Sunshine & Whiskey « Ryan Blaney »

« Chapter Two »

The moment I walked into Jacob's house I belined it right to the kitchen and grabbed Lisa's arm and pulled her into the living room. "You failed to tell me that Blaney was going to be here!" I whispered yelled at her.

She smiled knowingly and tilted her head. "If I told you, would you have come?"
"No," I shook my head, "you know damn well I wouldn't have."

"And that's why I didn't tell you."
"Lisa," I sighed, falling onto the couch and covering my eyes. "You know I can't go out there with him here." I was too self conscience of how I looked and no way was I going to be in a bathing suit in front of a guy I liked.

"Maddie, look at me," Lisa sat down on the couch beside me and reached for my hand. "I know you don't see it, but you are truly beautiful. I know you don't hear that enough and I'm sorry I don't ever tell it when I know you need to hear it. But you're here to have fun. When was the last time you let your hair down?" She looked at me waiting for an answer and I honestly didn't have one. "Exactly. You and I both know we need this day to chill on the lake with old and new friends. I don't want you to think about how you look or the fact that Ryan is here. I want you to have a good time and get this pasty skin of yours some sun. I'm beginning to think your Draco Malfoy's long lost sister." I started laughing at her joke, but soon sighed and tried my best to not let my insecurities try to ruin this day.

"Thank you, Lisa, I needed to hear all of that. Even if it is your job to tell me I'm beautiful, you know I don't feel it."
"Well, you are."
"Just promise me you won't abandoned me and stay with Jacob the whole time?"

"I promise."
"Okay. I think I can do this and I'm going to ignore the fact that Blaney is here because I just can't deal with that right now."

"That's my girl! But really, Blaney would be stupid to not notice you. I think you two are the only single ones here today."
"Lisa! No. Just, no. He wouldn't even consider being with someone like me when he has all those skinny fangirls of his following his every move." I closed my eyes and tried to not let any jealousy or saddness try to bring me down. I knew I was being unfair to myself to compare myself to those girls when I know I don't even have a chance with him.

"Maddie, stop thinking." Lisa knew where my mind was going. "Today is going to be special, I just know it. Plus we're gonna meet up with Ricky later, I think he's bringing a giant sheet cake to apologize for wrecking everyone last night." I laughed loudly because that's exactly what Stenhouse does when he does something wrong.

Lisa got up and adjusted her short shorts and tank top. I knew I would never look like her and I need to get over that mindset.

"Promise?" I asked, needed confirmation that today was going to be worth it.

"I promise." I stook up and Lisa gave me a giant hug and a kiss on my cheek.

"Am I interrupting something?" Lisa and I jumped back from each other to see Bubba eyeing us suspiciously. "I mean, don't stop on my account." He winked and let out a bellow laugh. "Nah, I'm just joshing. We're ready to go if you two are done making out." Bubba turned on his heels and continued laughing as we followed him back outside.

My heart seized when I saw Ryan on the dock, his Goodyear hat now replaced with a Captain's hat. Lisa took my hand and squeezed, "don't overthink anything."

"Ladies," Ryan greeted both of us, holding out his hand to help Lisa onto the boat. When it was my turn, I held my breath as I took his hand in mine. I tried my best to ignore how soft and warm his hand was and the fact that as quickly has he grabbed my hand, all too soon he let go. I whispered a meekly 'thank you' and it took all I had to not run to the other side of the boat.