Chapter 54

Riley stepped out of the event hall, seeking refuge in the smoking area near the parking lot. She loosened her tie and let out a weary sigh, pulling out a cigarette and idly spinning it between her fingers like a pen. The atmosphere inside was still buzzing with laughter and celebration, but she needed a moment to herself after the whirlwind of the evening.

"Mia, come on, why did you have to drag me out?" Riley muttered under her breath, but before she could slip away, a familiar voice broke through the night.

"There you are!" Mia shouted, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Riley. "Hey, Riley Pierce!" She marched toward her, pulling Sienna along behind her.

Riley's stomach dropped as she tossed the cigarette into the trash bin, feeling caught red-handed. Clearing her throat, she forced a smile. "Mia."

"Riley! It really is you, isn't it?" Mia exclaimed, throwing her arms around Riley in an enthusiastic hug. Riley barely managed to brace herself against the unexpected force.

"Jeez, Mia," Riley groaned, struggling to pry Mia's arms from around her neck.

"You haven't reached out in three whole years!" Mia said, playfully punching her stomach. "The last I heard, you were preparing something for Sienna and—"

"Your mouth, really?" Riley interjected hastily, covering Mia's mouth with her hand to prevent any further revelations.

"What's this about preparing something for me?" Sienna asked, her brow furrowed in confusion as she looked between the two.

Riley laughed awkwardly, her face heating up. "No, no, it's nothing," she insisted, still muffling Mia's enthusiastic commentary.

Sienna sighed and turned to Mia, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. Mia, undeterred, bit down playfully on Riley's hand. Startled, Riley quickly let go.

"You're telling me you haven't shared this with Sienna after all these years?!" Mia exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. Riley swallowed hard, avoiding their gazes as she pulled out another cigarette and lit it, the flame flickering in the cool night air.

"And you haven't told her either," Riley shot back, staring at her lit cigarette as if it held the answers to all her questions.

"Because it's your story to tell," Mia replied, stepping closer to Riley and pulling her into a conspiratorial huddle. "What are you doing? She's married now, you know?" Mia whispered, a hint of urgency in her voice.

Sienna frowned, still trying to piece together the fragmented conversation. "What's going on?" she asked, her confusion obvious but the two did not throw any attention at her.

"How could I even tell her when she left me on our anniversary?" Riley hissed, her voice barely above a whisper. Mia's jaw dropped, and she glanced between Sienna and Riley, processing the revelation.

"You're kidding! You're the one who just disappeared!" Mia nudged Riley playfully, but her tone held a serious undertone.

Riley scoffed, shrugging in resignation. "Not that I'm forcing you to believe me."

Mia stepped back, her expression shifting from surprise to concern. "You need to tell her, Riley. You can't just let this hang in the air."

Riley exhaled, the smoke curling into the night sky, contemplating the weight of the past and the complicated feelings it still stirred within her.

Riley crouched down, her hand holding the cigarette resting on her knees. Mia was watching her intently, while Sienna stood nearby, confusion written all over her face.

"What the hell is going on with you two?" Sienna finally asked, breaking the silence that stretched between them for what felt like an eternity.

Mia sighed, exasperation creeping into her voice. "Why did the two of you break up again?" The question hung heavy in the air, freezing both Riley and Sienna in their tracks.

Mia only knew Sienna's side of the story, which was why she felt compelled to hear Riley's perspective. But Riley remained tight-lipped, her expression distant. "Why are you bringing this up now? Come on," Sienna said, irritation flaring as she turned to leave, frustrated by Mia's insistence.

Riley chuckled softly, a sound devoid of humor. She pressed the lit cigarette into the pavement before standing up and tossing it into the nearby trash bin. Sighing, she slipped her hands into her pockets and kicked at the ground, watching the gravel skitter away.

Sienna felt a wave of unease wash over her, sensing the tension radiating from Riley. She wanted to understand Riley's reasons, but this wasn't the right time to push.

"Mia, just drop the topic, okay?" Sienna said, trying to lighten the mood, though her own heart was heavy with unspoken questions.

Mia frowned but nodded, sensing the weight of the moment. The air was thick with unresolved emotions, and the three of them stood there, caught in a web of history, uncertainty, and lingering feelings.

Mia sighed, studying Riley, who remained silent and distant. "How have you been, Riley?" she asked gently.

"Just fine," Riley replied, clearing her throat but avoiding Mia's gaze.

Mia scoffed lightly. "Guess the weather in France really changed you after all."

Riley shrugged and kicked the ground lightly, discomfort evident in her posture. "That's not it, Mia." She chuckled, but the sound was tinged with sadness. "You know, if you asked me how I've been for the past three years, I'd probably say I'm just fine. But on a deeper level, I don't really know how to answer that because it's not an easy question for me."

A moment of silence fell between them, the weight of unspoken feelings hanging in the air. Mia could sense the struggle behind Riley's words, and her heart ached for her friend.

"Sometimes 'just fine' is just a mask we wear," Mia said softly, her eyes searching Riley's for understanding. "You don't have to pretend with me."

Riley laughed bitterly, the sound sharp and laced with regret. She sighed, realizing she hadn't shared the real reason she left the country. Mia and Sienna had no idea that Sienna was the one who broke up with her, that Sienna had told her to leave and never to bother her again.

The pain was hers alone, a burden she felt unworthy to share. She wanted to keep it locked inside, hidden away where no one could reach it.

"It's just... complicated," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "Some things are better left unsaid."

Mia frowned, sensing the turmoil beneath Riley's facade. "Riley, you don't have to carry it all by yourself. I know it hurts, but sharing it might lighten the load."