Later that night, Lucas and the others had invited Mirabel to go with them to a restaurant in town. Mirabel had smiled wide because it was her favorite place to go. She now sat at Chubby's Famous Barbecue Pit. It was a restaurant that had good food and good music. And it was the perfect place for dancing and having fun. She sat at a table with Lucas, Zay, and their friends and they were watching Farkle with surprise as he chowed down on ribs. She had been informed that Farkle didn't like this kind of stuff and wasn't his thing, but it didn't seem like it now.
"While I understand barbecue is not your thing, Farkle, you do seem to have found a new appreciation for our hometown cuisine." Zay commented with surprise.
Farkle had a pile of ribs in front of him, barbecue all over his face. "More." He grinned while Zay looked at him with amusement.
Mirabel raises her eyebrows, staring at Farkle with amusement. Maya and Riley looks surprised as well, but they both had a bit of amusement in their eyes. "Easy, cowboy. You need to calm down." Lucas commented, looking a bit amused with Farkle.
"Oh, I have to calm down? They make a big deal out of you riding a bull for four seconds." Farkle remarks, rolling his eyes. He then glances at the pile of rib bones in front of him with a grin. "Well, I ate him."
Mirabel giggles a bit, smiling at him with amusement. "I'm impressed, Farkle. I thought you didn't like stuff like this." She commented.
"I never had barbecue like this before. This is amazing." Farkle admitted.
****
Maya and Riley had gone to get refill of their drinks after they were all done eating, but Mirabel stayed at the table with the boys. They were just talking and laughing about random things. Mirabel was getting to know Farkle more as well and she enjoyed getting to know him.
Suddenly, Riley came over to them, smiling at Lucas. "Hey, Huckleberry...Are we dancing or what?"
"Oh, we can do that? Is that part of the new rules?" Lucas questioned, glancing at her with raised eyebrows.
"This kind of dancing?" Riley looks at the people line dancing and then back at Lucas with a smile. "Sure."
Lucas nodded and set his hat down before he got up and followed Riley to the dance floor. But he did glance back at Mirabel, silently asking her if she wanted to join them. But she shook her head and motioned for him to go, so he did. Mirabel watched the two of them with a small smile. She was confused at their sudden change of relationship. It was somehow different from when they got there.
"What's going on with Riley and Lucas?" Mirabel asked with confusion, glancing between Zay and Farkle.
"It's a mess is what going on." Zay replies with a sigh. "Riley had feelings for Lucas, they tried dating, but it didn't work out. She didn't want them to ever be uncomfortable with each other like they were when they were dating and now she thinks of him as a brother. I think, I don't know." Zay sighed.
Mirabel nods in understanding, a bit more confused than she was before. "And Lucas?" She glanced over at the dance floor to see him and Riley dancing together, a small smile on her lips.
"What about him?" Zay asked, tilting his head to the side.
"Does he like her?" Mirabel clarified.
"I think he does. But it's complicated." Zay responded and Mirabel nodded in understanding. She had to admit she was a bit upset when she heard Lucas likes Riley. She hated her feelings for him, they weren't even together and she was still getting hurt. But she ignored the feelings and just focused on enjoying herself. She didn't want her feelings to ruin the moment.
Maya eventually joins them at the table, watching Riley and Lucas dance. She had an expression on her face Mirabel couldn't read, but it almost looked like jealousy. "Maya, what's going on with you?" Farkle inquired.
"I don't know." Maya admits, looking up at him. Her voice sounded shaky as if she was trying to hold back tears and that caused Mirabel to frown. "Do you know? 'Cause...Help me." Farkle looked at her with sympathy and offered his arm to her. In response, she scooted his chair closer to her and she leaned her head on his shoulder. Mirabel looked at the two of them with sad eyes, her heart hurting. She couldn't help but wonder if Maya liked Lucas too. But she pushed the thought away, not wanting to dwell on it.
Mirabel looked over at the dance floor, noticing Lucas and Riley had stopped dancing and they were now talking. Her brows furrowed, noticing Riley looked upset. She couldn't see Lucas' expression since his back was turned to her and she just hoped they would be okay. After a moment, Lucas walks back over to the table, looking at Mirabel. She looks at him with a bit of surprise he came over to her and she raised her eyebrows at him, tilting her head to the side.
"Bel, would you care to dance?" Lucas asked, smiling softly as he offered his hand to her. Mirabel glanced back at Riley, her eyes filled with concern. But Riley was walking over to the table and she looked at her, offering a small smile to reassure she was okay. It didn't quite meet her eyes though, but she ignored it.
"Sure, Lu." Mirabel agreed, turning her gaze back to Lucas. She couldn't help but blush a bit when she took his hand and stood up, the two of them making their way to the dance floor. "What was that about?" She whispered, glancing at him with furrowed eyebrows.
"I don't wanna talk about it right now. Please." Lucas murmurs, his gaze meeting hers. "Can we just have fun and forget about it?" He pleaded, giving her a hopeful look.
