Joe's place.

After much persuasion, Riley finally agreed to go out, mainly to please her mother, who had offered to watch the children for the night. With limited options in Bedford Falls on a Saturday, she ended up at the popular Rodeo Bar and Grill. As she walked in, the song "You Look Like You Love Me" played on the jukebox, fading as she made her way to the bar. Placing her phone and money on the counter, she settled onto a stool when her phone suddenly buzzed with a notification from Nathaniel Banks. Startled, she quickly silenced the vibration and turned the phone over, surprised to see his name.

After ordering a drink called the Naughty Cowgirl and a plate of fries, Riley's mind filled with questions about what Nate could want and what he intended to say. However, her train of thought was interrupted by a familiar voice, and she looked up to see Joe approaching, carrying a crate of clean glasses. Riley mustered a smile as he placed the glasses in front of her and greeted him, finding it easier to be amicable with him after the initial hostility she had felt upon returning home. It became clear to Riley that she had never stopped loving Joseph Barnes, a realization that had struck her when she turned down Nathaniel's proposal. Okay, maybe Nate did have a reason to be calling her. They never officially broke up; they just took a break, and Riley never reached out to tell him she was moving home.

"I never realized how busy this place got," Riley said, mainly trying to make small talk. She wanted to talk to him as much as she could like Riley did when they were younger. There were times when Joe would fall asleep while they were on the phone together late at night because Riley refused to hang up. Some things never change, but yet again, some things do. It was when Riley took a glance around that she noticed the large red sign advertising a beer contest. It made much more sense now. "Is that what's going on tonight?" she asked curiously.

After unloading the clean glasses, Joe removed the crate when the bartender returned with her drink and fries, sitting in front of her. Looking at Joe, Riley teased with a grin, "Always getting in people's way, huh?" Riley quickly turned her attention to the bartender, "Thank you," and handed her thirty dollars. "You can keep the change," she told her sweetly and turned her attention back to Joe. "Do you need help tonight? I waitressed and bartended in college." He'd been helping her so much lately with Benny and Nikki; this was the least she could do. "You looked swamped," she said, frowning slightly.

It had been a pretty mellow night at the bar. Frank, the resident drunkard, being out of town contributed to the calm. He wasn't a bad guy, he just had a habit of bringing chaos and Joe wanted the second annual beer contest to go better than last year. Was he responsible for rigging the town's pie-baking contest so that Frank and his wife would win a trip to Nashville on the same weekend as the beer contest? Perhaps, but he was certain that no one would be complaining or digging too deep into it so we may never know. Frank's wife's apple pie was mighty delicious after all.

Joe was in the back grabbing more glasses and mentally preparing himself for the growing crowd. 'You've got this Joe. It's just like any other night. You've been under worse pressure under those Friday night lights; this is nothing.' Taking a deep breath before walking through the employee door, he almost forgot to exhale when he saw Riley in the crowd. Her mere presence could still take his breath away. Luckily for him, his persistence helped break through that city girl shell that she tried putting up and it would seem she was warming up to him again.

"Hey Riles, fancy seeing you here," he greeted with a genuine smile. It was nearly impossible not to see each other in this town. All those worries he had just been battling behind closed doors seemed to vanish when she smiled at him. Even if she was smiling with fear behind her eyes, just feeling like she was on his side made him feel invincible again. "Yeah. It's kinda a big deal in these parts," he joked, trying to hide his pride about the event. It was his idea after all, but he figured she didn't want to know all about it, she was only being polite and making small talk.

Joe stood there silently with a smirk as Riley teased him then offered to help and suddenly a lightbulb went off in his head. "Babs, come here." He motioned the bartender back over to them. "City Girl's money is no good here. It's been tainted with those 'big-city germs'. Nasty buggers." he teased right back as he had the bartender give him the money back and he set it in front of Riley. Pulling out his wallet, he handed his bartender two twenties (the extra ten for dealing with his shenanigans on a busy night) before letting her back to work and turning his attention back to Riley. "I appreciate the offer but we've got this, you enjoy your fries and..." he paused as he looked at the drink. "Whatever that is. I was going to suggest signing up for the contest but now I'm not sure if you can handle it." He winked at her with a smile that was meant to be taken as lighthearted and not mean.

