After I got an Uber home, I quick changed into a cute outfit that was way more comfortable than a dress and heels. When I saw Ricky pull up to my house, I ran downstairs to get the door.

Violet's Outfit

"Hey, I was thinking maybe we could drive around for a little bit? Go to that one diner you like?", he said.

"Oh my gosh, I'd love that", I said, grabbing my phone and getting my wallet out of my clutch.

Once we got in the car, I plugged my phone into the AUX.

"Play anything you want, just please don't play anything from Disney Channel", he said.

I put on "Lights Up" by Harry Styles, because I don't think I will ever not love Harry Styles.

"So, homecoming was really...something", Ricky said.

"I guess that's one way to describe it. I can't believe what happened between Gina and EJ", I said.

"Yeah. I also can't believe that you became friends with her!", Ricky said.

"She's not as tough as she seems. She's actually super sweet, and I completely understand what she's going through. It's probably super stressful to switch schools during sophomore year, after getting used to one school during freshman year", I said.

"True. I think that I didn't like her because she didn't like Nini, and that's back when Nini and I kind of had a thing", he replied.

"So, you and Nini don't have a thing anymore?", I asked teasingly.

"Shut up!", he said, blushing.

We pulled up to the diner, and got a parking spot right in front of the door.

When we walked in, the hostess told us to seat ourselves, so I obviously chose the table that was right next to the jukebox.

Once a waitress came over, I ordered an iced coffee and chocolate chip pancakes, and Ricky ordered a vanilla milkshake and blueberry pancakes.

After that, I walked over to the jukebox and picked one song of many that I'd end up playing before the end of the night.

My first song of the night would be "Strawberries and Cigarettes" by Troye Sivan.

"Hey, I'm sorry that homecoming sucked", Ricky said.

"It didn't suck completely... it just wasn't what I'd expected. I'd kind of hoped that it'd be like old times, with you and me and Big Red just hanging out and talking, and making fun of the horrible music they played. I almost felt like I was third-wheeling you and Big Red!", I said.

"I'm sorry. To be honest, I kind of wanted to ask you myself. I wanted to go with you, but with all of the stuff going on with my family, I just chickened out", he said.

"Aww! You should've asked me. I totally would've said yes! I would have had more fun if we went together. It was kind of idealistic of me, but I'd hoped that it would be like some big romantic TV show, where it would be a perfect situation, with awesome music and decorations. And we'd obviously round out the night with "Bye-Bye Darling" by BØRNS, and it would be like a CW show or some shit. It's so stupid that I'm disappointed about that", I said.

I was interrupted when the waitress brought us our food. Our conversation ceased as both of us just sat their silently eating. Once our food was finished, we continued our conversation.

"I'm gonna go pick a song", Ricky said.

"Ooh! Okay", I said.

The opening notes of "Bye-Bye Darling" by BØRNS rang out from the jukebox.

"I know that this isn't your perfect homecoming, but I hope this is good enough. Will you dance with me, Violet?", Ricky asked, coming over to my side of the booth.

I nodded, my eyes filling with tears.

I got up, and he held me close, us swaying to the music.

This was everything I'd wanted and more, but it had come in a very unexpected place.

This was the cheesy Netflix teen show moment that I had always wanted. My favorite song, one of my favorite places, and one of my favorite people. I would always remember this night as the night when I completely fell head over heels for Ricky Bowen.

Author's Note: Ahhhhh! This was one of my favorite scenes I have ever written, and I hope you guys enjoyed it! I love writing the relationship between Violet and Ricky, and I love having the ability to develop their characters as I continue this book! "Bye-Bye Darling" is one of my favorite songs ever, and I feel like it felt this scene and their story so well! The next chapter should be up on Friday or Saturday, depending on when I get to watch episode 6! This book is ranked #3 in the HSMTMTS tag, and it's all because of you guys!

Lots of love 💜, Beth