"Alright." Mirabel agreed, smiling softly at him. She couldn't resist those beautiful green eyes, not when he looked at her with so much hope. Lucas' lips curled into a small smile, his green eyes filled with relief and his heart warmed at her smile. He gently pulled her to the center of the dance floor, the two of them turning towards each other. They joined in on the line dancing, the two of them sharing a bright smile.
Mirabel couldn't help but stare at him, her smile not leaving her lips. His hair was tousled and messy from his hat he had on earlier and his green eyes shined brightly in the lights. She was pretty sure her heart stopped when his eyes met hers, the smile not leaving her lips. She couldn't explain it, but the world seemed to disappear. It was as if they were the only two people there.
"What?" Lucas suddenly spoke up, raising his eyebrows at her with a smile.
Mirabel blinks, snapping out of her trance. She blushes a bit, looking down for a moment. She glances back up, giving him a bright smile. "Nothing." She assured him, her cheeks flushing.
"You were staring, Bel." Lucas commented, his eyes filled with amusement and curiosity.
"Sorry. You're just a really good dancer." Mirabel replied, a nervous smile forming. She wasn't partly lying, Lucas was a good dancer. She remembered the countless times the two had came here to line dance and do some other dancing.
"Thanks, so are you." Lucas smiled, his heart warming. His cheeks were a little red, but the lighting made it hard to tell if she was imagining things or not.
"Thanks." Mirabel's cheeks grew warmer and she hoped he didn't notice her blush.
Soon enough the song ended and Lucas' friends joined them on the dance floor. She looked back at the table after not seeing Zay with them and she smiled at seeing Vanessa talking with him. Zay was hadn't gotten over Vanessa after she had rejected him before and it was clear that he was still into her. She was happy for him, she just hoped it wouldn't end like the last time. She turned her attention to the stage when a guy walked on and started talking.
"Hey, everybody. Welcome to Chubby's famous barbecue, home of the best ribs in Texas." He was met with cheers and applause in response.
"I grew up here!" Farkle cheered and Mirabel couldn't help the small giggle that left her lips.
"Okay, well, we're about to introduce two lovely ladies and one of them grew up here as well about two hours down the road in Sugar Land." The guy continues with a smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome Maddie and Tae!" Mirabel grinned as the two women walked on stage. She loved Maddie and Tae, she listened to their songs all the time. Cheers and applause filled the room again and Mirabel was quick to cheer and applaud along with everyone else.
"Well, it feels real good to be back home in Texas."
"This first one's a love song..."
"Uh oh." The trio said in unison and Mirabel thought the same thing but she didn't say it out loud.
"And it's called 'No Place Like You'."
Everyone cheers and applause again as the song started. Mirabel loved this song and she couldn't help but think about how it kind of described her friendship with Lucas. Especially the chorus.
"But sometimes, I wish I could close my eyes and click my shoes
'Cause there's no place like you
No place like you
No place like you (oooh)"
She especially felt this way when Lucas was in New York. There was no place she rather be than with him. And she knew he felt the same way. But she had always wished there was a way thy could be reunited without having to do anything drastic. Like a magic spell or something. She had always wished for something like that and she had been so happy and excited when Lucas came back with his friends.
Mirabel looked at Lucas as the song continued. His gaze was already on her, his eyes filled with softness and his lips were curled into a soft smile. Her heart skipped a beat and butterflies fluttered around in her stomach. She couldn't help but stare back, her cheeks warm and as she smiled back at him, her smile more shy and nervous. She then looked away and glanced at the stage, watching Maddie and Tae sing and play the guitar. As the song ended, Mirabel's heart kept racing. It made butterflies form in her stomach, knowing that Lucas had been looking at her earlier. Maybe, just maybe, her feelings weren't as unrequited as she thought they were.
****
Mirabel thanked the group for inviting her after they got back to the ranch and she had started to head home when Lucas called out to her. She turned around, smiling a little at him and tilting her head to the side, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Bel, we're gonna head out to the camp fire, wanna join us?" Lucas asked, a hopeful smile on his face.
"I would, but I should really get home. Mama is probably waiting up for me." Mirabel responded, giving him an apologetic look. She noticed he looked a little disappointed and she felt bad.
"Alright. Well, good night, Bel." Lucas smiles softly at her.
"Good night, Lu." Mirabel gave him a small smile. He started walking off with the others, but he glanced back at her. When their eyes met, he offered her a small smile. She couldn't help but smile in response and he turned around, walking towards the path that led to the fire pit with his friends. Mirabel turned and started heading home, her mind on Lucas and her heart still beating a little fast from earlier.
****
Mirabel got back home, seeing her parents were still awake. The light in the living room was on and the tv was playing. Her dad had fallen asleep while reading a book and her mom had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Mirabel smiled a little and walked over, gently shaking her mom's shoulder.
"Mama." She whispered and her mom stirred a bit, opening her eyes and looking at her daughter.
"Oh, mija, hi." Beatrix smiles softly, sitting up straighter. "We were planning on staying awake to wait for you, but your dad fell asleep first and then I did." She explained with a sheepish expression.
"It's alright, mama." Mirabel assured her, smiling a little. Her heart had warmed at her parent's gesture, they were so sweet to have wanted to stay up for her.
