A Fine Romance

Chapter 15

Riley got the job at Linda's company, and her offer on the house was accepted. In all honestly, it was probably the only offer they had had because they didn't even try and negotiate for more money. Contracts were exchanged, and 4 weeks later, Riley was the owner of a pile of crap basically. But it was hers. She looked around it and could see the potential in it already.
She got in touch with the contractors she had for her first house. They completely gutted it. Riley had it completely rewired and the gas pipes replaced.
Every other day, Riley would go and check on the progress. The plans she had drawn up were coming to life. It was wonderful to see walls taken down and walls put up in other places.
Riley was thriving in her new job. She got some of her clients from her old company and brought them with her. She also pitched to new clients. Even if she couldn't do their event herself, her new manager was thrilled. The company was a small boutique one. They hadn't been around very long, but clients they had always given them fantastic reviews and were repeat customers.
Riley felt that her life couldn't get better than this. Her and Brendon were building a good solid relationship. Brendon was true to his word and never tried to pressure Riley into something she wasn't ready for.
Brendon was writing songs for the new album. Riley loved every track so far, regardless of whether they would make it onto the finished album or not. Dancings, not a crime, was a particular favourite of hers. Along with getting on with the album, he was booking things for promotion, even though the album wasn't being released until June next year.
Riley was surprised about booking so far in advance, but Brendon said that they had to do it this way because they didn't know who else had albums coming out around the same time. So there could be a lot of competition to get onto TMZ or something.
Labour Day weekend was approaching. Brendon wanted to take Riley away for a few days. Riley wasn't sure because she had just started working at the company. Linda set her mind at rest. She said that the office would be closed from the Thursday until the following Tuesday.
Brendon booked them a few days away in a beach house a few miles up the coast. Just the 2 of them. Brendon wanted to make it as romantic as possible. He was consulting Spencer a lot, and Pete and Patrick about what he could do to make it really romantic. He had ideas of his own but wanted to field other suggestions as well.
Riley was busy at the house one evening, looking at paint palettes for the entryway. Brendon came and surprised her.
"Hey." She said, pecking his lips.
"Hey babe. I just wanted to let you know that we are leaving on Wednesday evening for our trip."
"Ok," Riley nodded.
"Wow, this place is really coming along, babe." Brendon said, spinning around looking upwards at the high ceilings Riley had managed to create.
"Thank you, Bren."
"Hey Riley, we are all finished for today." Donald, the boss of the contracted company, said. He nodded at Brendon.
"Ok, Don. I will see you tomorrow. I need to pick those tiles for the kitchen and utility room up and drop them off." Riley explained.
The workers left, and Riley finally decided on a colour for the entryway. Now that they were alone, Brendon put his arms around Riley and kissed her.
"I am so proud of you, babe." He said.
"Thanks, Bren." Riley said, standing with Brendons arms wrapped around. She was leaning against him a little. "Come on, let's go."
They both got into their own vehicles, and Brendon followed Riley back to Linda's.
Riley got out her car and got her laptop bag and briefcase out of her trunk. Brendon pulled up and got out. He slung an arm around Rileys neck.
"Pizza for dinner?" Riley offered.
"Sure." Brendon agreed.
Riley ordered a large pepperoni and some sodas for them. They walked into Linda's and into the middle of a war zone. Linda and Spencer were fighting.
"YOU ARE SUCH AN ASS!!" Linda yelled.
"YEA? WELL, AT LEAST, I DON'T LEAVE SOMEONE HANGING WHEN THEY ASK ME A QUESTION!"
"YOU JUST FUCKIN ASKED ME! JESUS!"
"YOU SHOULD KNOW THOUGH!"
"OMG! THIS AGAIN. I FEEL LIKE WE ARE GOING AROUND IN CIRCLES!"
"Spencer what's wrong dude?" Brendon asked.
"I asked Linda to marry me and she said "she needs to think about it" what the fuck?"
Riley looked at Spencer. Riley went to find Linda. She was in her bedroom.
Riley knocked on the,door.
"Lin? It's me."
"Oh hey Ry, come in." Linda said sniffing. Riley came in and sat next to her best friend on the bed.
"Lin, you need to tell Spencer."
"I I can't Ry." Linda choked out.
"But if you do, he will understand why you are so hesitant to say yes." Riley reasoned with her. "Spencer loves you, Lin. He's the sweetest guy. He will understand."
"I know, but I....." Linda started crying again. Riley put an arm around Linda in comfort.
"Look, Lin, if you don't tell him, you will push the best guy that's ever happened to you away. Spencer needs to know the truth, you owe him that." Linda nodded her head. She knew that Riley was right. Linda reached for the tissue box beside her bed and blew her nose, and wiped the tears away. "You good?" Riley asked. Linda nodded.
"Shall I get Spencer?" Again, Linda nodded.
"Ok. Love ya, bestie." Riley said, kissing Linda on her forehead.
"Love ya, bestie." Linda said back.
Riley got off the bed and went to get Spencer.
"Spence?" Spencer was sat on the couch with Brendon. He looked up at Riley. "Linda needs to speak with you." Spencer nodded with acknowledgement and got up. Rylie sat on the couch and sighed.
"You ok Ry?" Brendon asked.
Riley nodded just as there was a knock at the door. Pizza was here!