Game On, Pretty Boy. ♕ RUCAS

♕ Chapter ThirtyFive ♕ - A mosaic of shattered pieces

Riley's POV

An hour had passed by and I felt myself growing more impatient and even a little anxious. It was 00:17 AM and Lucas and the rest of the guests had headed back home. Charlie had still not reached out to talk about whatever it was he wanted to talk about and honestly, for the past three hours my mind had put together a few different scenarios. All still with a very similar ending.

Maya kept guessing that he would come and express his love for me, which if you ask me, sounded absurd.

"He's not in love with me, Maya." I said in a low voice as I started to gather the used cups from the table.

Maya rolled her eyes as she helped me clean, "Riles–"

"No."

"Riley." She said sternly and came up in front of me. "There can't possibly be anything else that he wants– no, needs to talk to you about." She corrected herself mid sentence.

"I agree with Maya." Farkle jumps in. I look over my shoulder at him and give him a puzzled and sad look and he tilts his head to the side. "I'm sorry, Riles, but she's right. What else could there be?"

I heave a sigh, "look, guys, it can't be." They groan and I fall back on the couch. "No, hear me out. Charlie was the one who told me to run after Lucas after the fight at school. Charlie was the one that told me to talk to Lucas the day that we met up for coffee."

They share a look and I roll my eyes.

"I'm serious," I whine, "I–there must be something else. I know the–"

I was cut off by the vibration of my phone on the table and I grabbed it. "It's him."

"Who?"

"Charlie."

"Finally!" They both fall back on each side of me on the couch.

"Took him long enough." Maya says irritated. "What did he say?"

I tap on the message and start to read it out loud. "Hey Riley. Sorry for making you wait. I'll be there in 5. Meet me on the roof." I look at Maya and then at Farkle. They both had the same expression plastered on their faces. I don't blame them, there was something that didn't feel right about this. But nevertheless, he said it was important and I just want to get it over with and get a good night's sleep.

"You should get going." Farkle breaks the silence.

I nodded and did just that.

___

I stood on the roof of my apartment building, my breath forming delicate clouds in the cold midnight air of Greenwich, New York. The city below was a quiet symphony of soft hums and distant sirens, far removed from the bustling chaos of the day. The sharp bite of winter nipped at my cheeks and fingers, forcing me to tug my coat tighter around my frame. The stars above, barely visible through the city's haze. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, wishing I had worn thicker socks. Despite the cold, there was something magical about being up there, alone under the vast winter sky.

"Riley?"

I turned away from the calming view of the stars and was greeted by a fainted smile plastered on Charlie's face as he approached me.

I give him a small smile back and slightly tilt my head to the side. "Hi, Charlie."

He heaved a sigh and stopped right in front of me. "I'm sorry for making you wait."

I send him a small smile and wave my hand dismissively, "No, no. It's alright. You don't need to worry about that. I was actually, just now, with Maya and Farkle and we-"