Rivals And Lovers

chapter 36

Riley walked out of the elevaotr and walke dover to her penthouse. Her dress was wrinkled, her hair was a mess and her shoes were dangling from her hands. It was 7 in the morning so she wanted to get out of the building before anyone saw her leaving his penthouse. Did she mention that she spend the night with him? Sshe felt like a teen again. Sneaking around to see him. The night before was such a dream. One she was having for five years that came true. After the gallery they went to his apartment together where they had an amazing night. Riley blushed everytime she thought about it. But once she reached her door, reality hit her. She was still 'dating' Anthony and Friar and Matthews international were still known as big rivals. If this affair would come out to the world she'd be screwed. Maybe if she could find a way to break up with Anthony without breaking the parntership with his father.

Once her door opened she was stratled by her parents. "There you are! we were worried sick!" Her mother said running up to her from the couch. "Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?" Riley asked. "We were supposed to have breakfast together remember?" Her dad reminded her. Riley cursed in herself and nodded. "Oh yeah, sorry i forgot" Riley apologized. "Riley? Where did you stay? You look like a mess" Topanga said worried. "I stayed over at Josh and Maya's." Riley lied. Cory and Topanga glanced at each other not really believing it. "So, I'll call my assistant and ask him to go get breakfast" Riley said taking her phone. Her parents nodded agreeing and sat down again.

"So how was the gallery?" Topanga asked while taking a sip from her coffee. "It was very nice. Maya is so talented. I'm so happy for her. All her dreams are coming true" Riley said exited. "What about your dreams?" Cory asked. "Yes, you have a very good job, an amazing boyfriend. Amazing friends" Riley gulped and looked down at her plate. "Yeah..." she softly nodded. "You're doing a fantastic job honey" Topanga said proud. Riley smiled awkward and shoved her plate aside. "I'm gonna hop in the shower and then we can go pick up auggie. Maybe we can go to the park or something. You can discuss it while I'm showering" Riley suggested. Her parents nodded and Riley took off to shower.

After she showered and got dressed, Riley walked back to the living room. Before she entered it she heard her parents talking. They were talking about her and Anthony. She had to hear this before she ntrupted them. "He's the best husband Riley could ever wish for." Riley heard her father say. "Maybe" Topanga mumbled. "But they're not married" Topanga said while putting some plates away. "Not yet, he said he wants to propose soon" Riley saw from the corner that Topanga dropped some plates. "He's what?" She yelled. Cory shushed her and looked around. Riley quickly hid around the corner so he wouldn't see her. "He's gonna propose to Riley, isn't that great?!" Cory said exited. "I don't know, what will Riley say?" Topanga asked worried. "Well yes of course." Cory chuckled and helped Topanga clean up. "Do you really think she's gonna agree on marrying him? I feel like she's not really confident in her relationship with Anthony" Topanga said soft not trying to cause a fight. "What are you saying? If she says no to marrying Anthony, she'll regret it for the rest of her life. Just like she regrets dating that friar" Cory scoffed. "When did she say that?" Topanga asked crossing her arms. "She didn't.....but I can see it whenever we talk about him. That blank look on her face whenever we mention his name" Riley bit her lip. That wasn't a look of regret. It was a look of missing him. Riley thought it was time to come out before it got worse. She stepped into the living room and was immediately greeted by her parents. "Hey sweetie, ready to go pick up your brother?" Riley shook her head. "No, I got a call from the office. I have to go. Sorry" she quickly took her keys and purse. "Oh that's ok, maybe some other time" Cory took his wife's hand and they walked out of the penthouse. The moment the door shut Riley's phone beeped and she saw Lucas his name appear on the screen.

Lucas Friar
I had a really fun time last night. But I know about your situation with Anthony. Maybe we should talk about that. Your place 2 night?

Riley bit her lip nervous. The chance of anyone walking into her apartment was too big. Her parents had a key and Anthony always found a way to get in. She shook her head and started typing a reply:

Riley Matthews
No, my place is too risky. Your spot tonight at twelve. I'll see you there"

Riley putted her phone down and looked out the window. People passing, cars driving below her, people heading to work or bringing their kids too school. Riley wanted to take her mind of that night. Her nerves were very strong and she kept fiddling with the infinity band around her finger. Suddenly her front door opened and her mother walked back in. "I knew you were lying" She said slamming the door behind her. "Mom, it's not that" Riley tried to. "No sweetie, i want you to sit down and talk to me. You've bin off ever since you came back to New York." Topanga sat down on Riley's couch and Riley followed her. "I want you to tell me the full truth" Riley took a deep breath and then let out a big confession. "I don't love Anthony and i certainly don't want to marry him. I'm just affraid to leave him for the sake of the company."
"I know" Topanga said. "And i really don't want you to say anything to dad because he'll- wait what?" Riley asked. Topanga chuckled. "I know you don't love Anthony and never did, and i also know where you really were last night" Riley's expression went blank and she blinked. "Um..." She didn't know what to say. "I'm never gonna be against your relationship with Lucas. But you shouldn't have a relationship with him when you're still in one with Anthony" Riley nodded understanding. "I know mom, but i'm affraid breaking up with Anthony could cause a lot of harm to the company if his father drops us." Topanga sighed. "Well you can't keep this relationship if it means nothing to you" Riley looked down. "And remember this:" Topanga putted her fingers under Riley's chin and pushed her head up. "No Mattter what, you're still one step higher than Anthony. He can't tell you what to do" Riley smiled and hugged her mother. "Thanks mom"

A/N: day two! What'ya think? Anthony possibly proposing, Riley and Lucas hooking up, Topanga knowing all about it. (Of course she's Topanga 😉) what do you think will happen next?