"If you just wanted to pay for my food, all you had to do was say so," Riley smirked, her playful tone laced with a hint of irritation. She looked sideways at Joseph, her high school sweetheart and occasional sparring partner, who flashed a teasing grin, fully aware that his lighthearted jabs were merely jest. The warm ambiance of the bar enveloped them, but thoughts of their hometown hovered in the air—Bedford Falls was home, yet Riley knew there was a world beyond its familiar streets. The sting of being labeled an outsider affected her more than she cared to show, especially coming from him.

Riley lowered her gaze to her glass before meeting his eyes again. "It's a Naughty Cowgirl. Shouldn't you know that considering this is your place?" she challenged, tilting her head with a playful confusion. "And for the record, I could drink everyone under the table, including you, Joey," she declared with smug confidence. She picked up her glass, tipped it back, and swiftly downed her drink. Riley set the glass down, using the back of her hand to wipe off the foam from her mouth. "Sign me up, Joey," she exclaimed, her eyes glinting with fierce determination. "I'm going to win your stupid contest," she added, her competitive spirit radiating.

Riley had never been one for the wild scenes of high school parties during her time with Joe. Instead, she had always gravitated towards the comforting embrace of her favorite novels, often losing herself in the pages of fantastical worlds and intricate plots. While the carefree laughter and dancing enveloped others, she found peace in the library’s cozy corners, a book held close like a treasure. In sharp contrast, Joe thrived in the vibrant atmosphere of social gatherings, magnetized by the crowd's energy and the thrill of being surrounded by friends. He often had to coax Riley into attending these events, promising her just one drink or a quick stay. Despite her initial hesitations, she would sometimes relent, donning a carefully chosen outfit, only to find herself on the sidelines, watching him mingle effortlessly, always glancing back to ensure she was enjoying the moment.

Riley’s sophomore year of college marked a pivotal chapter in her life. She was swept up by a new group of friends who reveled in nightlife and indulgent parties. Enchanted by the electric atmosphere, Riley embraced this transformation with open arms, often proclaiming her desire to experience the full spectrum of college life. Late-night gatherings filled with lively music and spirited conversations became her new reality, each weekend promising fresh adventures that solidified her belief that she was finally living the dream she had longed for.

“Could I grab a water, please? I’m not really looking to get messed up tonight,” she chuckled lightly, a warm laugh bubbling as she settled onto the barstool, the polished wood cool against her skin. The bar's dim ambiance cast a soft glow on her features, accentuating the playful mischief dancing in her eyes. She could already feel the effects of her earlier choices creeping in, a giddy sensation that fluttered through her, reminding her of the thin line between fun and trouble. The last thing she wanted was for Joe to have to carry her out.

"Thank you," Riley said warmly as Joe reappeared, a frosty glass of water in hand. She took a refreshing sip, relishing the chill that contrasted with the cozy warmth of the bustling restaurant. Catching sight of her wrist, she asked, "And what time is this thing supposed to start?" Her gaze roamed, her curiosity stirred as she sized up the other patrons who might serve as her competition for the night’s entertainment.

As her eyes wandered, they landed on the vividly lit jukebox in the corner, casting a nostalgic glow around the room, a beacon of music and memories calling out to her. She pivoted back to Joe with a decisive turn, her hand outstretched eagerly. "Do you happen to have any quarters on you? Nikki took all mine earlier today when we went grocery shopping for those stupid machines at the exit."

