Three's a crowd

15

A few days had passed and I had still yet to go home for more than a few hours at a time. My parents didn't seem to mind as dad had gone back to work, and mom was being unusually supportive of my need to be with Riley all the time. It was almost like hearing the story of how me and Riley got together had eased some conflict she had in her head.

Ava had been calling me and Riley since we got back, eager for us to meet her cousin and in her true fashion she had resulted to trying to guilt trip us. Of course, I was used to he schemes and still politely declined the idea of going to a party, especially since I didn't know if Carl was going to show up.

Riley on the other hand never could resist being guilt tripped into anything. He had reluctantly agreed to her little party request after she practically begged him on the phone. Thankfully he had also told her that if we didn't like it we would be leaving so she would have to meet us there.

We had gone to my house to get ready since Riley was just wearing his blue jeans and a black T-shirt. He sat downstairs with my mom as she gave him a list of rules for the party, like no drinking and driving while I was getting ready.

I looked through my closet and pulled out a little black dress. It was lace at the top in the front with the bust down to the skirt covered with black fabric under the lace. The skirt was just plain black fabric that came just above halfway down my thigh.

I slipped on some black pumps and curled my hair. Then I fixed my makeup with a light natural eyeshadow and went downstairs. I put on a smile as I grabbed my clutch, careful not to let my mother see that I didn't actually want to go, and said goodbye.

Riley took my hand and led me out to his car, stopping once the passenger door was open.
"You look stunning Britt!" He smiled. I was about to thank him when he grabbed my waist and kissed me slowly and passionately. My head was spinning when his lips finally stopped dancing with mine.

"I love you!" I smiled.
"I love you, I'll be with you all night!" He smiled.
"As long as you do that tonight, I think I will live!" I laughed referencing the breathtaking kiss he just gave me.

We made our way to the address Ava had given us. She had texted me to say that her and her cousin were already there and to find her when we got there. I was still a little nervous about the whole thing, but Riley was right to drag me out. I couldn't hide forever and there was always the chance that he wouldn't show up. I was kind of hoping for it.

We pulled up to the street the party was on. Evidently whoever was throwing the party had rich parents like Riley because we were able to pull into the driveway which seemed to stretch for miles before we even saw the stack of cars littering the front of the house.

Music was blaring from the inside of the house, but from the street you couldn't hear a sound. Riley parked the car and in true gentleman fashion ran to the passenger door, opening it and extending his hand to help me out. He took my hand in his and together we made our way into the large two storey brick house.

The inside of the house was just as nice as Riley's. Hardwood floors lined the house, while the stairs came down in the center as if many grand entrances would be made on those stairs. We made our way through the people in the entry way and into the marble kitchen. One of the guys I recognized from school was handing out cups of spiked punch. He handed me a cup while Riley declined because he was driving. Then he pointed us outside where most of the partygoers were huddled around a beer pong table and corn hole game.

As we got closer to the bonfire at the bottom end of the yard I finally spotted Ava, sitting with a guy I didn't know.

"Ava!" I screamed, hugging her tightly.
"Britt! You and Riley have to meet my cousin Kyle." She grinned.

She sat down next to her cousin while I sat with Riley who had his hand wrapped around my waist. I looked over at Kyle and introduced myself taking in his appearance as I did. He was wearing a black leather jacket, white shirt and some blue jeans. His face was a calm olive complexion with dark black hair, while his jaw chiseled in a way that accentuated his deep chocolate eyes. To put it simply he was hot.

He smiled back at me, seemingly checking out my appearance in the process when Riley held his hand out and introduced himself. Kyle continued to smile and shook Riley's hand.

"So what does everyone do around here?" Kyle asked.
"Oh you are so asking the wrong people if you're asking them." Ava laughed, "All they do is stay together."
"Well, when you have the best boyfriend in the world why would you need anyone else?" I smiled cuddling into Riley's side.
"So you guys are like an official couple?" He asked.
"Yeah, we only have a month until we hit three years!" I smiled as Riley kissed the side of my head.

Something seemed to shift Kyles focus, almost as if he was caught doing something he shouldn't but I decided to ignore it. I owed it to Ava to give her cousin the benefit of the doubt, he was new here and probably felt awkward.

I tipped up the cup in my hand letting the fruity punch sink down my throat, the alcohol heating my stomach. The heat from the bonfire dancing on my skin, while the heat from the liquor was warming my insides. I wasn't much of a drinker, but our parents were cool and let us have the occasional drink on special occasions and holidays like Christmas.

The alcohol and easy conversation with Ava helped me relax as we sat catching up. Ava was steadily complaining about their family camping trip and how she was eaten by mosquitos when Riley stood up.

"I've got to pee, I'll be right back." He smiled as gently kissed my forehead.
"Okay." I half smiled as he turned and walked towards the house.

I was relieved that Carl had not showed up, not that I would probably recognize him anyway. It had been almost three years and people's appearances change a lot in that time, especially in high school. Some kids got acne, some got fatter and thinner, or changed their hair color.

I felt a little uneasy when I realized that he could be walking around here without me noticing. I almost wished I would have asked Riley more about it before we came, but if Riley recognized him he couldn't have changed that much could he?

"Britt?" Ava snapped me out of my thoughts.
"What?" I said
"Kyle was trying to talk to you." She said taking another sip of her drink.
"Sorry, go ahead." I smiled trying to stay polite.

He tipped his cup back and then looked at me in a way that suggested he didn't think it was personal.
"So you and your boyfriend," He began "you don't spend any time apart?" he asked.

"Of course we do, we just like doing stuff together." I said.

"Oh. It just seemed like he was attached to your hip or something." He said sarcastically turning his face back towards the fire. "Doesn't seem healthy if you ask me."

I rolled my eyes, irritated by his sarcastic remark. He didn't know a thing about me or Riley. Even Ava didn't know most of it, yet here he was passing his snarky opinion when it wasn't asked for.

"You know what, I think I'm going to go. Ava I'll talk to you later." I said getting up.
"No Britt don't go! Kyles just an ass." She begged.
"Sorry but I'm leaving. I only came because you asked, but I'm not feeling it. Maybe we can do a girls day next week?" I said hugging her before turning away to find Riley.

I walked back into the house scanning the rooms for Riley. When I entered the entryway where the staircase was I found him talking to some of the guys from the football team.

"Hey beautiful." He smiled as I walked up to him. He placed his arm around my waist and pulled me into his side.

"What's up guys?" I said to Riley's friends.
"We were just talking about the upcoming season." Riley smiled "You okay?" He whispered just loud enough for me to hear.

"No, can we go?" I asked turning so that his friends wouldn't see me, my eyes connecting with the doorway outside.
"Yeah, that's fine." He said taking my hand as I instantly froze.
"Now." I said stiffening, turning my face back to Riley's friends. "I'm going to steal him back now, you'll get him all season!" I forced a smile, before pulling him to the doorway.

I just had to walk out as if I didn't see him and everything would be fine. I would be fine.