Song for the chapter: Fix You, by Coldplay

To say that getting ready for dinner tonight with the Brooks was nerve-wracking was an understatement.

I was on the verge of puking, that's how nervous I was. Once Ryker had mentioned it, I knew it was going to be an important night. Somehow, I knew it would be.

I also knew that, deep down, it mattered to him. Because Ryker cared. All this pent-up anger was his way of trying to deflect his pain of how much he actually cared about his family, how much he probably missed them.

I hated his father, most of all, for doing this to him.

But I would be there, strong, for him. Even if I don't feel like it.

So even though I felt like my knees would give in at any moment, I still managed to put makeup on my face. I was able to get the eyeliner on without a problem and mascara without getting any on my lid. I put some shimmer on my lid and under my brow before putting on my chapstick and nodding in content.

Again, makeup is a very powerful tool.

I pulled up my hair in a neat, high ponytail and secured it with a black ribbon. I took a very much needed breath as I looked in the mirror.

This wasn't Maddi, the insecure fat girl. This was Maddison, the semi-confident college student. Girlfriend of Ryker Brooks.

Girlfriend. My gosh. I still couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. Three whole days and I still couldn't get over it.

I shut the light off in the bathroom and walk over to my room. My phone had lit up, reminding me that I had received a text already.

Ryker: Almost there, baby

Shoot. He was almost here and I wasn't even dressed. I rushed into my closet and grabbed the royal blue dress I had dug up, being buried in the back of my old closet.

I bought this dress back in junior year for spring formal, but I ended up never going because my mom had just recently passed away. My mom said that this dress made my eyes pop and she couldn't wait to see me in it.

She never did.

I inhaled, long and deep, as I clutched the fabric between my hands. I walked to the bed and set it down carefully. I took off my shorts and the shirt I had on, unzipping the fabric.

While I had finally mustered the courage to put it on, I was a bit worried. I was way bigger now than when I had gotten this, and it was a perfect fit then. What happens if it doesn't fit? I'm going to lose all the progress I've made so far.

I shakily step into it, pulling it up my legs. I hold the top to my chest as I slip my arms through the holes. I close my eyes as I reach for the zipper and pull upwards. I slowly tug it up, my heart rapidly beating as I hear it zipping closed.

Until it doesn't.

My eyes shoot open, tugging at the material on my back. I could barely reach anymore, but it wasn't budging. And I started freaking out.

What made it worse was when I heard knocking at the front door. My eyes widened at that, trying to push the zipper up, but it wouldn't freaking go.

I felt a lump in my throat as I smoothed down the material and walked down the hall. I pulled open the front door, Ryker's smile instantly faded when he sees me.

"Maddison? What's wrong?"

"It doesn't fit," I breathe. "The dress doesn't fit."

Ryker steps inside and shuts the door. I can feel my breathing start to irregulate as I walk backwards.

"Hey," Ryker grabs my shoulders. "Let me see."

"No!" I shout.

Ryker's eyes narrow as he smiles kindly at me. "Why not?"

"I..." I loose my words.

"Look at me," he tips my chin up towards him. "You're curvy, Maddison. And I fucking love that about you. So the dress is small. So what? That doesn't define how perfect you are. Because you really are so beautiful. Your body," Ryker smirks. "It drives me crazy."

I blush at his words, swallowing. "Oh."

"So can I see?"

I look down, turning gently. I feel his hands on my body as he grips the zipper. It causes goosebumps to spread across my skin, my breathing hitching in my throat. I feel him nudge the zipper upwards just a tad, but it doesn't move after.

I let out a defeated breath, but Ryker just turns me towards him. I feel my eyes wide and sad as they stare back at his. He lift his hands up and I feel him tug at my hair.

"Ryker—" I swat at his hands, but his smile grows as he manages to pull the ribbon from my hair.

He grabs the small elastic that was holding it together, too, and lets the blonde mess fall all around me. My jaw falls slightly as he pockets the two items.

"Why would you do that?"

He reaches out, tucking a strand behind my ear. "You look so beautiful when you let yourself be seen."

