I DONT REALLY think that song works, Riley stated, drawing everyone's attention to her.
You're just expressing this now? Maurice asked angrily. Why don't you think it works?
Well, because these two characters have been fighting through so many different lives against and for each other. But neither of them would change a thing. If they had never known each other, their lives would be so boring, so safe. She frowned slightly. They'd feel safe, but half as real.
You're thinking of another song, aren't you? Landon asked. Riley smiled a bit and nodded. Which one?
The one my parents wrote. The one they sang at their wedding. Ill be right back. She sprang up and ran outside. Everyone else looked at one another. Riley got out her phone and dialed her father's number.
Hi, what's up? Orion answered.
Daddy, you know that song you and Mom used for your vows? Riley asked, in her best little girl voice.
Uh huh, Orion said slowly.
It would fit beautifully in the scene we are working on right now, Riley said.
I can find it and bring it over, Orion offered.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Daddy!
Yeah yeah, I'll be there as soon as I can.
They hung up and Riley returned to everyone else. My dad will be here very soon with the song.
You realize I want you and Landon to sing me the song before I agree to this? Maurice asked. Riley nodded. Does he know it well enough?
Not yet, Riley said. She grabbed Landon's hand. Come on, I'll teach you as much as I remember right now.
She pulled him away from everyone and they stood out front of Studio 19 in the cracked parking lot. This was the first time she had any alone time with him since before she spotted Monique at the club with another guy and that was a few days ago.
Are you okay? Landon asked. You've been weird lately. Or are all you girls running on the same cycle right now?
I'm fine and no we're not, as far as I know, Riley responded, smiling somewhat. She started teaching him the song, but gave up when she couldn't remember some of the lines.
Orion arrived half an hour later and was greeted by his daughter hugging him tightly and thanking him. She asked him to stay awhile and took the music sheets back to Landon to help him learn the song.
It was understandable why Riley would want Orion to stay. Every time she used one of her parents' songs, she always wanted them to hear it to get their approval before she used it in an important context. She always enjoyed getting her mother or father's feedback on their music and hers.
You ready to do this? Riley asked, walking back to everyone else, with Landon next to her.
I think so, Landon replied. In his opinion, the song hit a bit close to home for them. For him, it all sounded too real. It was almost exactly how he felt about himself and Riley.
Do we get to hear this wonder song now? Maurice asked, as he saw them coming over.
With a quick glance at Landon, Riley nodded and went over to the piano that was on the set. She started playing, occasionally glancing at the sheet music, but mostly playing by memory. And then Landon started singing. Landon forced himself to remain standing by the piano. It was taking a lot for him not to move and sit next to Riley on that bench.
A silence ensued after the end of the song, broken only by loud applause, which made the songsters snap back to reality.
That was brilliant! Maurice cried. I want thatall of it. The song, the emotion you two put into it everything! He turned his eyes to one of the writers. Rewrite the scene to work with that song.
He looked back at Riley and Landon. You guys are so great together! Riley, when you first showed up, I thought this was a total shot in the dark, but I can see now how wrong I was about that.
Riley's face went almost as red as the shirt Landon was wearing. She caught her father's eye and he was giving her a look she couldn't quite understand.
In order to perfect the song, Maurice made Riley and Landon stick around after the end of the day to practice it a bit more. This alone time practicing seemed like a good idea to Landon, but not to Riley.
Are you alright? Landon asked.
Sure, Riley said, but there's something I have to tell you, though.
Okay. What is it? Landon asked. For a wild moment he thought she was going to spill about having problems with Forest. Maybe they were breaking up. Maybe Riley was going to tell him that Forest had proposed to her. As crazy as that idea sounded, it was completely likely and not one he wanted to contemplate.
Monique is cheating on you, Riley said simply.
Of all the ideas that Landon had thought of, that hadnt been one of them. He stared at his ex-girlfriend as she slowly reached into her bag and pulled out incriminating photos of Monique.
The truth was there for him to see and now all Riley had to do was wait for his reaction.
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
RILEY COULDNT BELIEVE she just did that! She also couldn't believe how long Landon had been quiet. This must have been really rough for him. This was the second girlfriend who had cheated on him and both times it happened after they started hanging out again. Talk about an odd coincidence!
She just sat there, staring at the keys on the piano in front of her. Absently, she started playing some lullaby she had written for Chloe. She would always fall asleep when Riley sang it in person. It didnt seem to work with a CD.
When were these photos taken? Landon finally asked. Riley stopped playing and looked at him.
It was about a week ago. Faith and I were out at a club and we saw her. The only reason it took this long to tell you was because I didn't want to mess anything up. Like maybe she was drunk or something, Riley sighed and looked down. But then I didn't really think that was the case, so I had Nathan follow her. Hes almost as good as the paparazzi.
Yeah, I know, Landon said.
I'm really sorry, Landon, Riley confessed, putting her hand on his shoulder. I have to get going. If you need me, just call me, alright?
Landon nodded. She hesitated then kissed his cheek before getting up and leaving. She didn't want to leave him like this, but she had dinner with Forest to get to and she was already late.
