my tinder disaster - luke hemmings

eighteen

POV: Riley

"Oh that's right, Good Morning." He gives me one last peck on the cheek.

As he turns around, I slowly watch his blonde hair shimmer in the early morning sun. Even the back of his head was completely stunning.

I unlock the door to my apartment and close it quietly behind me. I tip toe across the hallway, praying these wooden floors hush themselves of their loud creaks.

I make it up to my bedroom to find Kate still passed out under my covers. I was thankful she hadn't woken up to my text, I know I wouldn't have felt like explaining things to her. But she's going to wake up eventually, and the message will still be there on her phone. I'll deal with Kate later. All I know is that I'm exhausted, but I don't mind all that much.

This was one of the best nights I've had in a while. It was completely shocking to spend the night with a guy where sex, or the correct term used, "putting out," wasn't the priority. I discovered so much more to this boy than just the piercings and tattoos that he hides behind [yes, Luke has tattoos in this story!]. He confessed to me about his struggles with anxiety all throughout his high school years. He even opened up to me about the death of his grandparents, and how it was the hardest thing he had to endure. It was the last thing I was expecting to hear from a 12 AM Tinder meet up.

The more he talked throughout the night, I felt even more and more captivated by him. I'm still envisioning the way the slightest touch of our legs made me feel such an incredible sensation.

Ugh, what I would do to be back with him. I could tell my obsession was growing. Did every girl feel like this after hanging out with Luke?

*******

After finally getting a decent six hours of sleep, I was standing behind the counter at Starbucks for my 3 o'clock shift. I was absolutely dreading showing up for work today. I was in no mood to hand out "extra whipped lattes" to impolite and snobby strangers. I was convinced that every customer that came to my register was out to turn my day into a sh*tty one.

My boss was a complete stuck up brat to make things even more pleasant. And to top it all off, my co-worker Jonathan smelt of as if he hadn't taken a shower in days. Try working next to that for seven hours straight while constantly breathing through your mouth.

All throughout my shift my mind was focused on Luke. I practically messed up half of my orders in someway, due to my attractive and heart-throbbing distraction. Last night continued to replay through my head, but each time the moment was ruined. This was because he had yet to text me back. I was expecting a message sometime in the early morning, but I still received nothing. It was either because he secretly dreaded last night's "date," or he's just an utterly awful texter.

It had just occurred to me that we didn't even swap numbers, we had just been conversing over Tinder. We are so 2016 that it physically pains me.

As for Kate, we didn't talk much about last night as I predicted we would. I told her the basic "teenage dream" moments, but other than that, not much else. Josh had called her in the morning and she went rushing to him. I was convinced she was going to stop chasing after him; I was tired of watching them go through countless fights one after the other. Instead of voicing my opinion, I let her follow him like a lost puppy.

Between every customer and split chance I got, I check my phone in case of a message from Luke. Every time I look at the screen it's another disappointment. I tried not to psyche myself out, I know that he enjoyed last night. I mean, he told me that he did. What would be the point in lying?

As I attempt to fix the lettering on the order signs that hang on the wall, another customer approaches my register. I manage to climb down the step ladder in an orderly fashion, rare for a klutz like myself.

"What can I get you this afternoon," I say in the politest voice I can manage.

This well attractive guy stares up at the menu with somewhat of a blank gaze. I don't think I've ever met someone with such bright red hair.

"Yeah hi, can I get a grande iced vanilla latte, and a tall caramel iced coffee please?" His accent was thick, it sounded as if it was Australian.

"Sure! Can I get a name please?"

"Michael," he says, interrupted by the ringing from his cell phone. "Excuse me," he says pointing up a finger as accepts his phone call. He turns his body to the side as he talks through the line.

As I'm preparing his drinks, I couldn't help but overhear his conversation.

"Yeah yeah yeah...Luke I'm almost done here." Did he say Luke? "We'll meet in the hotel lobby, ok mate? Our drinks are almost ready."

Michael...Was this Luke's "Mikey?" It couldn't have been more obvious. What are the odds of there being another red-haired Michael, with a "mate" named Luke?

Michael ends his call rather quickly. As I'm just finishing up his order, I walk over to him personally with both drinks in hand.

"Michael, right?" He looks up from his phone.

"Yup!" He says while grabbing the drinks. "Thanks doll."

"Wait," I put my hand on his shoulder pulling him back.

"Your friend Luke. Is his last name Hemmings?" I felt completely awkward, like I was harassing this poor stranger.

"Yeah, my mate Luke! How do you know him?" Michael's eyes lit up as soon as I mentioned his friend's name.

"My name's Riley, I sorta met him last night." I start biting my lip. Maybe Luke told him about me?

"Ah, Riley, the Tinder match. It's nice to meet you. I would shake your hand, but my only two are kinda full."

I let out a giggle, "that's alright, it's nice to meet you too!" If Michael was out, maybe they have been touring the city all day. That could explain why Luke hasn't answered me back.

"Riley, I need help back here!" Jonathan shouts from across the counter. I can't help but sigh. There was no way I wanted to go back to an enclosed area with that man.

"That's ok, I have to go meet up with Luke anyways. It was really nice meeting you, I'll tell him you say hello!" Michael seemed really genuine, I hope I get to discuss our nerdiness for music someday soon.

"Thanks Michael! Have a good day!"

And just like that, my phone buzzes through my pocket.

Tinder: Luke has sent you a new message.

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