Defining Riley (A Harper's Rock Legacy Novel Book 4)

by JJ Ellis

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2018 Jaimee Jenkins Ellis

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  First Printing, 2018

  GimmeLots Publications

  http://www.jjellis.com

  jaimee@jjellis.com

  ISBN-13:

  978-1720504061

  ISBN-10:

  1720504067

  Table of Contents

  Copyright Page

  DEDICATION

  1 | DREAMS OR MEMORIES

  2 | THE BEGINNING

  3 | AIDAN

  4 | TROUBLE IN PARADISE

  5 | BACK TO REALITY

  6 | START OF THE FALL

  7 | GIRLFRIEND RETURNS

  8 | NEW LIFE, NEW HOPE

  9 | GRIEF ARRIVES

  10 | PEACE – TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT?

  11 | IS IT LOVE?

  12 | OLD RILEY NEW RILEY

  13 | RESCUE HER

  14 | TWO LIVES, NEVER THE SAME

  15 | NOVACAINE

  16 | BREAKING APART

  17 | DEEP DARK DEPTHS

  18 | EVEN DEEPER?

  19 | THE DARKEST PIT

  EPILOGUE

  Sign up for JJ Ellis's Mailing List

  Further Reading: Anguish

  Also By JJ Ellis

  About the Author

  DEDICATION

  THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED to the Moapa Valley High School class of 1988. Our 30th year class reunion takes place two days after the release of Defining Riley and although I won’t be there to see everyone in person, I will be there in spirit. Without this great bunch of people, many of whom are in my life again, I don’t think I would be able to write about teens and high school in an accurate manner. Thanks guys! ‘88 was an amazing year.

  ALSO THANKS TO

  I WOULD LIKE TO THANK my kids Gwen, Bella, Livy, Trent, and Lily, my son-in-law Torin and my wonderful husband Tim for all of your support in my career.

  I would like to thank my parents Ann and Chuck (deceased) and my wonderful siblings, nieces, and nephews.

  I would like to thank my friends (too many to name here). Your support is noted and appreciated.

  I would like to thank Shannon for the names Riley and Samantha! Your special meaning became my special characters. Thank you.

  DEFINING RILEY

  JJ ELLIS

  1

  DREAMS OR MEMORIES

  RILEY JOHNSON HAD BEEN throwing passes all day. He just had to get the starting quarterback position on his high school football team. But this year he had major competition from the new guy in town, so he felt he had to try even harder. His goal was to please his impossible to satisfy father and have a full season in the position to dedicate to his girl. Samantha Marsten had been his best friend since they were in grade school and now she was his long-distance girlfriend undergoing cancer treatments in Denver, Colorado. Having been apart for three years, their relationship was straining but she was still his best friend. He tried not to think about the fact that he was in love with someone else and that dedicating the season would be done to assuage his guilt.

  With his dad being passed out drunk when he left for practice, Riley didn’t want to go home and face his afternoon hangover wrath. Instead, he would ask the coach if he could hang out in his office and watch videos of plays. If he sat on the coach’s couch, he would probably be asleep by the third or fourth video and he would welcome the rest.

  2

  THE BEGINNING

  2006

  The little boy crawled into the giant concrete pipe that sat at the playground in Harper’s Rock Wyoming. It was the best place to hide from the world. Today, that world was his dad. He didn’t hit him or anything but he hadn’t seemed to like him much since his mama died.

  “Hey, who are you?” a little blond-haired girl asked, sliding in next to him. “This is my spot.”

  “I’m Riley and huh uh, this is my spot. Who are you?”

  “I’m Samantha and I’m your new best friend.”

  And from that day forward they were inseparable. By the time they hit middle school, they knew everything about each other and were each other’s biggest confidants.

  “So, what did Terry do today to piss you off?” Samantha asked as she let Riley into the house.

  “Riley, you dumb shit why didn’t you remind me to meet with Uncle Joseph in the pasture,” he mimicked. “And then my dad told Uncle Joseph that it was my fault and he pulled me aside to warn me that If I didn’t change, I’d end up just like my dad. Stupid jerk!”

  “I’m sorry, Ri,” she whispered leaning her head on his shoulder. “What they think doesn’t matter. You’re the one who defines yourself.”

  Riley just agreed. He wasn’t sure why but for some reason when his dad or his uncle said something good or bad about him it seemed to matter the most. No matter how much he tried to change it he couldn’t. “Speaking of dads, did you hear from yours last night?”

  “Nope. Six times in a row I didn’t get my weekly call. I guess he’s too busy with his new family.”

  “You were his family first,” Riley gritted out. “He’s just a jerk!”

  “I know,” Samantha whispered. “But I love him.”

  “I understand.” Riley helped her slip into her jacket and the headed out the door for a long day of school.

  “SO, HOW WAS THE FIRST day of seventh grade?” Samantha asked as she leaned against the locker next to Riley’s

  “Just fucking peachy! Three of my teachers are already comparing me to my dad.” He slammed his locker closed. “Oh, so you’re Terry Johnson’s son. I sure hope you’re more like your Mama. We sure do miss her,” he spat.