She hopped in the limousine outside of Studio 19 and booked it back to the penthouse.
Hey, where have you been? Forest asked, once she walked into the penthouse.
Maurice wanted me to stay behind and practice a new song, she said, putting her stuff down. I made him switch one of the songs, so Landon and I had to stay later and perfect it. I ended up telling him that his girlfriend is cheating on him. The look on Forest's face was almost comical.
Poor guy, he said. Riley nodded. I guess having an ex-girlfriend break that kind of news is even worst. Help me understand at least one thing about your past, Riley. How close were you and Landon?
Riley thought about it for a while, Pretty close, I guess.
Like, thinking about havin a future together. Marriage and kids and all that jazz?
Riley stared at him. It hit her then that Forest really didn't know all that much about her. Sure, he knew her friends and family and a few of her favorite things, but he didn't really know her in depth. She walked over to him, put a hand on his shoulder and one on his cheek then leaned in and kissed him.
Riley told him a lot that night: about her relationship with Landon, how she had first met him, how long they were friends and what it was that broke them apart. Then she spoke about the school play that brought them back together and even led them to being sweethearts for a while. Then how separate colleges was the inevitable breaking point.
Forest sat and listened to everything Riley said about herself and Landon. He watched her, too. The emotions playing on her face as she spoke and the look in her eyes said more than any of the words that escaped her mouth. He couldn't be mad at her, even if he wanted to. This was a completely different girl in front of him than what he was used to.
Riley was a girl who had fallen in love with someone special and then had everythi
ng taken away somehow. For the first time since he met her, Forest finally understood Riley. Everything seemed to fit into place and not just because of what she told him about Landon. The only thing he didn't understand is how she didn't notice how much she loved him. Even now, it was obvious what she felt for him. Forest felt that she was going to need a push in the right direction.
Oh my God, Riley, have you seen this? Bridgette asked, shoving a new magazine in front of her cousin.
That effectively woke her up. Riley blinked her eyes then stared at the magazine. Right on the front cover was a picture of Landon and Monique. She read the title.
Landon Says Bye-Bye to Monique
That was fast, Riley observed, staring at the cover then flipping to the story. There were pictures of Monique with her mystery man, who turned out to be a local DJ at one of the clubs. Riley was glad to see that they weren't the pictures Nathan had taken. Riley groaned, put the magazine down and dragged her hands through her hair. Forest, who was standing at the stove, looked over at her.
Rileys phone started ringing.
Hello? Riley answered, holding her phone to her head.
Hey Riley, its Paul, Paul said, sounding a bit anxious.
What's up? Riley asked, worried.
Umm, I need you to come down to the hospitalSanta Monica First.
Riley's eyes widened. Why, what happened?
I'll explain when you get here.
Ok, I'll be there soon, Riley said. She hung up and went to her room to get dressed.
What's going on? Faith asked.
That was Paul, Riley called through her door. He wants me to meet him at the hospital.
Why? What happened? Faith asked.
I don't know, Riley said, coming out in jeans and a grey shirt. But something's wrong.
We're coming too, Bridgette announced.
Guys, just wait until I call, okay? Riley asked. The girls nodded and watched her leave.
Ten bucks says Landon got hurt somehow, Faith said, looking at Alice.
How can you act like that? Alice asked. And there's no way I'm taking that bet, because you're probably right.
Faith grinned slightly before the worry overcame her and she joined the other two girls and Forest in waiting impatiently for a phone call.
CHAPTER SIXTY
THE FIRST THING Landon was aware of upon waking up was an annoying beeping. The second thing he was aware of was the pressure on his hand. He opened his eyes and turned his head slowly, wincing at the slight pain. There was a blonde head lying next to his stomach. A pale, blue-nailed hand was holding his own. It didn't take too long for him to figure out who it wasRiley. He blinked a few times then realized he was in a hospital room. How did that happen? Oh right, the accident. Landon had gone home and gotten on his motorcycle. He wasn't very clear-headed and apparently neither was the kid who had run out onto the road in front of him. Landon had swerved around him and ended up crashing into a pole.
No, Lorne, I don't wanna wear the pink one! Riley muttered in her sleep.
Landon looked at her quizzically and laughed but stopped quickly when white-hot pain shot through his chest. He squeezed Riley's hand and she slowly woke up and lifted her head. Her hair was a mess, her eyes were red and puffy, probably from crying, and there were a few imprints from the sheet on her cheek, but she still looked absolutely stunning.
Hey, Landon greeted her.
Hey, how are you feeling? Riley asked groggily.
Sort of like I got stepped on by an elephant, Landon said. Riley smiled slightly. Is that kid okay?
Yeah, Riley said. He and his mom were here yesterday to visit, but you were still out.
How long has it been? Landon asked.
Almost a week. We were starting to worry about you.
Oh, Im sorry, Landon said. Now you know how I felt every time you went to the hospital.
Riley smiled. You were pretty banged up, she told him, squeezing his hand lightly. Paul called me when he found out and I came down here so fast I got a speeding ticket.
Really? Landon asked.
Well, I got a warning, Riley said. Landon laughed. What? I was rushing to the hospital because my best friend was hurt.
