ceremony, cake, champagne, went back to Vegas and they went to bed…and yeah.”
“What did you do in Vegas?” Maya watched him, the signs where there, “Oh my God, you slept with Gigi, didn’t you?”
“How do you know that?”
“Your foot, it’s tapping, you do that when you’re scared of making Lucas mad. Sleeping with his baby sister, how old is she Zay?”
“Nineteen, and she’s engaged to Lucas’ soon to be Junior Doctor.” Zay dropped his head, “And I think I’m in love with her, but she chose Deacon.”
Maya threw a pillow at him as he flopped down on her bed, “You’re an idiot. Are you in love with her or was it just good sex? And Zay I know you have no trouble getting laid.”
“That’s where it gets even more complicated, I’ve been sleeping with someone since we got back from Vegas, but she knows how I feel about Gigi.”
“How you think you feel.” Maya corrected him.
Zay ignored her tone, “And Deacon knows, he told me I had to stay away from Gigi. I think that’s part of why I came to New York with Gloria May, not only to try and talk to Farkle, but to escape a little bit.”
“Your whole group is ridiculous” Charlie flew to his feet, “Maya is the normal one. You’re in love with your best friend’s teenage sister, Farkle is forcing people out of companies they built and then stops talking to everyone, and Riley was engaged to my best friend and then like a week later married to someone else? But like in May, all of you were group texting each other all damn day long all up in each other’s lives. What the hell?”
“To be fair, Dave is engaged to Avery now. Remember that ridiculous wedding we have to go to in November, right after Gracie is born.” Maya rubbed her pregnant belly, as she started to laugh, “I want to be there when Dave finds out Riley and Lucas are married and expecting twins.”
Zay slowly sat up like a creepy doll in a horror movie as he looked to Maya, “Expecting twins, what are you talking about?”
She smirked, “You didn’t know? Huckleberry knocked her up good. I guess they found out in the hospital.”
Zay’s jaw just hung open for a moment, “I shouldn’t be surprised, before she came back to New York it was like any moment they were either going to kill each other or have sex. And once she was back, let me just say neither stopped smiling until the accident.”
“So, I guess we’re even.” Maya sighed, “You knew they got married, I knew she’s pregnant.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“So, what’s your plan to see Farkle?”
Zay slipped his phone out of his pocket checking the time, “Gloria May should be sitting down to interview him right now. So, no one knows why they forced Riley out?”
“No, I can’t get him or Smackle to call me back. Riley said they’ve ignored her and Lucas.”
“And I haven’t gotten anything from him either.” Zay sighed, “I’m going to try and pop back in, just before he leaves and try and get him to talk to me.”
Charlie shook his head, “You people and your schemes, can’t you just let things play out like they should?”
“No” the two said in unison, smiles forming on their lips.
Frustrated he shook his head and went back to the living room where Drew could already be heard begging to watch Trolls again.
Maya looked to Zay, “I wish you luck, I’m glad you came by. Bed rest sucks.”
“I bet, how much longer are you stuck in bed?”
“Until this one decides to join us, so a few more weeks. At least Riley only has to do it these two weeks.”
“She’s on bedrest?”
“You really are out of the loop. You’re that scared Lucas is going to have a minute to think and realize you hooked up with his sister.”
He sighed, “I tried to deny it, I tried to ignore it Maya. I turned her down, I pushed her away.”
“But you gave in.”
“And pushed her away, then gave in again, told her what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
“That’s just a stupid slogan they use so you’ll go there and lose all your money and do something you’ve been holding back.” Maya chewed on her lower lip for a moment as she thought, “Have you fought for her?”
Zay didn’t say anything for a moment, “I told her I love her.”
“Before or after she almost died?”
“After.”
“And then she told you she picked the other guy, right?”
“Yeah.”
“You have to fight for her you moron. You haven’t done that. You’ve given her no reason to think you love her, but love her body. She’s young, if she really loves you and you really love her, fight for her. Don’t just roll over dead and let the other guy win. Be the man she deserves.”
“What if I think she deserves more than me?”
“Figure out why you don’t feel like that’s you, and get your head out of your ass. I you love her and she loves you be together. Stop worrying about if Lucas is going to kick your ass, because let’s be real if you break his sisters heart, he will. But if you love her, you cherish her, he won’t.”
Zay groaned, “I hate when you’re the voice of reason.”
