The Searching Secret

Chapter 25

I popped one of the last few pieces of fried dough in my mouth, and licked off the snowy white sugar that remained on my fingers. My eyes found Jay, where he stood in line, waiting to order my root beer float. When he saw me looking at him, he smiled and waved. I laughed and shook my head at his dorkishly cute gesture. Yet, I couldn't help but wave back. As I turned my attention back to the funnel cake, my thoughts turned to how after tonight, nothing was going to be the same. I couldn't say I was sad about that, well not completely. In fact, I had such a mixture of emotions. I was sad about letting Sam go, but the excitement of my future with Jay was also just as strong, if not stronger...

I sighed and placed the final piece of funnel cake in my mouth. I threw the paper plate in the trashcan beside me, and headed over to where Jay was waiting for our root beer floats. "Perfect timing," Jay said, handing me one of the floats. I took it with a smile and took a giant sip. "Gees, slow down. I am not waiting in that line again to get you another one."

"That's fine. I'll just finish yours, then."

Jay laughed. "If you drink yours faster than me, you'll get brainfreeze." After deciding it was best not to race him, since I really hate brainfreze , we continued walking down the boardwalk.

"What ya thinkin?" I asked, breaking the silence that was growing between us.

Jay shook his head and laughed.

"Oh, come on," I pried. "You always make me answer when you ask!"

He shook his head again. "I don't think you really want to know."

"Well, now I want to know even more. So spill!"

"Fine," he laughed. "I was thinking about the dream you had of the future."

"It was just a dream," I replied, unsure where this was going.

"You asked what I was thinking!"

"You're right. Go on."

Jay rolled his eyes. "I was just wondering if, in this dream, you saw how I proposed. I mean you said we got married, but did you see how I asked?"

"Jay! It was just a dream!" I insisted, but Jay's eyes kept searching mine for an answer. I sighed. "Fine. No I didn't see how you proposed."

Jay breathed a sigh of relief. "Good then I have nothing to compete against."

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe you are thinking about that!"

"Told you, you wouldn't want to know."

"Jay, we aren't even dating yet!"

"Then what do you call this?" Jay asked. "What do you call what we've been doing?"

Jay had come to a stop in the middle of the boardwalk. I turned back to face him. I had opened my mouth, but was unsure how to answer him. Music playing in the distance gave me the perfect distraction. "Where's that music comig from?" I asked instead.

Jay shook his head, annoyed at my attempt to avoid his question."Probably some party on the beach. But you didn't answer my question, Ri."

"A beach party!" I squealed with excitement. I may have been over the top, but I wanted to distract him.

"Riley," he scolded.

"Jay," I mimicked him. "You insisted we went to the barn party. Now it's my turn." I grabbed his hand, not giving him a chance to respond, and pulled him towards the music.

When we reached the source of the music, I dropped his hand and took in the scene. My eyes were immediately drawn to the giant bonfire, burning on the sand. The music was coming from some guy's stereo, but no one was dancing. Most people were talking, laughing, and drinking. It seemed like everyone was having a fantastic time.

When I turned back to Jay, he was frowning. I knew he was upset that I didn't answer his question, but I wasn't ready to face it yet. Instead, I wrapped my arms around him. "You're amazing, you know that? And I am so excited to leave with you tomorrow," I half lied. "But tonight, can we just have some fun?"

I looked up at him and he couldn't help but smile. "I'm excited to leave with you tomorrow, too. Of course we can have some fun."

"Great! I'll get us some drinks!" I replied, quickly letting go of him.

"Riley. . ." he said, warning me to stay away from alcohol.

When I reached the table, I got a few glances from people who knew I was crashing their party, but no one seemed to really care. When my eyes landed on a couple standing close together, my mind automatically went to Sam. . . . How was I going to close the door on Sam and keep it closed? Then I saw the Jell-O shots on the table in front of me, and my eyes lit up. I knew Jay wanted me to stay away from alcohol, but he didn't know how hard it was to close the door on Sam. This would help . . . right?

I glanced back at Jay and saw his back was towards me. Before I had a chance to think anymore I quickly took two Jell-O shots. They were a little stronger that I thought and it didn't take long for me to feel a tingle from the alcohol. I walked further down the table and grabbed two cans of soda. However, on my way back to Jay, I was too tempted, and slipped another shot.

"Here ya go," I said, handing Jay his can of Sprite.

"Really?" He asked, slightly disgusted. "Sprite?"

"Hey, it was either that or beer," I answered.

"Good choice then." Jay opened his can and took a sip of his soda. I took a drink of mine and ignored the guilt that followed, knowing mine wasn't just Sprite.

A/N I know what you are thinking, another chapter already! So much fine writing moments with Jay and Riley. What do you think about it? About them? Will they make it? Do they belong together? Let me know? After I hear from my readers I will post the next chapter!! Love you guys!