Chapter Twenty-Nine

Coasting Down Memory Lane;
Chapter Twenty-Nine.

The sun shone in, illuminating the entire room. Riley stirred and eventually opened her eyes to the blinding light. She looked over to the clock and gaped when she saw that it was well after ten in the morning. She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept in that late. She rose; finding herself quite reenergized, and headed off into the bathroom for a shower.

Riley always enjoyed the feel of hot water running down her body. The heat always seemed to numb away aches and pains. And it helped ease people to relaxation. She stepped out of the glass shower and wrapped herself in a white cotton towel.

When she walked back out into the bedroom she saw that Sidney was still sleeping in the middle of the bed. She chose a light pink bra and black boy shorts for underwear. Seeing as it was Sunday, and with her new schedule Riley didn’t have to work weekends, she chose a simple purple track suit. She left her hair down, not bothering to dry it.

Riley hummed her way to the kitchen. Everything seemed to be working out. With a cup of coffee in hand Riley decided it was time to see if Sidney was up. If he wasn’t then she’d have to do the honours.

She watched him roll and flop from side to side, realizing that he was probably awake. “Sidney,” she cooed. He moved slightly then stopped. “Sid, it’s time to get up.”

His eyes opened and focused on Riley standing in the threshold, leaning up against the door frame with a white mug up to her smiling lips. He studied her for a few seconds longer and finally came to the conclusion that she was happy. Completely content. He hadn’t seen her look like that in forever. “Morning,” he croaked then cleared his throat. “You look well rested.”

She smiled as she walked over to lean on the dresser. “As do you,” she replied. Riley wanted this moment to last a lifetime. Just the two of them together, no disruptions, no friction and nowhere to be at certain times and places; this was serenity. This was what love and life combined together should be like.

Yes, everything was working out. But how long would it last? No one knew. How long would the peace last? How many more Sundays would there be of sleeping in and lounging around? Most importantly, how long would Riley and Sidney last? No one has those answers so there really isn’t a point in dwelling on the negative what-ifs when you can live happily in the positive present.

While Sidney showered Riley sat on the couch and flipped through the channels on TV. The phone rang and Riley danced her way over to the phone. She truly was in a good mood. Probably one of the best she’d ever been in.

“Hello?” she said politely.

“Hey Rye,” Kaylan’s voice rang through.

“Hey Kay, how’ve you been? I haven’t heard from you in a while.”

“I’m good, everything’s perfect.” Kaylan said in a silky voice.

“Oh? Perfect, huh? Do tell.” Riley said with a smile even though her friend couldn’t see it.

“Yeah, well, I’m getting married!” Kaylan, Riley’s best friend screeched.

“Married?! Oh my god. Since when and is it to Jordan?” Riley asked excitedly.

“He asked last night and yes, it’s to Jordan. I’m marrying Jordan!” she said in an elated voice.

“Wow. Well congratulations to both you and Jordan.”

“Meet us at Famous Dave’s at noon; bring Sid and your brother and his fiancée.”

Ben and Kim were staying in Pittsburgh for a few more weeks while they went house hunting. Ben had some friends who lived in the area so they were currently staying with them. Since Riley didn’t know their home number she called his cell phone.

“Hello?” he sounded bored.

“Hi Ben,”

“Hey Rye, what’s up?” she smiled; he still treated her like a little kid; like his little sister.

“Are you free today at noon?”

“Probably, why?”

“Kay called and she wanted me to ask you if you and Kim are free to go out to Famous Dave’s for lunch.” She scowled jokingly when Sidney came in the room and took her coffee out of her hand, drinking most of it.

“Where are we going and why?” Sidney asked as he wrapped his arms around Riley.

“Shut up,” she hissed, then muttered a quick ‘not you’ to Ben.

“Okay, Kim and I will meet you guys at noon.” Ben said.

After hanging up Riley explained their plans to Sidney, to which he approved simply because he adored Jordan. When Riley would joke that he had a man crush on Jordan he would reply “I respect him because he has a good taste in sports and cars” Jordan was a long-time Penguins fan and frequently discussed cars with Sidney.

They planned to leave at 11:30 in order to make it to the restaurant for noon. Until then they used their time wisely by engaging in a make-out session.