Speak To Me
Chapter 120 –

(Rylan)

I tapped my finger on my steering wheel anxiously..my stomach twisting into knots as I couldn't help but glance down at the phone for the hundredth time on this drive. She hasn't even said a word..

I really fucked this up..how much of an idiot can I be? Seriously...

I couldn't help but replay that conversation over and over in my mind and cringe from how desperate I sounded.

Not to mention the dozens of texts I sent..that she hasn't even replied to.

I couldn't get the girl out of my head, but I didn't want to freak her out. I thought I could play this cool and get her to hang out with me, thinking maybe we could get to know one another better, but now she probably has a damn restraining order against me or something. I was on my way to my parent's house. It was a quarter to five and I was holding out hope that Tilly would change her mind..but it doesn't seem that way..

Suddenly my phone began to ring, making me panic as I quickly answered it.

"Hello?!" I rushed out, hoping to god it was her.

"Hey..you almost to mom and dad's? I don't want to get there first.." Jolie said, making me sigh.

"Oh, it's you.." I grumbled, prompting a scoff to leave my sister.

"Well, it's nice to hear from you too...jeez."

"Sorry..yeah..I'm on my way. Did you ask Alder to come with?" I asked her, knowing she was thinking about just bringing him...even though mom insisted on her coming alone.

"He had to fly back to Washington last minute. He said the trial for his dad got moved up." She explained, sounding nervous about it.

"I thought he already got charged?" Alder has been very upfront and honest about all the stuff with his family. It just makes you like the guy even more with how truthful he has been about everything. It's easy to trust him that's for sure.

"This is for the appeal. But I told mom that if she tries to pull something, I'm leaving." Jolie grumbled, making me sigh.

"Yeah..if Madison ends up being invited, I will officially lose it Jolie. I'm going to snap for real this time." I said, making Jolie laugh.

"Well, what happened to your date?" Jolie asked curiously, making me frown.

"I don't want to talk about it." I mumbled, feeling depressed again.

Suddenly I heard the phone beep, signaling I had another call.

"Oh, I bet that's mom calling now. I will see you when I get there. Don't drink all of the wine without me." I said, making Jolie give me a sarcastic laugh as I quickly hung up and switched the call over. "Hey, I will be there if ten." I said, while making a left turn.

"Oh..um, I wasn't sure if you saw my text." A soft voice spoke, making my eyes widen as I almost swerved the car into a damn telephone pole.

"T-Tilly?" I rushed out, wondering if I was hearing things.

"Yeah, I'm sorry about not responding earlier. I had to take my dad to the doctors and I forgot my phone on the charger." She confessed sheepishly, making relief flood through me.

"It's not too late to come right? I mean..if you still want me too." She whispered the last part, causing my stomach to do a somersault.

"No..I mean yes, I still want you to come. I can pick you up right now." I rushed out, glancing around for a place to pull over.

"Well, um, do you think I can just meet you there?" She asked me nervously.

"Oh yeah, of course." I didn't care how she got there..I was just relieved she was coming.

"What do you think I should wear?" She spoke up again, the way her sweet voice practically reached my soul caused a smile to pull at my lips.

"I'm sure you would look beautiful in anything. But my mom usually goes over the top..so maybe a dress. It doesn't have to be anything fancy." I added at the end, hoping I wasn't asking too much. "Okay, I think I can replace something. Just send me over the address and I will be there soon." She said as I couldn't wipe this stupid grin off of my face. I couldn't wait to see her..

"Oh..and Rylan..you..you don't have to pay me okay.." She said shyly, making my heart leap into my throat.

"Okay, sorry about that call lastnight..I don't think I worded things right."

"It's okay, I will see you in a little bit. Bye Rylan."

And with that she hung up..I swear I had never been so damn happy in my life! I let out a loud cheer, my hands gripping the steering wheel as I felt like I had just won a million bucks.

"She has to be some type of angel I swear.." I muttered to myself and drove the rest of the way to my mom, picking up some flowers on the way.

I pulled up to the front gate, checking in with the security guard and informing him of Tilly's upcoming arrival as he let me in.