My cheeks heat up as he shrugs off his jacket, which is when I realize what he's wearing. He's wearing an all black suit—black slacks, black button down and the black blazer on top with black shiny shoes to match. The combination looked sinful against his tan complexion.

He wraps his arms around me, pushing the blazer over my arms. He pulls it all the way up and over my shoulders, our close proximity making me stare at his lips—especially that damn lip ring.

"There. Now nobody will notice."

My stomach was doing summersaults, but that's cool. I was literally being engulfed by this thing, but I loved the way it smelled just like him, so I wasn't complaining.

He rolled the sleeves of his shirt up to his elbows, making me swallow hard. Something about rolled up sleeves just makes an outfit look so much better, especially on him.

"Ready?"

"Uh, what? Yeah, sure."

Ryker smirks at my reaction. I slip my black flats on before we head out of the door. Ryker, very shyly, grabbed my hand as we walked out to his car and laced our fingers together. My heart swelled at the action, but even more so as the blush crept across his cheeks.

When we got into the car, his palm immediately rested on my knee.

"My mom never got to see me in this dress," I say after a bit of silence.

I could tell Ryker was confused as to why I was making a big deal about not fitting in this dress, or why I didn't just change. And I didn't want to keep things from him anymore. Ever again.

"It's one of the last things we bought together. She was excited to see me in it, and she never got to."

Ryker squeezed my knee. "She would've said you looked beautiful, because you do."

I smile softly. "Thank you."

The dress was pretty basic: it had modest thigh slits, a v-cut that didn't expose too much cleavage and hugged your curves. It wasn't extravagant, but it made me feel nice at the time. Now, it had just made me feel too big. Like I'd never be able to lose—

"I mean it. You look...incredible." Ryker glances back over at me.

It was almost like he could sense my insecurity. How the hell? I blush, rolling my eyes.

"Stop flirting."

"It just comes so natural with you."

"Well, don't." I smile.

"You say it, but you don't mean it."

I chuckle, shaking my head. He's right. He keeps his hand on my leg as we drive to some fancy restaurant. When we park, I can see how Ryker stares, clearly uncomfortable. I twist my lips, getting out of the car and walking over to his side. He's only just stepping out when I place my hands on his waist.

"Hey. We'll only stay for an hour, tops. Okay? I won't let him hurt you. Not anymore."

Ryker's eyes fill with admiration—with love as he grips my neck lightly.

"I love you."

I smile, grabbing his neck and pressing his lips on mine. And to give him a little...incentive, I made it a little worth this while. I slipped my tongue in his mouth, which earned a low groan from him, and bit his bottom lip playfully.

When I pulled back, his eyes had visibly darkened a shade.

"What the hell was that?"

I smirk. "A preview for tonight. If you behave."

His eyes widened bigger than they ever have as I winked and started walking towards the entrance. It took about a good five seconds before I heard the car lock and Ryker's heavy footsteps follow behind me.

"You don't fight fair," he murmurs in my ear when he puts his arms around my shoulder.

"Oh?" I look up at him from my lashes.

"Dois mío, don't look at me like that, Maddison." Ryker's voice was low and dangerous as we walked inside.

"Hi. Can I help you?" The server interrupted our moment.

I awkwardly coughed as Ryker sighs. Once informed we're here for the Brooks' party, we're escorted to our table. As we got closer, we could see the Brooks' already there.

Who I wasn't expecting was freaking Olivia to be sitting there. I literally froze when I saw her at the table, looking bored, probably waiting for Ryker.

"Oh, hell no." I laugh in disbelief.

Ryker looks at Olivia and rolls his eyes. "Just ignore her. I do."

"Ignore her?" I try to whisper, but fail. "Yeah. Cause I can ignore the devil herself who did so much shit to you. Easy."

"My, my, Maddison. Is that jealousy I sense?" When I roll my eyes and try to walk ahead, Ryker easily catches my waist and lowers his head to my ear. "Because it's a fucking turn on."

