Tough Love

Chapter 13

James POV

I was at the store, when I turned around and saw Riley's mother. She smiled when she saw me.

"Hello James. Haven't seen you in awhile. How have you been?" She says. She's right. I haven't seen her since me and Riley broke up.

"Good. How's Riley doing lately?" I question. I haven't been seeing her because she hasn't been coming to dance.

"She's doing fine. She's just exhausted." She tells me.

"I always mean to stop and see her, but I have been so busy lately with A troupe and everything, so can please tell her that? I don't want her thinking I like, don't care anymore or something." She nods.

"I'll tell her." She says. "You miss her, don't you?"

"Is it obvious?" I sigh. She laughs.

"Not bad." Than she gets a bit more serious. "Look, she misses you too, I know she does, but she just needs some time to sort a few things out in her life. Than don't you worry, I'm sure she will come around." I nod, now with a bit more hope.

"Thank you."

"Anytime. And don't be afraid to drop by. I miss seeing you in my house all the time." She laughs.

"I was there an awful lot, wasn't I?" She nods.

"No big deal. Now I can put up with anything rather than Riley be with that Josh." She says. I look down.

I felt like Riley ending up with Josh was my fault. If I had tried harder to get Riley back, or never even let Beth kiss me in the first place, this wouldn't have happened.

"I feel like her being with him is all my fault." I tell Riley's mom. She shakes her head.

"No sweetie, don't say that. Riley made her own decisions to be with him. It's not you fault."

"Thank you." I tell her.

"Well, I should get home. And like I said, don't be afraid to drop by, anytime." I nod. I pay for my stuff and leave.