  “I’m sorry, Ri. I know how much remembering your mom hurts.”

  “What hurts more is that my dad was cool when he was with her but now that she’s dead, it’s like...like the best part of him died with her.”

  “I wish mine was dead,” Samantha seethed. “This weekend is the daddy-daughter dance and he won’t come like he promised.”

  “You could always take my dad,” Riley teased as they headed for Sammi’s house. “If he stays sober long enough.”

  Both pre-teens laughed and took off running for the small ranch style home in the middle of town. “First one there gets a kiss from the last one there.”

  Riley stopped suddenly nearly tripping over his own feet. “Did she say kiss?” He started running again. There wasn’t any rush, though, if she had said kiss, it didn’t matter who got there first.

  Samantha was just stepping inside when Riley caught up with her. She turned to him with her hands on her hips.

  Riley eyed her cautiously. “Uh, did you really mean it about the...the kiss?”

  “Of course, I did,” she giggled. “Four of my girlfriends got kissed over the summer and I didn’t. I’m tired of waiting so I figure you can go ahead and do it.”

  “Uh...me,” he stammered. “Are you sure you want it to be me? I mean, I’m just your best friend.”

  “Who better,” she pouted. “You won’t judge and I like you so it won’t be that gross.”

  Riley stepped toward her. He could see her smile and smell her shampoo. He never realized how good she smelled before. “I...I guess we can kiss. But just once.�
��

  “Okay.” She stepped closer, their shoes were touching. “Go ahead.”

  Riley leaned forward until his lips touched hers ever so lightly. It didn’t seem like enough so he pressed harder and his world tilted just a little bit. With a sigh, he pulled back and opened his eyes. “Was...was that okay?”

  “Uh...uh...yeah,” she whispered. “If you ever want to do it again, just to get the practice you know, it will be okay with me.”

  Without a second thought, Riley leaned in and kissed her again, this time for longer. When he pulled away, Samantha was smiling.

  “I didn’t think best friends were supposed to like kissing each other so much”

  “Yeah, me either. Maybe we should uh...”

  “Be more than best friends?” Samantha finished for him.

  “Yeah,” he murmured. “I...I mean if you want to.”

  “I kinda do,” she answered.

  “I think I’m going to like seventh grade,” Riley claimed with a grin

  “HEY DAD, COULD YOU help me tie my tie, please?” Riley hoped he was at least sober enough to do that.

  “Sure, come here, kid. I could tie one in my sleep. Who you going to the dance with again?”

  “Samantha Marsten,” Riley answered.

  “I thought you was just friends. She’s not good enough for a Johnson.”

  “We’re a couple now, Dad. And she’s plenty good enough for me. Her momma has a job and doesn’t live off her brother. Uncle Joseph barely even considers you a Johnson anymore.” How dare his dad say that about Samantha! He would probably regret what he...

  “What did you say, you little shit?” Terry grabbed him by the collar and pushed him up against the wall. “You don’t talk to me like that. I’ll beat your ass.”

  “Put me down before you fall,” Riley growled. His dad was so drunk he was swaying on his feet.

  Terry staggered back and sat on the couch. “Go on. Get out of here. I have stuff to do. And where do you get off thinking you’re better than me. You’re not! You’re my son and God damnit if I’m a loser you will be too!”

  Riley ran out of the house and hopped on his bicycle and headed for the greyhound bus stop near the entrance to the ranch a quarter mile away. He would wait there for Samantha’s mother to pick him up. He couldn’t risk his dad coming outside and embarrassing everyone.

  The ride to the dance was a silent one because everyone knew why Riley’s eyes were red. But by the time the kids left the car they were all smiles and holding hands much to the surprise of their friends.

  “Wow, when did that happen?” Darren Pickford asked Riley while they were washing their hands in the boys’ bathroom.

  “A couple of weeks ago,” Riley answered with a smile. “I wasn’t even thinking about it and then I kissed her on a bet.”

  “Good for you, man. I always thought you guys would be good together.”

  “Yeah, thanks.” Riley always felt bad for the other rancher boy. No one knew that Darren was gay but him and he was pretty sure there was a crush going on. But right now, he wanted Samantha so that was what he would concentrate on. Someday he might date a guy, he’d known he was attracted to them for about a year but the time had never seemed right. Besides, he hadn’t wanted to have to date someone in secret and that’s what he’d have to do to keep his dad from finding out.

  “Hey, you want to spend the night? A couple of the other guys are going to.”

  “Sure. I’ll step outside and call my dad and let you know.”

  Riley stood outside the gym watching the traffic go by and he waited for his dad to pick up the phone.

  “Hello,” Terry slurred.

  “Hey, Dad. Can I spend the night over at Darren Pickford’s with some of the guys?”

  For a moment, Riley thought his dad had fallen asleep or passed out. “Now why in God’s name would you want to stay at that queer’s house?”

  “He’s...he’s, not a queer.”

