Chapter Ten

   By the end of the day, Trevor has in fact, found me on Facebook. He's even even tried sending me messages throughout the day.

Trevor Lyles: Why don't you have any pictures of yourself posted you weirdo?

Trevor Lyles: Don't worry, I'll tag you in a picture of us when we hang out tonight.

Trevor Lyles: Matt is a loser. He's the Ken Doll, not me. I snort, because Matt does actually resemble Ken.

Trevor Lyles: Why do you keep leaving me on read here girl? Breaking my heart and shit.

Trevor Lyles: Do you drive? If not I'll drive you home.

I roll my eyes. So bossy.

Riley Brinks: I have a ride already, thanks.

Trevor Lyles: With who? Matt? Look, I'm trying to be nice for you babe, but I will smash his face in.

Riley Brinks: No, not Matt. But it's definitely with a good looking guy.

I snicker and shove my phone into my back pocket as I head to the pick up line and hop in Dad's car. I feel my phone going crazy but it just makes me laugh harder.

"Well, I'm guessing someone had a good day, huh?" My dad smiles as he says it. I smile back. "Yeah, Dad. I think I'm going to like it here. Thanks for the fresh start." He looks happy with my response. "Oh, by the way, I have a surprise waiting for you at home. You definitely deserve it after putting up with me all of these years."

Awh, poor Dad. "You're the best Dad a girl could ask for. You didn't have to get me anything though, I'm good." He just looks at me and shakes his head.

When we turn onto our street he pulls over and makes me put on a blindfold. Okay, I'm super curious now. I feel the car begin to move again and I can't stop the excited smile that completely takes over my face.

I feel the car stop and he opens my door and guides me a few steps. "Don't take that blindfold off yet! Let me get my phone ready." I laugh and nod.

When he gives me the go ahead I gasp at what I see. I can't move. I want to cry. I want to scream. I want to laugh.

"DAD. NO. WAY. NO YOU DID NOT. THAT IS MY DREAM TRUCK. THAT ISN'T JUST A TRUCK THAT IS A FORD RAPTOR! OH MY GOD!"

I literally scream and run to my Dad and nearly knock him over with the impact of my hug. "Anything for my girl. Here are the keys. Go check it out. It's fully loaded, brand new, custom sound system with blue tooth for your phone. You've earned it, now take it for a spin!"

After I jump in and my dad takes a few pictures I crank up the black beauty and take off. I'm not sure where to go so I just start taking different roads. Eventually I see this quaint little coffee shop and park.

As soon as I walk in I'm greeted by the welcoming aroma of deep rich coffee and donuts. I'm practically drooling as I make my way to the counter. The guy behind the counter turns and breaks into a surprised smile.

"Matt, what are you doing here?" I mentally smack myself. Working, obviously you idiot. He laughs and says "Serving all of your wants and desires or course."

Well then. "Oh yeah? How about one of those donuts over there?" I lean across the counter and whisper, "With the sprinkles." His eyes twinkle as he leans over to meet me "Oh yeah, can't forget the sprinkles."

Maybe it was the sultry tone in his whisper, but it was at that moment I realized how intimate our position was. His lips weren't even an inch from mine. I jumped at the realization.

Sadly, I've never been kissed. Obviously if I've waited this long, I expected my first kiss to be a bit more dramatic than over a coffee shop counter. "And uh um coffee- hot. Delicious- I mean black. Make it black. No sugar. Strong. The the coffee I want the coffee strong-" His laugh cuts me off and he gets right on my order. I find a booth in the back and decide to finally look at my phone.

   Trevor Lyles: With who.

Trevor Lyles: Peaches, I'm not playing. Who are you with?

*Missed video call with Trevor Lyles*

Trevor Lyles: PEACHES!!!

Trevor Lyles: RILEY.

Trevor Lyles: Oh. I see you now. Your dad. Whew. Good girl. Catch you later babes.

I snicker just as Matt approaches with my beloved caffeine and sugar. To my surprise he slides into the seat across the table and smiles. "So, tell me about yourself Miss Brinks."

I smile. Matt really does seem like a genuinely nice guy. "Well. There isn't much to tell really. I grew up in South Georgia with my dad. I love books, paintball, and laser tag. Your turn."

Matt's mouth as dropped open. "Wow, will you just marry me now? What about a boyfriend? Did you leave one back home? And me? I'm just about football and family."

"No boyfriend. I'm a single pringle." Single Pringle? What the actual heck? Way to come off as both dorky and desperate.

His eyes light up. "Awesome. So I noticed you were hanging out with Lyles today. Look, you seem like a nice girl but Trevor isn't a nice guy. He's into some shady stuff, Riles. I'm not telling you what to do, I just don't want to see you get mixed up in all of that."

I can hear the sincerity in his voice. "Yeah, I'm not interested in Trevor in that way so no worries. Thanks for looking out though."

He smiles and reaches for my hand across the table. "I have to get back to work, text you later?" I smile back and nod. He gives my hand one last squeeze before walking off. Things are looking up, girl.

   I climb back into the truck and decide on where to go next. Peaches! My mind made up, I make my way to Claudette.

When I arrive she's sitting at the counter flipping through a magazine. Her face lights up when she sees me. "Riley! What's up?"

I smile coyly. "My dad surprised me with a new truck today so I figured I'd surprise you." She squeals. "What? He got you ride? Way to go Dad! Let me see!" I nod excitedly and she yells to her coworker that she's going on break.

When she sees the black beauty she goes, "Whoa. I do believe your Georgia roots are showing girl. Your itty bitty self in this beast! I love it! You have got to give me a ride to school in this thing in the morning!"

I laugh. "Of course, just text me your address and I'll be there." She's practically drooling over my baby when we hear "Yo, Peaches! Sweet ride! Is it yours?"

I turn to face Trevor and nod my head. "Ooooh, I love a tough girl. Damn babe, you just keep impressing me." I shake my head. "Well I better get back, Claudette. I'll see you in the morning."

   I get in my truck as quickly as possible and head home. As I'm pulling into my driveway I notice some kind of green sports car pulling in behind me. It looks fast and sharp but I'm not really a car person so I'm not sure of what kind it is. I get out of the truck and stare curiously as the driver side door opens. Trevor. Of course.

"Whoa, sweet pad, babe." I sigh in frustration. He noticed and all of a sudden his face turns serious. Somber, even. "Look, I think we've gotten off on the wrong foot. No, I know we have and I apologize for that. I just don't know how to act or who to be around you. The girls around here love the Trevor I've shown you." He comes closer. "But you...you're different. And I want to show you the real me. I don't know why, Riley but I do. Everything in me is screaming for you. Please. Just give me a chance."

I'm so shocked I just stare at him for a moment. I search for any sign of mirth or mischief and come up empty. He's serious. And for some reason I'm curious. "Trevor...I'm not...um I'm not exactly experienced in this area so I don't know what to say."

He smiles. Not a cocky smile, but a sweet one. "Just say yes. Not to anything but getting to know the real me. Please. I've never been this real with anyone, just please give me a chance."

Stupidly, I really want to. There's nothing wrong with being friends right? Every girl needs at least one guy best friend right? Right. "Okay, Trevor. Let's be friends. Would you like to come in and maybe have dinner with us?" His face lights up. "Absolutely, beautiful."