Richpez - A Tale of Two StarKids

Chapter 11: Relationships

Special thanks to nutbushjoey13 for the suggestion to write about more friendships! 

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{Lauren's POV}

I woke up this morning to my phone buzzing on the side table next to me. It was from Meredith.

Wanna go on a coffee run? I'm feeling pastries.

I responded. That sounds amazing. Know of any gluten free bakeries near here?

Yeah. There's one down the street.

Perfect, I said.

I got dressed and met Meredith in the kitchen.

"Ready to go?" she asked and I nodded.

The bakery was within walking distance so decided to take a nice stroll.

"It's really nice having you and Joey here, Lauren," Meredith said.

I smiled and replied, "I'm happy to be here, Mere. Thanks for letting us stay with you."

"It's so nice having other people in the apartment. It gets quiet just the two of us sometimes."

"You two have made such a nice home together here," I said. "I'm so happy for you, Meredith. You and Brian seem so happy and you seem like you have it all figured out."

"We're really happy. I think we're finally at the point where we're ready to make the next step," she paused. "I found a ring in Brian's sock drawer the other day." She was beaming from ear to ear.

I stopped dead in my tracks. "Shut up! No way! That's amazing! Why didn't you tell me?"

We were right outside the bakery. 

"Well I'm not sure when he's going to ask me. We've talked about it before, but I want him to ask when he's ready. I don't want to put any pressure on him," Meredith responded.

"I'm so happy for you!" I said. I really meant it. They're so great together. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous though. Joey and I have been together for almost as long and we rarely talk about our next steps. "Okay let's get pastries and head back to your apartment. I'm sure the guys are still sleeping and we need to leave for rehearsal soon.

We grabbed a dozen assorted pastries  and coffee and made our way back to the apartment.

"We need to talk about Firebringer. I love our song 'Together.' I know that Denise is doing a lot of the choreography for the show, but I want to work on that song if that's okay," I said to Meredith. "I already have some great ideas for it."

"Oh my gosh! Of course!" Meredith replied. "It would be so much fun for you to choreograph it! You always have such great ideas."

"Thanks!" I said, and we continued walking back to her apartment.

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Back at Meredith and Brian's house. (30 minutes earlier)

{Joey's POV}

"Brian it's perfect! She's going to love it," I said, examining the ring.

Brian was showing me the engagement ring he bought for Meredith.

"The only problem is, I don't know when to do it," Brian told me. "I've already picked out the spot."

"Where are you gonna do it?" I asked. I couldn't stop looking at the ring. It was so sparkly. Brian told me that it was a vintage princess cut ring with a sapphire instead of a diamond in the middle. Apparently Meredith told Brian that she didn't want a typical diamond ring. Brian started talking about where he got the ring from, but I wasn't paying attention anymore.

I was thinking about Lauren. 

And the ring I bought for her two years ago.

I bought it after we moved in together. We walked past a jewelry shop in L.A. and the ring caught her eye. She mentioned how she loved the style.

I bought it the next day.

I've held onto it since then, and I'm waiting until the day that I can finally give it to her. I keep it in my wallet as a constant reminder of my love for her. As if I could forget, but I still keep it there just in case the perfect time comes when I decide to get down on one knee.

"Joey?" I heard Brian ask. "You okay?"

I snapped out of my daydream.

"Sorry," I responded. "Where are you going to propose?"

"Well every Saturday we take a walk in the park and there's this beautiful willow tree that we pass. I was thinking about doing it there," he said.

"That'll be perfect! Now we just have to figure out when," I said.

"How about this Saturday? We don't have rehearsals and the forecast looks good. Do you think four days is enough time to get everything all set up?" Brian asked. He was looking nervous already.

I responded, "Well all we need is a photographer, and I don't think it'll be too hard to find one. Other than that we just need to keep the secret from Meredith until Saturday."

"Okay, can I have the ring back?" he asked.

I suddenly realized that I was still holding the ring.

"Whoops. Of course," I replied.

"And before you ask, yes, you can tell Lauren, and yes, you two can be there when I ask."

I was beaming. Lauren is going to be so excited.

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I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter!I know it's a little shorter, but it sets up the next couple of chapters. Thanks for all your patience with my writing! Keep commenting suggestions, and I'll work them into my chapters!