Big Book Of Crossovers

Chapter 4

Yes, I am supposed to be writing in my other book but it's fine.

Lily's POV

"I'm ready to start dating again," I said, looking at my dad.

"Forrest, are you sure?" My dad asked, looking across the table where we were eating breakfast. "Your breakup with Sophia was really rough-"

"That was last year, dad."

"It's January," He pointed out. I rolled my eyes.

"We broke up in February. Besides, I have a crush."

"Who's the crush?" He asked, intrigued. I laughed.

"Catlynn McLemore."

"Elle's kid?" I nodded. "She's older than you."

"We graduated in the same year," I said, putting on my coat and grabbing my keys. "I'm going to go talk to her, we're going to the park and then lunch."

"So a date?"

"No, I don't even know if she likes girls. We're just being friendly friends."

"Friendly friends." He said, nodding.

"You're still coming over for dinner?"

"You know it. Bye, Forrest."

"Bye, Dad," I said, walking out the door. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket and saw that Catlynn was calling me.

"Hey, Cat. I'm on my way."

"Same place as always?"

"For the park, yes. Do you want to get sushi for lunch?"

"Of course! I love sushi! I haven't had it in a while, that'll be good."

"Perfect. I'll see you there!"

"Bye!" Cat said, hanging up. I smiled, excited to see her.

Ryder's POV (Ha! Betcha didn't see this coming!)

"Where are you taking me?" Brooklyn stumbled along the path in the center of Central Park, hands outstretched in front of her, despite my grip on her elbow.

"If I told you," I rolled my eyes, "It wouldn't be a surprise."

"You could tell me and I could act surprised?" Brooklyn suggested, reaching a slow hand for the blindfold over her eyes.

I grabbed her wrist, "Nice try."

I lead my girlfriend over to the Bow Bridge, around tourists and locals alike and over to the side. I slowly removed the butterfly-patterned necktie that was serving as a blindfold because, for some reason, Mom and I had more ties then random strips of fabric.

Brooklyn blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted, then she smiled.

"Bow Bridge," she said softly, holding my hand.

I tucked the necktie into my satchel and pulled out two bottles, one of cherry coke and the other of Dr. Pepper, "Happy anniversary, my love."

Brooklyn took the Dr. Pepper from me, giving me the free hand I needed to tug at my lanyard until I found the bottle opener I kept there, with not only my house keys but also a set of mini-screwdrivers and the pepper-spray Mom made me carry.

I popped the caps on both bottles, then kissed Brooklyn on the cheek.

"What is it like being the most amazing girlfriend, Ryder Elliana Hansen?"

I shrugged, "I wouldn't know, Brooklyn Kennedy Max. What is it like?"

Brooklyn smirked softly, "You are as sly as you are beautiful."

"I'm a techie," I said as if it was the answer to everything, "We run underground gambling rings out of the props' closet and are amazing at flirting."

Brooklyn laughed and I took a victory sip of my soda, "How did I ever fall for you?"

"I am incredibly charismatic."

Brooklyn laughed, "Yeah, that's not it."

"Oh, hey!" 

Brooklyn and I turned to see Catlynn McLemore and Lily Smith-Rannells walking toward us, both holding a plastic tray with sushi.

"Afternoon, Cat, Lily," I high-fived Lily and gave Cat a hug, whispering, "Good for you."

Cat looked taken-aback, "What?"

My shoulders  sagged, "Oh, come on, you're dense, but you can't be that dense!" Cat blinked, so I continued, "Lily is OBVIOUSLY crushing on you."

We both looked over at Lily and Brooklyn, who were talking off to the side. Lily looked back at us and gave Cat heart eyes. 

"Tell me you didn't see that," I motioned to her with my hand.

Cat blushed and turned back to me, "Ryder," she said, "Stop it. Stop it or I swear, I will strangle you."

I grinned, "You think you can?"

Cat crossed her arms, "Yes."

I passed Brooklyn my coke and satchel while Cat handed her sushi to Lily.

"Give me your best shot," I laughed.

"Nope," Brooklyn shook her head, "You're not wrestling on the Bow Bridge. Come on, let's go to the grass so you won't break anything." Brooklyn and Lily marched us off the bridge to one of the more open grassy areas, then waved her hand, "Go crazy.

Cat launched herself at me and we wrestled to the ground, making tourists and locals jump out of the way. Once we were out of earshot of Brooklyn and Lily, I managed to pin Cat.

"My mom would never approve."

"Of what? Us wrestling in public or you and Lily?"

Cat pushed upward and flipped me onto my back, "A relationship - me and Lily."

"Oh come on," I scoffed, "Your mom is the cinnamon roll of Broadway, Cat."

Cat laughed, then rolled off, laying in the grass beside me, "Do you really think Lily likes me?"

I glanced at her, "You kidding me? Cat, you're a catch."

"But Lily?"

I looked back to where Lily and Brooklyn were talking a few feet away, then awkwardly patted Cat's head, "She's been giving you heart-eyes all-day," I snorted, "You're not much better, either."