Changes

Twenty six

Chapter Twenty Six

**Riley’s POV**

The next morning the boys and I went to the tattoo shop. Today was a walk-in day as I had no appointments, although no one was walking in either. It was about eleven when a messenger came in with a bunch of flowers; they were for me. The card read: ‘Just as beautiful as you. Hope you are having a great day. I would like to take you on a date. I’ll be at the docks all day. Devon xx’. My cheeks flushed as I read the card. Hannah started reading it over my shoulder.

“So are you going to go?” she asked

“I’m not sure, I need to tell him about the boys then give him a chance to back out” I replied

“Well go find him. The boys can stay here, I’ll watch them.” She said as she pushed me out the door.

I walked down to the docks looking for him. I began to get nervous. It didn’t take long to spot Devon.

“Devon” I called out as I walked over to him

“Hi Riley”

“So I guess you got the flowers?”

“Yes, thank you. They are beautiful.”

“So is this a yes to the date?” he asked rubbing the back of his neck

“Well, there is kind of something I need to tell you before anything”

“Ok? Lets sit down them.”

“Ok. I completely understand if you take back the invitation”

“Ok but I am pretty sure I won’t Riley. Just tell me”

“I am a single mum; I have twin boys”

“Whoa”

“I’m sorry” I said and stood up and started walking away

“Riley. Wait! It doesn’t change my mind. So if you want to go out with me I’d like that?

“Yes I would like to”

“How does tonight sound?”

“Good. I’ll get Sal to mind the boys. Is eight ok?

“Yeah, meet at that little Italian restaurant then”

“Ok see you then”

“Bye”

I went back to the shop and got my boys. I finished early and spent the afternoon playing outside with Rocco and Ezra. Sal came over about seven thirty once the boys were asleep.

“Thanks Sal for looking after the boys tonight”

“That’s ok honey. Are you nervous?”

“Yes”

“Well you look great. Just enjoy it”

“Thank you. I’ll try”

“Now get going”

“Ok. Just call me if the boys or you need anything.”

I walked to the restaurant and walked in. Devon was sitting waiting already.

“Hi Devon”

“Hi Riley”

“Sorry I’m late”

“No you’re not late. I am just early”

We sat and talked and ate dinner. It was weird, it was nice to be with and talk to someone my own age. After dinner we decided to go for a walk continuing to get to know one another. By the end of the night I realised that I didn’t want to date Devon or anyone actually I wasn’t ready to, I guess my past can never really go away. He walked me home.

“Thank you for tonight” I said

“Thank you” he replied

“Devon, tonight was great but I’m not ready to be in a relationship. I’m sorry but I’d like to be friends though.”

“Yeah of course. I understand. Actually, to be honest I don’t think I’m ready either. Friends sound good though.”

“Good. Thanks for walking me home. Night”

“Night… hey Riley”

“Yeah?”

“Do you and your boys maybe want to come to the beach with me tomorrow?”

“That would be nice”

“See you at ten then”

“Cool. How does a picnic sound?”

“Nice. Ok night”

“Night”

I walked inside feeling happy and content. Sal left and I went to bed after checking on Rocco and Ezra.