Three Steps Back

39

Piper 

"He's certainly the performer isn't he?" Dad smiled as James left the stage
"Oh you have no idea" I chuckled

The truth is, since James has been coming here. He's changed
But a good change
He's opened up a lot more, he's the old brother I remember, the one who enjoyed making mud pies in the back garden then going out with the gang
Since he met Riley, he's become more grounded

 "Riley certainly made an impression on all of you didn't she" Dad said with a raised a brow
"Yeah, mum's smitten with her too" I smiled remember that week in the summer we got to spend with her 
"And their back" Dad said watching as James, Hunter, Eldon, West, Riley, Michelle and another girl took the stage

"Oh the girls easily won that" I said crossing my arms earning laughter from Dad 
"I think the boys certainly found themselves a run for their money" he said making me look at him confused
"You've seen them dance before?" I asked and Dad nodded

"When?" I asked
"I went to all of James' competitions growing up Piper" he said making me raise a brow
"he thought you didn't" I muttered
"I know, I know he did" He said sighing

"Why wouldn't you tell him?" I asked but Dad shrugged, something tells me there is more to the story here..

"Oh James and Riley are on" Dad said dragging the attention off of his shady behaviour and back onto the school's favourite couple

"I never thought I would say it, but James actually has a sweet side" I smiled watching the pair walk off stage
"Only when Riley is concerned I'm going to assume?" Dad chuckled making me nod

"He's always been in love with her whether he wants to admit it or not. It took him a while to man up to make a move but since then, it's been a no brainer that they were soulmates" I said making Dad chuckle
"You Piper, read too many romance novels" He said earning an eye roll from me

It's true though, if anyone in this lifetime is going to last. It would be the two of them 

The closing number came to a start. From what I've heard about this one. The group wanted to include all of their extracurriculars. So they somehow have included Dance, Choreo, Acting, Teaching and Music into one number?
How they plan to manage that, I don't know

But hold on to your seats, the shows about to begin

"I was not expecting that" Dad chuckled as we all started to file out of the hall. The show had come to an end and I think that when James told Dad they'd amped things up, that was the understatement of the year

"That'll be you in a few years Piper" Dad smiled as we stayed in reception waiting for everyone else to come and join us 

Slowly but surely James and the Gang immerged from backstage. James instantly came over to us while Riley was engulfed into hugs from two men stood close by us
"That was incredible Son" Dad said patting his shoulder while James offered him a smile full of gratitude

"Thanks Dad" He smiled, that was the first time in years, I think James gave him a sincere smile
"Where is your partner in crime?" He asked
"She's talking to her Dad and Brother, come.. I'll introduce you guys" James said as we started walking over

The moment James got close enough, he practically latched onto Riley, wrapping an arm around her while she smiled up at him

"You continue to amaze us you two" One of the guys said before clocking Dad and I
"Guys this is my Dad Andrew and little sister Piper" James said introducing us
"And this is Riley's Dad Peter and her brother Liam" James continued

"So this is the Piper you speak so much about" Liam smiled at me making me look at James confused

"Whatever he said, it's probably a lie" I said earning an eye roll from James

"It's lovely to meet you guys" Peter said smiling at Dad and I
"You have an incredible son" Peter said nodding at James who made Dad glance at both James and Riley
"I was about to say the same about your daughter" Dad said making Riley look up at James sharing one of their contagious smiles 

"I think it's safe to say, they are both pretty great" Liam laughed glancing at the pair