It's Always Been You

chapter nineteen

Riley

Spending the last few days at Chase's place, him looking after me while I was sick was not how I was expecting our date night going when I arrived there on Tuesday evening.

Although we did talk about us and what that means going forward, we need to tell my family. I want to tell Mom first. I'm thinking we will drive back to Rosehill on Sunday together, I just need to make sure that is alright with Chase first.

He wasn't happy with the fact that I told him to go to work all week while I've been ill. The only thing that kept him going was knowing I was at his place when he came home from work, his words not mine.

I'm feeling much better now though and I'm ready to get back to it on Monday. Tonight, however is Evie's opening night at her art gallery.

Currently stood in my bathroom having freshly showered, I hear my phone ringing. Picking it up off my bed, I smile as I see my boyfriend's name flash across the screen.

"Hey. You on your way over?"

"Yeah, I'm coming now. But Riles, we have a problem."

"What?"

"Natalie is going tonight."

"Why would my brothers girlfriend be in London going to an art opening night?"

"Her friend is an artist and heard about the event. She saw it was Evie's gallery and Lucas called me asking if I would keep an eye out for her tonight. I told him I was going with Noah."

"Shit. Wait, Noah's going?"

"Yeah, Evie invited him."

She did? I guess that means they are on talking terms again now then.

"This is such a mess."

I slump down on my bed, my wet hair spreading out around me. Another night where I have to pretend we are just friends.

"It's complicated baby, but we will figure it out."

"I want to tell my Mom tomorrow. Can we go to Rosehill?" I blurt out.

"Sure, and for tonight?"

"You'll have to arrive alone. I'll grab a ride with Loren and Jack and I'll see you there."

"I can still pick you up."

"No, it's ok. I'll just see you there alright? I love you."

"Alright. I love you baby."

Throwing my phone down I want to scream at how annoying this situation is. The sooner we tell my Mom, the sooner I can act normal around everyone without having to hide my relationship.

Quickly texting the girls to tell them the change of plan and for no one to mention that me and Chase are together, I also ask Loren for a ride over.

An hour later, Jack's car pulls up outside my building and I grab my jacket and bag to leave. Glancing at myself once more in the mirror, my little black dress paired with black boots and my hair in loose waves, while I have a red lip to complete the look, I repeat the same mantra as before.

You can do this.

Just one more night, to pretend I'm not head over heels in love with my boyfriend and that we are just friends, so that my brothers girlfriend doesn't suspect anything is going on with us.

Fuck, I need a drink.

***

This is harder then I ever thought.