Joe knew what it was. Adding in the fancy drinks brought in more money from tourists but more often than not, he left the bartenders to mix those up. They'd only need to stock beer and whisky in his perfect world. In his ideal world, Riley would already be his wife. Joe attempted to hide his smile as he watched Riley gracefully down the drink and accept the challenge to join the contest. This had always been more of Joe's scene than hers, but he recognized that spark in her eyes. With that spark, she could accomplish anything she put her mind to. Although competitive, Joe questioned her ability to win, given how much some of his patrons liked to drink, but he was sure she would put up one hell of a fight.

"Alright buttercup, you got it," he smirked and shook his head slightly as he wrote her name down on a paper they had behind the bar. Almost as if he was attempting to shake away the memories of the few times they'd been drunk together in the past. Memories of her were always etched in his brain and that's how he knew she was the one for him; no girl had ever left the impact that she had. Not that there were many or anything. Unfortunately, he also had some bad memories etched, like when she left the first time or how they'd kept in touch but suddenly she ghosted him. "One water, coming up... two, three? Three glasses of water coming up." Joe corrected himself as other guests requested water as well. They were two of the newer locals and they'd been trying to get a chance at Joe for a while now. They'd soon learn his heart only really belonged to one woman.

Joe gave the others their water before bringing the last glass to Riley. His eyes glanced at the clock and then around the crowd before landing back on Riley. "In about twenty minutes or so. I want to give everyone enough time to work up the courage to sign up. Especially now if they're going to have to compete against you now, they're gonna need it." He gave her a wink and began digging in his jeans pocket for some change. "Here ya go. Put your hand out." Waiting for her to hold her hand out, Joe carefully dropped them into it when she did. Before she could go, he cupped her hand in both of his and made sure to make eye contact with her when he said the next part. "Better pick something good."

Winking at her again he finally let go of her hand and stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest and watching as she strutted off to the jukebox. Babs, the sassy southern mama type who sort of came with the place when he took it over, brought him back to reality with a swift slap across the back of the head. "Get your mind out of the gutter and get back to work boy." Joe laughed it off before snapping back into work mode and helping her behind the bar, his eyes constantly finding their way over to Riley still.

A rush of warmth consumed her as Joe gently took her hand, his gaze locked onto her eyes with an intensity that made her heart race. The moment felt both exhilarating and paralyzing, a blend of emotions that left her momentarily speechless. She struggled to find the right words, her mind racing as she stammered, "Ye-yeah, sure, I already know what I'm going to choose if you have it, that is." The nervous chuckle escaped her lips, and she nodded, instinctively taking a small step back as if the moment's weight was too heavy to bear.

As she turned to walk away, Riley caught sight of the two women who ordered the waters with her. Their quiet conversation was now punctuated with whispered remarks aimed in her direction. A flicker of insecurity pricked at her confidence, but she quickly pushed it aside. Even if Joe tended to see her as a "City Girl," this was still her town, a place steeped in familiarity and comfort.

Once she slid the shimmering coins into the narrow slot, Riley’s fingers danced across the worn buttons of the jukebox, the familiar click of each press echoing in her ears. As she flipped through the faded records, her mind began to drift far from the task at hand, spiraling into a haze of memories. The vibrant album covers, with their glossy finishes, blurred together in front of her, the colorful imagery taking a backseat to the vivid recollection of Joe that invaded her thoughts.

She couldn’t shake the image of him from her mind—the way his intense gaze had locked onto hers earlier, filled with an earnestness that sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. The warmth emanating from him felt palpable, igniting a rush of emotions deep within her. Her heart quickened, matching the rising tide of nervousness as she fidgeted with her fingers, feeling a slight clamminess beneath her palms. The titles of the songs around her appeared distorted as she found herself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts about him, drowning in the sweet chaos of what-ifs and maybes.