My mom and dad lived in a high end gated community where celebrities and politicians usually resided. This wasn't the neighborhood I grew up in, and frankly, I'm glad..because ever since moving here, I swear mom goes way overboard trying to fit in with the rest of the people here. I followed the road down, seeing my parents house coming up on the left as I pulled into their driveway. The large grey house was completely lit up, making me think this was a lot more than just a family dinner..and that's when I saw three cars parked in the driveway, one of them being Jolies.

"Great.." I mumbled, seeing Jolie waiting outside of her car as she glanced towards me anxiously..I could see the stress written all over her face.

She walked up to my car, watching me park as she quickly ripped open the door.

"This is a total set up Ry..I freaking knew it. I swear that is Matteo's car." She rushed out, prompting me to glance over at the Mercedes.

"Do you want to leave? We don't have to do this Jolie.." I said, almost hoping she says yes...that way I can just take Tilly out on a real date..

"No, I'm done with this shit Ry..I am shutting it down tonight. And if mom doesn't listen to me, then well..I'm cutting her off."

I nodded in agreement, getting out of my car as I stepped up to Jolie before giving her a hug. Jolie and I were always close..obviously since we are twins..but I have her back no matter what..even I'm getting pissed off for her. Which is rare for me..I don't usually get mad. "Well, I guess it's a good thing your date isn't showing..this drama might've scared her away." Jolie said, making me stiffen.

"Actually..she said she can come after all. That's who was calling earlier.." I explained sheepishly, wondering if this really was a good idea now..

"Oh..well hey, if she sticks around that just means she is a keeper right?" Jolie added, making me laugh dryly.

I didn't exactly tell Jolie about the whole fake girlfriend thing..I was too embarrassed okay!! I just said I met a girl that I really liked and wanted to bring her. It wasn't exactly a lie..because I do like her..a lot.

Just as I was going to respond, another car pulled up, making my heart leap into my throat as I felt like time slowed.

I walked over, going to open the door as all the air was knocked out of me..Holy shit.

Tilly stepped out of the car, her hair was up in a bun and she had on the most beautiful deep red dress I had ever seen..maybe just because it was on her.

The dress had long sleeves and went up to her neck..but the way it clung to her body..

Fuck, it was breathtaking.

"I hope I'm not late." She whispered, making me shake my head no as I couldn't help but stare into those beautiful blue and green eyes..she has to be one of a kind..there is no one in the world like her..I swear. "Wait, I think I know you..you're Matilda right? Matilda Martinez?" Jolie suddenly chimed in, breaking me from my trance as I glanced between them curiously.

Did Jolie know her? And her name was Matilda? Oh god..why does that make her even more adorable.

"Yes, it's nice to see you again." Tilly suddenly said with a shy smile, her tan cheeks turning a beautiful shade of pink.

"Rylan, you didn't tell me that your date was Matilda." Jolie said, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Well..I didn't know..I hadn't met her before." I said sheepishly, not wanting to seem rude. I would remember if I met this girl..how could I forget those eyes?

"Yes you do..her mom used to be my ballet instructor, at the academy." Jolie said before walking over to Tilly and looping her arm through hers.

"I haven't seen you in years. How have you been? How is your mom doing?" Jolie began, dragging my date towards the house as I stared after her.

I wracked my brain, trying hard to remeber this girl as what Jolie said suddenly hit me. I did remember her..

That shy little girl who was always hiding in the shadows..she would be at every recital. Obviously she was just a small kid so I never thought twice about it at the time..but suddenly I felt my lips pulling up into a big smile. She was such a beautiful girl even then.

Then the idea crossed my mind..maybe this was fate.. With the way I was feeling right now..I felt deep down that it had to be.

Fuck..I can't screw this up..

I ran up to them, taking Tilly's hand now as I felt her tense for a moment. I watched as her chest rose and fell deeply as I leaned in closer to her.

"Is this okay?" I asked, making her swallow hard before nodding as I could tell she was nervous now.

That's when Jolie glanced over at us and smiled.

"Well, I'm sure mom is going to be surprised..but just a warning..tonight might get a little crazy.."