  “Boy, we all know he is. The adults were smart enough to figure it out. You’re supposed to make fun of him not play sleepover at his house. You hear me, boy”

  “But dad, other guys are going to be there too.”

  Terry growled over the line. “Well, that’s their parents’ bad judgement. Maybe they’re queers too. Maybe I should be hearing you teasing them too.”

  “But Dad...”

  “No buts, boy! I don’t want Darren Pickford turning my only son into a faggot. You’ll get your ass home right after the dance, preferably with Sammi’s lip gloss on your cheek.”

  Riley heard the receiver slam in his ear. “Darren wouldn’t have to turn me into one, asshole. I like boys and girls,” he mumbled.

  “Hey, Ri.”

  “Oh, hey Dare. What’s up.”

  “Did you talk to your dad? Barry Wilson and I are going to take off here soon. He’s the only other one who got permission.

  “Oh, uh, yeah...he said not tonight. I...I think he has something planned for tomorrow.” Like Riley nursing him through a hangover.

  “Oh okay. Maybe next time.” Darren started to walk away then rushed back and pulled Riley into the deep shadows of the building. And that’s when he kissed him.

  When they pulled apart, Darren was gasping and Riley was grinning. “You...you kissed me back. I knew it, you’re like me.”

  Riley shrugged. “Except I like girls too. But right now I’m with Samantha so...”

  Darren nodded vigorously. “I...I understand I just had to see. And since you’re the only one who knows about me...”

  “It’s okay, man,” Riley chuckled. “If I ever break up with Sammi, give me a call.” He moved past Darren and into the gym to join his girlfriend.

  “There you are,” Sammi said as she stepped away from her group of friends. “Did Darren find you?”

  “Yeah, he did. Would you like to dance?”

  “Of course, I would.” Samantha grabbed his hand and pulled him out onto the dance floor. “I can’t believe I’ve never danced with you.”

  “I know. We’ve gone to dances together, just not ‘together’ before.”

  “I’m having fun, are you?” she asked shyly.

  “Yeah. The music makes it kinda hard to talk but I like dancing with you.”

  “We could always go out to the field,” she suggested. “We could talk there.”

  “Maybe after a few more dances.”

  Three dances later the couple made their way next door to the high school’s football field where they took seats in the bleachers, leaning back against the seat behind them.

  “I think this is my second favorite place in town,” Samantha sighed.

  “And your first is up on old Harper’s Rock.”

  “Yep. I love that old oak tree on the north side.”

  “Me too, that’s where we had our first picnic.”

  “Yep. Can I ask you a question, Ri?”

  “Sure?” What could she want to ask him that she didn’t already know? She knew everything about him.

  Samantha turned and straddled the seat so she was facing Riley. “Did you know you liked me before the day you kissed me? Tell the truth!”

  Riley grinned. “No. I mean I guess there were signs but I never noticed them until after.”

  Samantha reached over and grasped his hand in hers. “I have a confession to make.”

  “What, that you’ve had a crush on me since fifth grade?”

  Sammi gasped and felt her face heat up. “You knew?

  “No, but now that I think back on it, I can see it.”

  “Oh, you brat!” she squealed, launching herself at him. When she had him in a lose headlock, he pretended to struggle, twisting around so they were face to face.

  “Wrestling with you has a whole new meaning now,” Riley said softly.

  “It does. Are you going to kiss me?”

  “Sure, if you want.”

  Samantha grinned. “Nah, I don’t think I want to now.” She slipped from his grip and rushed down on
to the field.

  Riley was hot hon her tail, catching her about halfway across the field. “Kiss now?”

  “Yeah,” she giggled. “You’re the best best friend boyfriend ever.”

  “I CAN’T BELIEVE WE made it through seventh grade,” Samantha said with a big smile as she and Riley walked to her house after the last day of school.

  “Eighth grade! One more year and we’ll be in high school” Riley was contemplative, unsure.

  “You don’t sound excited, Ri. Why not?”

  He moved over to the bench at the nearby park. “Everyone says that things start to change once you hit high school. I don’t want our relationship to change. And I know my dad will expect me to embrace my bully status full force.”

  “You know,” she said sitting down next to him. “They said things would change when we went to middle school too. But it didn’t, we still spend all our time together.”

  “True,” Riley admitted with a slight smile. “But what about the bully stuff?”

  Samantha sat quiet for a moment before speaking. “I don’t know. That’s a choice you’re going to have to make.”

  “Are you going to break up with me if I become the meanest bully in the freshman class?”

  “Of course not, silly. I love you.”

  Riley heard a roaring in his head. Did she say she loved him? But they were only thirteen. And they and known each other for so long that there were no secrets and complete trust between them. Could what he felt be love, though? He didn’t like being away from her. He loved her voice and the way her smile made his heart do weird things. And the soft way she moved his hair out of his eyes before she kissed him... “I love you too, Sammi.”

  Samantha turned to him with tears in her eyes. “And that’s why what I have to tell you is so hard. I’ve been trying to for a week.”

  “What is it?” Riley wiped the tears from her eyes like he had a million times before.

  “My dad...he called last week. I have to go spend the summer with them.”