Gradually, she willed herself to break free from her reverie, forcing her eyes to scan the titles she had almost forgotten about. She needed to find her favorite song: Reba McEntire's "Fancy." It wasn’t until much later in her life that she fully grasped the depth of the song's meaning, but the melody had always struck a chord with her. Finally, her heart raced with excitement when she spotted it nestled among the other records. Of course they have it! It’s freaking Reba! Riley thought, a smirk forming as she felt a rush of nostalgia wash over her.

She wasn't done yet, though. She needed another choice—one that resonated with both her heart and the connection she shared with Joe. Her mind immediately drifted to “Our Song” by Taylor Swift, the track that they both cherished, a melody that seemed to tell their story in a sweet, lyrical fashion. Selecting it felt like a subtle declaration; it was Riley's way of letting him know that he was on her mind, a hope that he might catch her hint.

When Riley walked back, she spotted Joe at the counter, and a broad smile lit up her face, inviting him to join her once more. "I think you’re really going to enjoy the songs I’ve chosen," she said enthusiastically, taking a refreshing sip of her cool water, the condensation on the glass glistening under the dim lights.

As she leaned against the bar, the anticipation buzzed in the air. Just then, the unmistakable opening notes of "Fancy" floated through the room, catching her attention. Her heart danced along with the rhythm, and an even wider smile broke across her face as she locked eyes with Joe from across the bar. "It’s still my favorite!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement, as she reveled in the nostalgia and vibrancy of the moment, hoping the night would turn out just as fun as she envisioned.

Joe's eyes couldn't help but dart to Riley at the jukebox every few moments despite trying to also give his best customer service to the patrons in front of him. His anxiety about the contest was nowhere to be found, mostly because his head was filled with one thing: Riley. And how much he desperately wanted to kiss her. "Yeah, we'll be starting here shortly. Don't worry, Jim, you'll get your beers soon. How about a water while you wait?" Joe tapped him on the shoulder and made his way back to Riley and her beautiful smile. "I can't wait to hear 'em," he responded enthusiastically. Pouring two glasses of water, he slid one down the countertop to Jim before gulping the other; he was feeling thirsty in more than one way.

Next thing he knew Reba was filling the room and his smile widened even more. Something he didn't think possible with how much he'd already been smiling. "It's a classic!" He agreed, using the remote behind the counter to turn the volume up. "Babs! I'm taking a quick break." She simply waved her hand at him and returned to work, glad he was taking a break. That motherly nature in her also enjoyed seeing how happy he and Riley were together again. Joe held up one finger to Riley as she looked like she was about to ask him about his sudden declaration of needing a break then made his way out from behind the counter, back to her with a hand extended out. "May I have this dance?" Before giving her a chance to tell him no, he grabbed her hand and carefully led her to the dancefloor aka a corner close to the speakers that he'd taken the tables out of so people could dance if they wanted. It also made a good 'stage' for local bands that wanted a chance to perform.

"Come on, I know you remember it," he playfully told her with a wink before getting into position next to her. In elementary school, everyone had to learn a cheesy line dance as a part of P.E. class, it was almost a rite of passage, and then one time at a party they'd done it together to this exact song. It was a little silly but it'd been a fond memory of his. Riley never seemed to enjoy the parties back then but night that had been different. Something about doing a silly dance to Reba's Fancy loosened her up and they'd had a great time and he was hoping to replicate that. Riley seemed slightly reserved about it at first but as the song progressed so did her ability to let go and have fun with it. Pretty soon others joined them in dancing and by the time they reached his favorite part to belt out, it seemed like the majority of the bar was singing along. "You know, I might have been born plain white trash... But fancy was my name!"

It was nearly impossible for Riley to suppress the flood of memories whenever she was with Joe. Throughout high school, they had spent nearly every day together, but her decision to break up with him weighed heavily on her heart during their senior year. She recognized how selfish it seemed but believed that delaying the breakup until after graduation was the best option. Riley didn't want to taint their last year with heartbreak, knowing it would be devastating for them to see each other daily.