I whimper as he stands upright and grabs my hand, leading us to the table. All eyes were on us as we approached. Ryker's mom was the only one to genuinely smile and rise to her feet.

"Chamaco, so happy you could make it!" She happily greets her son. "And Maddison, you look as beautiful as ever."

"Thank you," I smile at her.

"Margie," Kyler nods. "Lookin' good."

"Fuck off, Kyler." Ryker growls.

"It's Maddi, babe." Olivia looks up at me. "Isn't it?"

Oh this bitch did not. Two can play at this game.

"Yeah, it is." I smile as fake as I can.

"My bad, damn."

"Enough. The Mortelli's will be here soon. Let's be civil tonight, shall we?" Ryker's dad said.

"Control your son and we should be just fine." I raise a brow as I sit down, of course, right beside him.

Ryker was seated right beside Olivia, right across from me, which made me wanna claw her eyes out.

"Mind your manners tonight." Ryker's dad warns me. "I still haven't forgotten your little outburst on the Fourth."

I raise a brow. "I'm sorry? I believe that, if anything, you owe us an apology."

"Weston," Helena warns her husband.

At that, he turned his full attention to her, not minding any attention to us. I rolled my eyes and looked at Ryker.

But of course, I caught Olivia staring at him. I turned to see Kyler on his phone. I roll my eyes.

"Working all the time is gonna wear you out one day." I sigh.

Kyler glances up at me. "And you care?"

"As shitty as you are, you're Ryker's brother. And Ryker loves you. So, yeah."

That caught his attention. "He does?"

"What's with all the secrecy over there?" Ryker's hard eyes are set on Kyler.

Ha. Now who's jealous.

"Scared I'm gonna steal your girl?" Kyler smirks.

"Ew," I scrunch my nose at him. "Gross."

At that, Ryker smirks and Olivia rolls her eyes. But she quickly plastered a smile.

"Never failed to steal my heart."

Cringe.

"That's right, babe."

Ryker looked like he might actually throw up on the table when Weston looked back over at us.

"Ryker. I have a proposition for you."

"Dad, I—"

"I'll open you your own publishing house. I don't give a damn what it is you want. Just give me a year and a half of your time, teach you the business and show you what we're building here, what you're giving up. And if you're still not interested, then I'll leave you be."

Ryker's jaw was tensed and the hand he had on the table was clenched. The anger was brimming the surface, threatening to come out. I felt my eyes widen, but when I looked at Olivia, the bitch had a sneaky ass smirk on her face!

"How many times?" Ryker slams his hand so hard on the table, it catches the attention of surrounding tables. "How many times do I have to say no before you get it through your thick fucking skull?"

"Ryker—"

"No, ma. This isn't about you." He cuts Helena off. "He's been pushing this on me since I was a fucking kid, and I'm tired of it! When are you just going to accept me for who I am? For what I love? Why is that so damn hard?"

Ryker was yelling, causing a scene. I wanted to step in, but Kyler beat me to it.

"Ryker. Bro, calm down. Don't do this, man."

His deadly glare shut him up. "Don't even talk to me. Expecting another pat on the back from him? You disgust me," Ryker spat at him. "You're my brother. And yet you still can't fucking stand up for me when I need you to. You can't support my decisions to need to live my own life!"

"Wait, Ryker,"

"I was manipulated long enough by her," Ryker points his long finger at Olivia, her face dropping. "Facing enough manipulation from my own family growing up to just follow a set path my whole life. I don't fucking want it! Why is that so hard to understand?"

"Hijo," Helena tries to calm him, but Ryker stands to his feet, making his chair fall to the floor.

"I can't do this. I knew this was a bad fucking idea."

Ryker storms out, leaving us all sitting here, stunned. I swallow, putting my head in my hands.

"Go after him," I hear, making my head perk up. "Please, Maddison." Helena pleads. "You're the only one he'll listen to."

"I—"

"Please."

I bite my lip, nodding. I quickly rise to my feet and follow in the path he went. The restaurant is crowded, full of people. But Ryker is distinctive, and I knew I could spot him if I found him.

