Journeys Begin with a Step (Jiley/Trittany Alphabet OS) {DISCONTINUED}

J-Jealousy {AU}

(Jiley)

A/N: Thanks to those of you who left feedback on 'Forgetful'. You made this story possible so this one is dedicated to you!

*Third Person POV*

James finished putting the whipped cream on the iced coffee in his hand, then walked back to the front. He handed the customer their drink from above the counter. A small smile was offered his way then they walked away, not bothering to leave a tip, even after it was made perfectly. He sighed and rolled his eyes. Being a barista at a café was not the most pleasurable job in the world, but when his friend from college told him about the open position, he accepted. He had to face his reality. He needed the job to pay off college. He'd started out with a full-ride music scholarship, but when "the incident" happened, he fell out of it.

His passion for music...

His love for dance...

His positive demeanor...

Everything...

It had drifted away when he lost the love of his life to another. He didn't even want to mention her name because it tore his heart to shreds. She had made her choice...but she didn't see how greatly it affected him. He was willing to give up everything to be with her, but he guessed that it wasn't enough. She wanted adventure. Constant romance. Constant attention. More. More than he could provide for her heart at the time. In fact, her neediness is what caused the divide between them. He was away in London, pursuing his dreams, while she was at home in Canada, daydreaming about some other guy. Needless to say, he needed this distraction more than anything. The only reason he even had this stupid job was to take his mind off of her. Plus, he desperately needed the money. But every time he saw a couple laugh or kiss, he would get jealous. Jealous of his own memories swirling around in his brain, not letting him forget. Just then he heard his name echo in his head.

James...

James...

"James!" His face snapped around to see his boss, Charlotte, looking very unimpressed. "James why are you just standing around? Its rush hour, hon." Her tone was soft and caring, but firm all the same.

He didn't want to lie to her. She was a bit older, in her 30s, and much more experienced, meaning she would be able to see right through him. "I'm just not feeling too good right now. Not in a good place, I mean."

Instead of her getting angry like he expected, she nodded sympathetically. "I understand. Why don't you take an early break? I'll get Ben to cover your shift."  

He nodded and took a seat on a nearby stool to catch up on his thoughts. He looked around and sighed, watching everyone rush around the cafe and talk, at only 11am everyone seemed to be in their own world. Time seemed to linger a bit too long for him though. He wished it was quitting time so he could go back to his small apartment and drown his sorrows in football and microwave dinners like he did every night. He didn't even waste his time looking for a new girlfriend. He could never look at a girl the same way he looked at Riley. He would never love a girl like he loved Riley. West and Eldon told him he couldn't live like that forever, but he didn't care anymore. He had no one to make happy. No one to impress. No one to fight for. He looked down at the marble table, eyeing up his reflection. He didn't even look like himself...but that's just how life was, wasn't it? Unfair and cruel. He heard a high-pitched squeal coming from the hall leading into the café. He turned on his seat a bit so he could see what the commotion was, as did the other customers.

"Alfieeee!" A girl screamed playfully, the familiar voice causing James' muscles to stiffen. "Baby put me down!"

Soft chuckles followed the voice. "Never!" That's when the couple came into view. Ralfie. Riley was slung across Alfie's shoulder, him carrying her as if she were the most precious thing that graced the planet.