Riley woke up to her Mother bringing in a tray of food. “How was court?”
“She’s still in lock up, no bail.” Topanga set the tray up for her.
“How’s the resort?” Riley tried to sit up, feeling her muscles tense and aching.
Topanga sat on the chair next to the bed, “It looks amazing Riley, they showed me and Grady the plans, and I am so proud of you. Grady is going to hang around there when he’s not visiting Gigi. I saw the RVs, I think it was a smart decision.”
“Thank you.” Riley took a sip of water, “Any second thoughts I had about it went out the window when Bonnie flipped out over them.”
“She is” Topanga paused for a moment, “high-strung, isn’t she?”
“Yeah, she’s Lucas’ mom, and his Dad like retired or something so they thought they could just come back here, but you and Grandma Amy got along well, right? How?”
“Well, at times, she could be critical, you know your father and I got married so young, even though we’d been together for so long, she will always be his mother, the first woman in his life, and when you get married the wife kind of takes that place as the care taker.” Topanga watched as Riley looked down at her abdomen, “You’ll realize it when you have those babies. I did when I had you, and Auggie.”
“Were you scared to become a mom?”
“Terrified, I had this life that I was going to be responsible for with your father, I was sure we were going to screw you up, I was even more terrified with Auggie.” She took Riley’s hand, “You are going to be an amazing mother, and you’ll have Lucas by your side for these two precious blessings.”
“Thanks Mom, it really means a lot that you think so.”
“I know so.” Topanga smiled, “Lucas loves you so much, it’s written all over his entire being. I could see today, just how worried he was for you. How much he wants to protect you, provide for you, care for you.”
“I really love him Mom, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” Riley looked down at her phone as a text came in from Maya.
“What’s wrong honey?”
“Zay is in New York.”
“What’s he doing there?”
Riley shrugged, “I don’t know, I haven’t seen him in a few days.” She quickly texted Lucas with the news before putting the phone down, “So Mom, want to binge watch Grace and Frankie with me?”
“I would love to.”
Lucas came back to his office, sinking down into his chair, rubbing his eyes. He had a few more patients to see and then he could go home, laydown with his wife, ignore their parents and sleep.
He saw the notification light on his phone blinking and he pulled up the text from Riley he had waiting. His jaw tensed as he read it before he quickly pulled up Zay’s number, only to have it go to voicemail, “What the hell are you doing in New York, you better have someone covering the bar tonight. Do you not comprehend what’s going on here? Call me back.”
Lucas slammed his thumb onto the end call button before storming out of the office and out to the street before going next door the Wild Z. The door was locked and a string of curses came flying for his mouth as he went back to the office.
“What’s wrong?” Deacon pulled him into an empty exam room.
“Zay ran off to New York, and no one is around to work the Wild Z. I have to find my key to get in and call people.”
“Why the hell is he in New York?”
Lucas threw his hands in the air, “I have no idea, I don’t know what is going on. I have enough to deal with and I don’t need Zay being a total flake on top of it.”
“Take a deep breath, breathe.” Deacon studied him, “I will cover things here, you go figure out the Wild Z. Come back when you have it covered. One thing at a time.”
Lucas sighed, “Thank you, I don’t even know who he has working there anymore. Gigi left, not that she could work anyways.”
Deacon tensed up, “Just go figure it out.”
Lucas went to his office grabbing his keys before he left to go back to the bar. He unlocked the door, turned the lights on before he went to set up the register. He didn’t work the bar often, really the only time he had was when Zay went to his cousin’s wedding in Dallas a few years ago. He turned the music on and went to the office to look for a schedule.
Right in the middle of Zay’s desk was the calendar, with his own name written down. Lucas shook his head as he sat in the chair. He started digging around for a call sheet, who the hell even worked here? He finally found one, and started making calls, but no one could come in. Two of the bartenders were off in Austin for school, the other his wife was in labor.
Lucas sat back, he knew they would have a crowd soon, it might not be a big one, but it would be something since Football was on tonight.
He went through the list, apparently everyone had the night off. He was going to kill Zay. He could feel a throbbing pain behind his eye when he saw Riley calling, “Honey, Hi.”
“Lucas, it’s Cory.”
Lucas wanted to throw his phone across the room and bang his head on the desk, “What’s going on?”
“You’re Dad and I were going into town, we wanted to know if you needed anything at the store.”