Minutes and minutes pass, yet I can't find him. I wait outside the bathrooms and check out by the bar, but he's not there. I glance around the restaurant, but can't find his broad figure. Just when I go to walk outside, Olivia grips my shoulder.

"You're no good for him."

I scoff. "And you are?"

"Of course I am. I know how to handle him, you don't."

"Really?"

"You're so naive. Ryker is broken; whatever this is between you guys won't work. That anger you see in him? It doesn't go away. He lets that out with fighting and fucking. And boy, does that man know how to fuc—"

She stops when I literally pull my hand back and punch her mouth. She clutches her lips as I walk towards her.

"You're a real bitch, Olivia. You made him think that risking his life, underground fighting is okay. It's not," I growl at her. "Ryker is not something you can just use for your weird sexual fantasies. He's a person, with real feelings and dreams. Stop obsessing over him."

I take a step, but she scurries away from me.

"He's not broken. People like you just don't see how truly beautiful he is. Stay the fuck away from my boyfriend or next time, I'll give you so much more than a busted lip. That's a promise."

I turn on my heel and walked out in the cool August air. I sigh, grabbing my phone from Ryker's jacket pocket and dialing his number. Hearing faint ringing, I follow the noise. I walk down a few feet and see Ryker, downing a bottle of something.

"Ryker," I whisper, my heart aching at the sight of him like this.

He looks up at me, his eyes glossy. "Maddison." He slurred.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"Having a drink," he holds the bottle to me. "Want one?"

I frown. "No. I really don't."

He shrugs. "More for me."

As he takes more of the brown liquid, I feel my heart break. I turn and grab my phone.

"Hey, hey!" He calls after me. "Where you going?"

I ignore him, waiting for Ben to answer.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Ben. It's Maddi."

"Hey, what's up?" He asked.

"I'm so sorry to bother you," I feel the sob in the back of my throat. "But Ryker's...a little drunk. And I can't drive."

"Text me an address, I'm on my way."

"Thanks, Ben."

I hang up and text him the name of the restaurant we're at. When I face Ryker, he's finishing the last bit of alcohol in the bottle and tosses it on the ground. Aggravation in my veins, I grab it off the floor.

"This isn't a trash can."

"Yeesh, I'm sorry." He giggles.

I roll my eyes and toss it in the dumpster beside us. I keep my distance between us as he, literally, let's out a whine sound.

"Maddison."

When I ignore him, he does it again.

"Baby."

I glare at him. "What."

"Come here, I miss you."

I wrinkle my nose at his slurred speech, giving me too many flashbacks of my dad. I cross my arms, tapping my feet on the pavement.

"Fine. Guess I'll come to you."

With widened eyes, I turn to him again, but he's already up on his feet. He trips over himself, toppling forward but catches himself. When he takes another step, he sways and tries to reach out for me. As he stumbles over himself at the last second, my arms launch out, catching his weight under his shoulders.

"Hey there."

"You're heavy," I groan as I shift his weight and sling his arm around my shoulder.

Nothing I'm not used to by now.

"And you're pretty." He nuzzles his nose against my ear.

I feel my cheeks flush but pull my face away. "Stop it."

"Why?"

"Because I said so."

Ryker hums as I see Ben's car. I feel relief flood through me.

"I wanna marry you, Maddison."

My eyes widen at his drunken statement as I looked at him. His eyes were closed as he laid his head on my shoulder.

"You don't mean that," I whisper.

"Mhm," he nods up and down. "I really do."

I shake my head, pulling him towards Ben's car. "You're drunk. You don't know what you're saying."

Ryker tries to resist getting into Ben's car, but with Ben's help, we're able to push him inside and lock the door. I climb into the passenger seat, silent as Ben took off.

"Your place?"

I look at Ben, then to Ryker.

"No. His."

I rest my head against the window, crossing my arms over myself, trying to convince myself that what Ryker said was a drunken slip-up, and he didn't actually mean it.

He couldn't...could he?

A/N

Looonger chapter, hope yall don't mind 🥺

Thanks for reading, lovelies! Don't forget to vote, comment, etc!! <33