We're best friends again, huh? Landon asked.
Well, that was the excuse I gave. He even escorted me here. She looked down. I'm not really sure what we are or what we can be right now.
Riles, Landon started, but the door to the room suddenly flew open, and the rest of the girls came in.
All three of them started talking excitedly as soon as they saw that Landon was awake. Behind the girls came Forest and Paul, both of them carrying a bunch of items with the term 'Get Well' written on them. Everyone went on about stories of what happened since Landon was put in the hospital.
Maurice has been pulling his hair out, Paul said. First you're in here and then Riley wouldn't leave the hospital, so he's missing his stars. There are only so many scenes that you two aren't in that we can film.
I know, Paul, Landon admitted, looking at Riley who was now standing back from the bed. She almost seemed to be avoiding looking at him.
You're pretty damn lucky though, man, Paul said. You could have broken something, but the doctor says you escaped with a concussion and scrapes and burns. Your bike on the other hand
I can get a new one, Landon replied, absently. He was still watching Riley. He didn't like how she avoided looking at him. His eyes slid over to Forest. Landon almost expected him to look upset, considering his girlfriend had been here for the whole week Landon was unconscious. Surprisingly enough, Forest didn't look upset at all. He looked more like he was thinking about something, as his eyes shifted from Riley to Landon.
Aunt Madison wants you over at the penthouse once you're feeling better, Bridgette informed Landon. She wants to do some sort of Welcome Back dinner.
I guess they're getting bored of sight-seeing, Faith said. Man, I do not know what Mr. Pratt's deal is. He's way too protective of everybody. Oh, Noah and Alison are back home, too. They flew back to New York a few days ago.
Oh shit! Riley shouted. Everyone looked at her as she ran out of the hospital room. Everyone who had a watch looked down at it then looked back at the door as Riley reappeared. I'll be back soon. She was gone again.
As it turned out, soon was about five hours later. The rest of the group had left and Landon was sitting up in the hospital bed reading a book when Riley walked back in. She looked better now, probably because she took a shower while she was gone. Her hair was up, she had put on some makeup and she had changed to a light blue dress.
How are you, Landon? Riley asked, walking slowly over to the bed and sitting on the side. Landon put his book down and sat up a bit more. Any better?
Yeah, I think so, Landon replied. I got examined by a doctor and a really flirty nurse. Riley smiled slightly. The doc said if I'm feeling up to it, I can go home tomorrow.
Maurice will be happy to hear that.
What about you?
What about me?
Are you happy that I'm alright?
Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?
Just wondering, Landon said.
I went and saw Mom and Dad off for home. Riley changed the subject before it got uncomfortable. Noah and Alison are supposed to be back tomorrow.
I can't believe they spent nearly a month on honeymoon!
Well, we reminded them that we were all here and Noahs boss gave him the green light, so they didn't feel too much of a reason to come back quickly, Riley said. But, you know, Chloe's birthday is next week. I have to fly back for that.
I'm sure Maurice will love that! Landon said, grinning. Riley laughed. After all, both of us have been in here for the last week. Then you're flying off next week for how long?
Just two days. I had that cleared with him when I first signed on. Then a week after Chloe's birthday is Faith's birthday and then a month after that is
Mine, Landon said. Riley nodded. Sounds like you're gonna be quite
the busy bee.
Yes, I will be. But you know me - I like having something to do.
Yeah, but I also know you really well, Landon acknowledged. You do too much then you'll be the one in the hospital bed. Riley nodded slowly. They were quiet for a while and she started fidgeting. The silence was getting rather uncomfortable for her. Riles, you remember when your mom's ex kidnapped you?
Duh, Riley responded, somewhat harshly. She didn't want to talk about that, of all things they could talk about. Why?
I was just thinking about ithow scared we all were, how you acted afterwards.
Yeah, Im sorry about it. I didn't mean to be like that.
I know. It hurt at the time, but weve all gotten over it, Landon said.
Id better get going, Riley announced, standing up. The nurse sort of snuck me in. I'm technically not supposed to be here right now.
Right, Landon said. You'll be back tomorrow? Help get me home and all?
Yeah, of course I will. You get some more sleep and get yourself better.
Yes Ma'am.
Riley's smile grew. Without even thinking, she leaned down and kissed him. There was a brief second where Riley almost moved away, but Landon's hand came up to her head. She moaned softly and ended up deepening the kiss, sitting back down on the bed. They were so caught up in their little make out session, that they didn't notice the nurse walk into the room. They did, however, hear the irritated cough and pulled apart, both looking guilty and Riley going red. She muttered an apology to the nurse, then got up and left quickly.
You're lucky it was me and not one of the others, the nurse said. A lot of people would have taken a picture of that and sold it.
Yeah, I know, Landon said brushing his fingers over his lips.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
WHAT ELSE COULD Riley do but act as if nothing had happened? She stood out by the car with Paul, waiting for Landon for to come out of the hospital. They were supposed to go directly to Asbury Park to do some filming. She was almost afraid of the day's schedule. Every scene she had with Landon either involved her kissing him or hitting him.
If I Never Knew You Trilogy Bundle Page 28