"How was it? Did you have fun?" Beatrix asked, looking at her daughter curiously.
"I did, mama. It was fun, I got to meet some of his friends and they invited me to go eat at a barbecue place. It was fun. Lucas is a really good dancer." Mirabel informed her mother, her cheeks flushed a little as she mentioned the last part.
Beatrix couldn't help but smile softly as she watched her daughter's cheeks grow warmer. "I'm glad, mija. Now, go get some sleep. You look exhausted."
"I will. Good night, mama." Mirabel kissed her mom's cheek and then her dad's before heading upstairs to her bedroom. She couldn't stop thinking about her night with Lucas, especially the moment they had shared at the restaurant. She smiled softly, butterflies forming in her stomach and her cheeks growing warmer. But there was a small feeling of sadness in her heart, knowing that Lucas was going to be leaving soon. She pushed the thought away, not wanting to think about it. Instead, she thought about the moment they had shared. A warm feeling filled her chest and a small smile appeared on her lips. She was starting to have hope that her feelings for Lucas were unrequited after all.
****
The next day, Mirabel was up early working on chores. Lucas had gone next door, wanting to say goodbye to Mirabel before he had to go back to New York. He found her dad working with the chickens and he told him Mirabel was in the stables. He thanked Beau and headed to the stables, his heart pounding as he thought about seeing Mirabel. He was going to miss her, but he would see her again soon.
He walked inside the stables, a smile forming on his lips when he saw Mirabel. She was feeding the horses and humming to herself. Her voice was so soft and gentle. It was almost hypnotic and it reminded him of his childhood. It always calmed him when she hummed to herself and whenever she sang, it was like his whole world would stop.
"Hello, stranger." Lucas said, his smile growing as Mirabel turned around.
"Lu, what are you doing here?" Mirabel asked, walking over to him with a smile.
"I wanted to come and say goodbye. I leave in an hour." Lucas explained.
"Oh, I wish you didn't have to go." Mirabel admitted with a frown.
"Me too." Lucas smiles sadly at her. "But we'll see each other again soon, Bel. I hope." He added the last part quietly, his gaze moving down to the ground.
"We will." Mirabel assured him, giving him a soft smile.
Lucas glances back up at her and smiles softly. He didn't say anything for a moment, his mind blanking. All he could think about was her. It was always her, no matter what. He didn't understand it, but he was pretty sure he had feelings for her. And he knew he was in trouble.
"Well, I should probably get going. My friends are waiting for me." Lucas finally spoke up, glancing at the door of the stables.
"Of course. I should get back to work too." Mirabel nods, giving him a small smile. "I'm gonna miss you." She added, her voice soft and filled with sadness.
"I'll miss you too." Lucas replied, his voice equally soft. He pulled her in for a hug, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on top of her head. Mirabel smiled softly, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head on his chest. They stood like that for a moment, neither of them wanting to let go. Finally, Lucas pulled away and smiled sadly at her.
"Goodbye, Bel." Lucas murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Bye, text me when you get there." Mirabel replied, a small smile forming on her lips.
"I will." Lucas agreed, nodding his head. He took a deep breath and headed towards the door, glancing back at her. She smiled at him and waved at him, trying not to show how sad she really was. With one last smile, Lucas turned and walked out, his heart sinking a little.
Mirabel sighed, turning her attention back to the horses. She felt tears fill her eyes, but she blinked them away. She wasn't going to cry, she was stronger than that. She had to be. So instead of focusing on her feelings, she threw herself into her work. She worked harder than usual and tried not to think about Lucas leaving. It didn't help, but it was better than letting her sadness get the best of her.
After a few hours, she was done and she went back inside. Her dad had gone out to the field to check the fences and her mom was making lunch. She decided to take a break and sat down on the couch, turning on the tv. But her thoughts kept wandering to Lucas. She couldn't believe he was gone again. The thought made her sad and she hated it. She sighed and stood, walking into the kitchen.
"Hi, honey." Beatrix greets, smiling at her. After noticing her daughter's sad expression, she frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just tired from working." Mirabel lied, forcing a smile on her lips.
"Mhm." Beatrix didn't seem convinced. She could tell when her daughter was lying. "You know, mija, if something's bothering you, you can tell me."
"I know, mama. I'm just sad about Lu leaving. That's all." Mirabel shrugged, her voice soft and sad as she looked away from her mom with a frown.
"Oh, mija. I know it's hard, but you'll see him again soon." Beatrix reassured her, walking over and wrapping her arm around her daughter's shoulder.
"Yeah, I guess. Thanks, mama." Mirabel smiled softly at her mom, resting her head on her shoulder.
"Anytime, sweetheart. I love you." Beatrix kissed her temple and held her close.
"I love you too, mama." Mirabel replied, relaxing against her mom.
"Now, go get cleaned up. Your father will be back soon and lunch will be ready." Beatrix let go of her daughter, smiling at her.
"Alright, thanks." Mirabel smiled a little, heading up to her room. Her mom somehow always knew how to make her feel better. And she was right, she would see Lucas again soon. She just didn't know how soon that would be.
A/N mirabel & lucas already have my heart, ugh i love them so much !!