Riley hesitated momentarily, glancing around the bustling dance floor, where vibrant lights splashed colors across the space and laughter echoed. Being the center of attention made her stomach flutter with unease. But her apprehension began to melt away as the infectious rhythm pulsed through the air as more patrons joined them on the dance floor. Before she knew it, she was drawn in by the electric atmosphere, and the tension in her shoulders relaxed.

Riley was captivated by the joy in his expression as he belted out their favorite lyrics with ease, his voice rising above the melody. The warmth of the moment enveloped her, and she couldn’t help but smile. Her previously hesitant demeanor gave way to laughter as she joined him in singing along, swept up in the carefree spirit around them. She couldn't remember the last time she had this much fun.

As the song's final notes faded into the air, she paused, heart racing, eagerly anticipating the transition. With the first striking chords of the next melody, she caught sight of Joe, his expression a mixture of surprise and curiosity as his eyes locked onto hers. A warm smile spread across her face as she extended her hand towards him. "One last dance?" Riley asked, her voice laced with excitement and a hint of nostalgia.

Joe remained momentarily speechless, his gaze lingering on her, perhaps contemplating the memories woven into the rhythm. They took a step closer, weaving their fingers together, and as the music swelled, they began to sway gently, lost in the familiar embrace. It was a song Riley knew he had heard countless times, yet tonight, under the shimmering lights, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

Riley returned to reality when her gaze swept across the gathering of patrons, lingering on a few who had been around long enough to grasp the significance of this moment between them. "We have an audience," she told him. "I wouldn't be surprised if we're the topic of conversation at the next town meeting," Riley added, rolling her eyes, knowing how the gossip traveled through their small town.

As the song continued, and they swayed back and forth, Riley adjusted her hands, resting them on the nape of his neck, her fingertips briefly grazing over his skin and his moving around her waist. Riley chose to bite the bullet and address the elephant in the room. "I'm sorry, Joe, I... I know I hurt you, and I'm sorry; I loved you so much, but I couldn't stay here, especially after my dad," Riley tried to explain. She knew this was ripping open old wounds, but all this had needed to be said for months. "I thought if I came back and shut you out from the get-go, it'd be easier, but Nikki had other plans, you know?" Riley said with a chuckle. Nikki had always been a big fan of Uncle Joe, even before Aunt Riley moved back to Bedford Falls.

Riley lifted her gaze to meet his, hesitation flickering as she wrestled with her thoughts. The weight of unspoken feelings hung heavily between them, a palpable tension that seemed to pulse with their shared history. Despite the uncertainty swirling in her mind, she summoned the courage to voice her feelings, knowing that deep down, he felt the same ache of the past. The haunting question lingered: could he truly forgive her for breaking his heart?

The dimly lit room buzzed with laughter and chatter, vibrant music pulsating through the air, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that enveloped Riley. Perhaps it was the drink she downed to prove a point, but it fueled her boldness. Suddenly, the words that normally lingered just beyond her lips surged forth, unfiltered and raw. "And being in the same room as you is so hard sometimes—well, all the time," she stammered, her cheeks warming under the weight of her honesty. Her gaze flitted nervously between his captivating green eyes and the soft curve of his lips, each pulse of her heart urging her closer as a thrill shot through her.

In a burst of impulsiveness, Riley leaned in, feeling the warmth radiating from his body as she closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his. The world around them faded, and time stood still for a few precious seconds as their lips lingered together—a moment woven with longing and suppressed feelings. As they finally drew apart, Riley's breath hitched, and her heart raced with the revelation that spilled from her lips, barely above a whisper, "I'm pretty sure I'm still in love with you."

Her confession lingered in the air, charged with vulnerability and uncertainty when a flicker of movement caught her attention. Looking over Joe's shoulder, her eyes landed on a nearby table where a group of women were seated. They exchanged glances and whispered among themselves, their stares fixed on her with an intensity that made her stomach twist. "Do you know them?" she asked, her voice colored with concern as she nodded subtly toward the table. "They keep staring at me, and I think they were talking about me when I walked past them on my way to the jukebox."