“The only thing I need are people to work at the bar tonight. Zay ran off to New York and apparently none of his employees can come in.” Lucas sighed as he heard Cory talking to someone.
“You’ve got two bartenders on the way.” Cory told him before hanging up.
Lucas looked at the phone confused, what Pandora’s box had he just opened?
Deacon opened the door to Gigi’s room, seeing her climbing back into the bed, “Hey you’re up, moving around.”
“Only a little bit, but its nice to be able to do.” She tried to get comfortable as he came over, planting a kiss on her lips, she felt a surge through her being. “How was your day?”
“Busy, Lucas went to the hearing, Dixie is being held without bail.”
“Good” Gigi continued trying to adjust the bedding.
Deacon put his bag down next to her bed, “How much do you hate that hospital gown?”
She glared at him, “I don’t want to see another one of these until I’m in labor with our child.”
Deacon stared at her, it was how easy the words had flown from her lips. It wasn’t something she forced herself to say, it was her honest statement. “We will, we will have as many babies as we can.” He ignored the tears in his eyes.
“We will?” She took his hand, “I want us to Deacon, I’m not as drugged up as I was before, so you need to know. I love you, I want to be with you.”
He kissed her hands, “I want that to.” He looked up into her green eyes, “you need to heal, I need to heal. But we will heal together.”
“I really like that idea.” She told him.
He kissed her hands, “I um” he sat up, wiping his eyes, “I brought you some pajamas that you had at my place, I talked to your doctor he said it’s okay for you to wear them instead of the gown if their loose enough.”
“Thank you.” She took the pajamas he pulled out, her favorite pair, she held them close to her, breathing in the scent of Deacon’s laundry detergent.
“You’re welcome, I found a couple of your school books, I don’t know if you want them or not.”
“Dad and I talked, I’m withdrawing from the semester. I’m going to miss too much school.”
Deacon reached out smoothing her hair, “You’ll go back in January, and you’ll graduate in the spring.”
“I’m going to go change into these. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be here Gigi, I’m not going anywhere.” Deacon watched her walk to the bathroom and close the door, “I won’t run like Zay did.”
“You guys really don’t need to do this.” Lucas watched as his father and father-in-law dug through a box looking for Wild Z t-shirts.
“You need help, and we feel pretty useless on the ranch.” Cory told him.
“And your mother is driving me insane.” Grady pulled a shirt out and started to take his off.
Lucas closed his eyes, “Have either of you ever bartended before?”
“Back in college, when Topanga was in law school, I was student teaching, Riley was a baby.” Cory explained.
“I did a little in college to.” Grady pulled the black t-shirt on and shrugged, figuring it was good enough.
“Thank you, guys.” Lucas sighed, “I don’t know what Zay is doing in New York, but I just am thankful you’re both here to help.”
Cory had found a shirt and put it on, “So,” he clapped his hands together, “What are you doing about the grill?”
“I’ll handle that, limited menu, I printed it up.” Lucas gave them a few copies, “There are bartender guides behind the bar, I just I think it should be simple. A football crowd, we can handle this right?”
“Right, totally.” Grady smiled proudly as the three men left the back room, just in time for a few guys to come in, ordering beers.
Just as Lucas went to get the kitchen going he heard his father to Cory, “I lied I never bartended in my life.”
“Don’t worry, it can’t be that difficult, can it?”
“Thank you so much for your time today Mr. Minkus” Gloria May turned off her audio recorder.
Farkle stood up, buttoning his suit jacket, “Thank you so much for coming all the way from Texas to do this interview. When can I expect it to be on the site?”
Gloria May looked up, “Tomorrow evening, don’t worry your team will get a chance to look over it. I’m surprised you didn’t have anyone sitting in with you during this from your campaign team. My friend Riley always sits in with her fiancé when he’s getting interviewed and he’s just running for Mayor.”
Farkle adjusted his tie, “I’ve been around political consultants long enough to know when I do, and do not need them.”
“Like Riley” Zay was standing in the open-door way, leaning against the frame as he looked at his old friend. “Hey Farkle.”
“Zay, hey, long time no see.” Farkle started to loosen his tie. “What are you doing here?”
“Zay is a friend from home, he came with me since I’ve never been to New York before.” Gloria May took her things, “I’ll leave you two alone. I have work to do.”
