Room 221 || Lucaya

Mistaken Couple

Maya's POV:

"So, where are you taking me?" I question, gazing around the unfamiliar streets.

Riley leans over her steering wheel and carefully veers her way through traffic. "Maya, I honestly don't know. Lucas is meeting us at the Starbucks down the street from our dorm in an hour, so we have some time to kill."

We ride down various streets for a long time while we just talk. Talking with Riley is so easy, almost too easy.

The more I grow to love Riley, the faster the guilt inside me grows.

"So, what's your story? Why did you choose to live in a dorm when you live here?" Riley asks suddenly as she turns the volume down on the radio.

"Well, my mom just got married recently," I begin, "And so I decided to give them some space. They don't need a teenager around the house when they're settling in as newly weds. Plus, it would give me a new start, and a chance to make friends."

"Ooh... Let's go there," I practically whisper, pointing to a small vintage boutique up the street.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Riley grin in the side view mirror. The car slowly comes to a stop in a parking space and Riley turns to face me.

"We are gonna have so much fun today, Peaches!"

Riley and I hop out of her car and make our way into the shop. The walls are painted a beautiful silver that accents red and beige rug on the wooden floor effortlessly. A crystal chandelier hangs near the center of the room, and racks of clothes line the silver walls.

"This place is gorgeous," Riley whispers next to me, her mouth open.

"Let's get shopping, Riles," I smile as I begin sifting through racks of vintage clothing.

She smiles back and travels around the store, pulling items off of hangers and creating a pile of favorites in her arms. As the load begins to enlarge beyond control, I offer the idea of trying on a few things in the dressing rooms.

"Wait!" she demands, stopping in her tracks and gazing upon the most beautiful, little black dress hanging in the corner. Riley removes the metal hanger and hands the dress to me.

"Maya, it's perfect. Go try it on," she beams, nudging me towards the dressing rooms.

A genuine smile creeps up on my face as I close the door to the dressing room. I remove my light washed jeans, black leather jacket, and teal lace blouse and slip on the dress.

I smile—Riley is right—the dress is absolutely stunning. The dress fits me beautifully. Two short black sleeves cover my shoulders just right, and the simple white collar adds a vintage touch.

I step out of the dressing room to find Riley waiting impatiently. She gasps lightly at the sight.

"Maya! It is like it was made for you... It's stunning," she gushes in awe, eyeing the dress up and down.

"I'll take it!" I beam, twirling around in the full-length mirror in front of me.

"No, I'll take it!" Riley shouts with a smile, walking near the register.