Wheel You Marry Me?

CHAPTER 10.

"Um, I don't mind coming inside," Ryan said with a wide grin stretched across his face. I blinked, shocked. Did he really just say that? I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

"Please, you're welcome," my mum said warmly before I could even react.

Ryan stepped out of the car, tall and confident, and followed us into the house.

"Aurora, are you not going to introduce me to your friend?" Mum asked, setting down a tray of cookies I don't remember her baking.

"Um... this is Ryan. My... my friend," I muttered awkwardly, avoiding his gaze.

"It's really good to meet you. I'm Scarlet, Aurora's mother," she said, smiling sweetly at him.

"It's good to meet you too, ma'am," he said politely.

"Oh, stop with the formalities. Call me Scarlet," she replied, handing him a cookie. "I baked these."

Okay, now I was definitely hallucinating. My mum had never acted like this around any of my friends—especially not a guy.

Ryan took a bite and looked at me with this infuriating sparkle in his eyes. "This tastes delicious."

I cleared my throat. "Mum, where's Jeffrey?"

"Probably in his room, reading," she replied, waving a hand dismissively.

I needed to escape fast. Suddenly, Mum tilted her head, eyes gleaming with mischief. "So... are you two dating?"

"No!" Ryan and I chorused at once.

She smirked knowingly. "Okay, but I know you like each other."

Where was she even going with this? Me? Liking Ryan Tyler? That arrogant, cocky Greek god? No way.

"Mum, I think it's getting late. Ryan should probably go. I'm sure his family's worried," I blurted.

For a moment, Ryan looked... hurt. Seriously?

"Uh... yeah, Aurora's right. I should get going. Thank you for the lovely evening," he said, his voice low as he stood up and walked out.

I instantly regretted it.

"Aurora, that was so mean. Why did you do that?" Mum asked, frowning.

I sighed. "Mum, it's complicated. You wouldn't understand."

She studied me. "Hmm... maybe not. But that poor boy really likes you."

And just like that, she left me to drown in my thoughts. I curled up on the couch and stayed there for two whole hours, replaying everything including the kiss.

Wait. Ryan Tyler kissed me.

The Next Morning

"Aurora! Wake up! You're gonna be late for work!" Jeffrey yelled into my ear.

I bolted upright. My heart thudded in my chest. What the—did I fall asleep on the couch? My back was screaming.

"I made pancakes! Love you, bye!" he shouted before slamming the door on his way out.

Dragging myself into the shower, I let the cold water wake me up. It was Friday. Short shift. Thank God. I threw on a cozy oversized hoodie, skinny jeans, and my trusty black Converse before heading to the kitchen for breakfast.

"Hey girl! I missed you!" Skylar chirped as I walked into the shop.

"Hey, Sky. Missed you too," I smiled.

"Wanna grab your paycheck now?" she asked.

"Uh... sure."

We walked into her office. She signed the check and handed it to me with a suspiciously big smile.

"Thanks," I said, but my eyes landed on the mark on her neck. A hickey. "Sky... what happened to your neck?"

She blushed furiously and tried to hide it. "Oh... this? I'm kind of... hooking up with someone."

My eyebrows shot up. "Really? And you didn't tell me?"

"I was going to," she said quickly, "but I didn't think you'd be happy about it."

I stared at her. "Why wouldn't I be happy for you?"

She was silent. I shook my head. "I thought we were friends. Friends don't keep secrets. But I guess I was wrong." I turned to leave. She called after me, but I didn't stop.

The rest of the shift dragged. I missed her. I hated being mad at her. But I also couldn't stop thinking about him.

Ryan Tyler kissed me. And now I was hiding that from her too. Hypocrite much?

During my break, I sat outside with a bag of chips, trying not to overthink. Suddenly, Skylar sat beside me, holding an iced caramel macchiato—my weakness.

"Here," she said softly.

I took it, already melting. "Thanks."

"I'm sorry," she said.

"Come here," I said, pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry too."

She whispered, "It's Douglas. I'm hooking up with Douglas. And he asked me out."

"Douglas as in Ryan's friend Douglas?"

She nodded. "He's actually really sweet."

I grinned. "I'm happy for you, sweetie."

We talked for the rest of my shift. I still didn't tell her about Ryan. Still a crappy friend.

Later that evening, Skylar came over to get ready for the bar. She made me wear a purplish dress that hugged my curves and dipped way too low for my comfort but I couldn't deny, I looked... hot.

"You look like a goddess," Skylar said, stepping into her black off-shoulder midi dress and heels.

When we walked into the living room, Mum gasped. "Aurora? Is that you? You look stunning, darling!"

I blushed. "Thanks, Mum."

She turned to Skylar. "Beautiful as always. Take care of my daughter."

At the bar, heads turned. Eyes followed us like we were celebrities. Jordan smiled as we walked in. "Wow, Aurora. You look incredible."

"Thank you," I replied, heart racing.

One shot of tequila later, I was on stage, microphone in hand.

"Hi everyone. Tonight, I'm singing an original song. I wrote it a few months ago. It's called Queen of Shadow. I hope you enjoy it."

The music started, and I poured my soul into the mic.

🎵

Nobody knows you better than me,
Better than the cologne you wear,
Every single detail Chantilly,
Every curl inside your hair.

And I'm falling in, falling into the light,
Anything you want to do,
You and me, you and me intertwine.

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh...

I can be the queen of shadow,
Every way you turn, I'm chasing you,
Tell you where to go, I'll follow,
Everywhere you run, I'll stalk you.

I can be the dark, you can look right through me,
In a flash of love, we're just one body.

I can be the queen of shadow...
I can be the queen of shadow...

🎵

The crowd went wild. People cheered. Skylar cried. And then... I saw him.

Ryan Tyler. Clapping. Smiling. His eyes locked on mine. My chest tightened.

He walked up with his friends—including Douglas. "Hey, ladies," he said smoothly.

Skylar and I responded in sync: "Hey."

Ryan's eyes trailed over me slowly. "You look stunning in that dress," he said, his voice lower now. "And... I think we need to finish that kiss."

My heart slammed into my ribs.

Skylar whipped her head to look at me. "Kiss? What is he talking about, Aurora?"

Shit.