Closing the door Zay crossed the room after Gloria May had gone into the bedroom, “You know I’ve called dozens of times, Lucas has, Maya has, Riley sure as hell has.”
“Yeah, I uh heard she and Dave broke up.” Farkle glanced at the back room. “He’s engaged to Avery, she’s a lawyer from his firm.”
“Good for him.” Zay held back the smirk itching to form on his lips. “How’s the wife?”
“Smackle is wonderful, enjoying her new challenges in life now that the consulting firm has closed.” Farkle circled around Zay, “So, is Gloria May your girlfriend?”
“It’s complicated.” Zay rubbed his chin with his fingers, feeling his phone vibrate he pulled it out and saw Lucas was calling he ignored it before turning his attention back to Farkle, “Which is probably the only way to describe what you and Smackle did to Riley.”
Farkle pursed his lips for a moment, “How is Riley?”
“Alive, which is amazing considering someone tried to kill her.” Zay realized at that moment that Farkle had no idea anything had happened to Riley. “You didn’t know?”
“Someone tried to kill Riley, of all the people why Riley?” Farkle ran a hand over his hair, silently praying that nothing he’d done had caused this.
“Because Riley is with Lucas.”
Farkle stepped forward, “Is she, or are they still playing for his election?”
“How about you and I go downstairs, have a drink, and we exchange some details.” Zay put his arm around Farkle leading him towards the door.
Farkle pulled away, “Are they together?”
Zay studied his friend, the desperate look in his eyes, the worry on his face, “Yes, they’re together.”
“They need to get married already.” Farkle ran his hand through his hair.
He pulled a picture up on his phone and handed it to Farkle without saying a word.
Farkle looked at the screen before looking back at Zay, “It worked, my stupid plan worked.”
“This was part of your plan?”
A smile came over his lips, “Yeah, you think we did this to be assholes? No, we looked at the information we had, and decided it was time to push the baby bird out of the nest.”
Riley glanced at the time on her laptop as she saw the glow of the headlights coming down the drive on the bedroom wall. She saved the document she’d been working on before closing the computer as she waited for the door to open.
When he came in, she couldn’t help but admire his form in the tight black t-shirt, but his body was carrying the weight of the world as he toed off his shoes and came over to the bed. “Hey why are you still awake?”
“Waited up for you” She caressed his cheek before he pulled away to go brush his teeth. “Zay texted me, he’s going to be back tomorrow afternoon, he says he’s sorry you had to work the bar tonight, but he hopes you’ll forgive him.”
Lucas came out from the bathroom his mouth half-full of toothpaste, “I’m too tired to be mad at him right now.” He finished up and came out, shedding his shirt, and pants, leaving on his boxers before crawling into bed.
“When do you have to be up?” She let her fingers run in his hair as he curled up against her.
“Noon” he released a content sigh, “Deacon is taking the house calls in the morning for me.”
“How was it working with my Dad and yours?”
Lucas sat up, rubbing his eyes, “I will never un-see the things I saw tonight. The Eagles were playing.”
“Oh no, what did my Dad do?”
“By tomorrow afternoon, I think the entire town will have seen your Fathers scoring dance.”
“Oh gosh, I am so sorry.”
“It’s okay, it was nothing compared to my own Father who decided to have a mini-Karaoke concert to sing Don’t Stop Believing.”
She couldn’t help but laugh, “One day, you’ll do something like that and embarrass these two.”
Lucas put his hand on her abdomen, “I would and will do anything for you three.”
Riley snuggled closer to him after turning out the bedside light, “I know you’re stressed out right now, but honey you are an amazing husband. I’m so overwhelmed by how protective you are, how much you do to take care of me, your sister, your friends. It makes me fall in love with you just a little bit all over again with you.”
“I never thought we would be here, you and me, married, expecting twins.” He gasped as though it were starting to hit him in that moment.
Riley kissed his forehead feeling his body tense with anxiety. “Get some sleep, rest up babe. Let me take care of you.”
Lucas purred, “Just hold me” he felt like he breathed for the first time. “Mm, you smell good.”
“I need a shower, but not as badly as you do.” She could smell the food and beer from the bar in his hair.
He nuzzled her neck, “We’ll take one in the morning, a nice long one.”
“That sounds perfect.” She held onto him, listening to him breathing as she closed her eyes drifting to sleep.
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