The intrusion of their attention added an unexpected layer of tension to the moment, pulling Riley's focus from her emotions for Joe and forcing her to grapple with the unsettling feeling of being scrutinized.

The Rodeo Bar & Grill was humming the way it did on a good night—low laughter, the clink of glasses, the easy sway of old country spinning out over the speakers.

Joe moved behind the bar with a rhythm that felt damn near effortless tonight. Muscle memory and good mood carrying him from tap to register and back again. His favorite nights were always the ones like this—where the town felt small in the right way, stitched tight with familiar faces and better stories.

And hell if he wasn’t riding a little higher lately.
Ever since Riley had walked back into his life—same sharp smile, same spark—things had felt a little more right. A little less like he was holding the fort down alone.

She was behind the bar now too, wiping down the counter with a rag in one hand, a bottle of soda balanced loosely in the other. Her hair was twisted up, a few strands falling loose around her face, and she was smiling at something one of the regulars said, quick and warm.

Joe caught himself looking.
Not the casual glance he usually managed to play off, but the real kind—the kind that lingered a little too long before he shook his head, grinning under his breath, and went back to filling a pitcher.

Roxie, curled up like a queen behind the bar, let out a heavy dog-sigh and thumped her tail once against the cabinets.

Joe chuckled low in his chest. “Same, girl. Same.”

The door creaked open, letting in a draft of cooler night air. Joe barely noticed. The bell above the door chimed once, sharp against the lull of conversation.

He didn’t look up at first. Too easy, too familiar—somebody new passing through town, maybe.

But Riley did.
He caught the shift out of the corner of his eye—the way her hand slowed over the counter, the soda forgotten, shoulders pulling a little tighter.

Nothing big.
Nothing anyone else would catch.

But Joe knew her well enough to feel it like a drop in barometric pressure.
A subtle change in the room’s weight.

Still smiling, still easy, he drifted closer, brushing his hand lightly against her back under the excuse of reaching for a clean glass.

Close enough to feel the way her body had gone just a little too still.
Close enough to offer a quiet kind of anchor without saying a damn word.

And just as he leaned in, about to murmur something low and teasing to pull her back into the moment—

—he caught it.
A figure standing just inside the door, scanning the room like he owned it. Like he was looking for something.

Someone.

Joe’s gut stirred, slow and uneasy, though he didn’t know why yet.
Didn’t know that the name Riley used to say like a ghost story had just walked clean into his bar.

Not yet.

His boots hit the worn wood floors heavy, deliberate — not because he was trying to make a scene, but because he needed to feel something solid under him.

Needed to believe he wasn’t imagining this place, this night, this chance.

Finally.

Finally, someone had given him a name.
A real name.
A real place.

He dragged a hand down his face, exhaling slow through his nose, scanning the haze of bodies and booths. It was almost laughable — how normal it all looked. How small. After months of chasing nothing but old rumors and dead ends, this was it. Some hole-in-the-wall bar at the edge of nowhere.

And there she was.

God, she was right there.

Not a figment, not a voice on the other end of a dead phone line.
Not some ghost he kept trying to outrun.
Real.

He froze for half a second — just long enough to feel it punch through him, that sharp, gut-wrenching mix of relief and something sourer. Something heavier.

She looked different.
She looked happy.

Happy enough that Nate almost turned around right then and there.
Almost.

But he wasn’t a coward.
Not anymore.

He squared his shoulders, flexed his jaw once, and stepped forward — cutting through the low hum of laughter and country music like a stormfront nobody had seen coming.

And he didn’t stop until he was standing a few feet from the bar — from her — voice rough with everything he hadn’t said yet as he finally got the word out:

“Riley.”

It wasn’t a question.
It wasn’t a plea.

It was a fact.
A reckoning.
A door he wasn’t leaving without walking through.

Not this time.