The Searching Secret

Chapter 8

"Do I really have to wear this?" I called to Layla from the bathroom in her house. Our shopping trip had actually been fun. Chase was right, Layla did grow on us. You'd think by the way she acted that we were best friends and after all the time away from my girl friends it was nice to spend some time like this.

"Let me see," she called from the other side of the door. "It can't be that bad."

"Uh, no, it can be that bad," I yelled back.

"Oh, come on," she laughed. "The guys are already at the party."

"Fine," I sighed, as I opened the door.

"Oh my gosh!" she squealed. "You look totally cute!"

"Cute?" I asked, as I walked back to the mirror to look at myself. I was wearing a black tank top with a dark red, black and white plaid button up shirt over it, tied in a knot below my breasts. I had on a pair of white shorts and on my feet were black heeled cowgirl boots. I drew the line with the cowgirl hat; even though Layla was pretty insist that it tied the whole outfit together.

"Yes, cute. Now let's get going we are going to be late."

"Wait," I said, as a smile grew on my face. I fumbled with my hair a bit and somehow managed to braid it into two low pigtails.

When I stepped out of the bathroom Layla squealed with approval. "Let's go," she said, as she linked arms with me and lead the way out to the barn.

When we reached the barn, I was surprised at what I saw. There were white Christmas lights everywhere. There was a stage and a local group was already playing. There were seats made out of hay bales and a table full of food and drinks. There was still plenty of room for a dance floor which seemed to be filled with more young people then I thought there could be in a small town like this.

"Wow, this looks great," I told Layla.

"I know," she smiled. I knew from how proud she was feeling that this had all been her idea. "Come on, Chase and Jay are over there." Layla dragged me to the other side of the barn where Chase and Jay sat, not talking to each other. Layla's heart fluttered when Jay looked our way and smiled.

"Nice outfit," Jay said, when we reached them.

I laughed and spun around. "You don't think it's too much?"

"Nothing you wear could ever be too much," Jay said softly.

"I can't believe you caved and got a cowboy hat," I laughed, trying to brush off his serious comment.

"Hi, Jay," Layla smiled sweetly.

"You look great, Layla," Jay said, taking his attention from me and focusing on her.

With a sigh of relief, I walked over and took a seat next to Chase. "Bet you didn't think you'd look hot tonight," Chase said, taking a drink.

"Honestly," I said, looking at him. "Never in a million years did I think I'd even be at a party in a barn."

Chase smiled, "But seriously you look great."

"Wow, is that a genuine compliment?" I asked with a laugh.

"Yeah, well, it happens sometimes," he replied, as he stared at his drink.

"Well, Chase, you just might have a little bit of a decent guy in you."

"Hey, Riley, can I ask you something?" Chase asked, looking back up at me.

"Sure," I replied, unsure of where this was going and was getting nothing from his feelings.