Tough Love

Chapter 35

Riley's POV

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally get to the studio. I eagerly get out of the car and start fast walking to the studio. Charlie catches up to me, keeping up with my pace, and standing close to me.

I start sprinting to Studio B, where James and Beth were rehearsing, and where me and Charlie will be rehearsing once they're done.

I stand outside the doorway and hear them laughing. I sigh and knock on the door.

"Come in!" I hear James call out. I push the door open and stand awkwardly in the doorway. James face brightens up when he see's me.

"Oh, hey babe." He says, smiling at me. I smile back at him and run into his arms. He hugs me back and than pulls away and looks down at me.

"Isn't it raining out?" He aks. I nod.

"Than why aren't you wet?"

I open my mouth to respond, when Charlie appears in the doorway, smirking.

"She got a ride with me. Because her dear boyfriend was too busy for her again." He says smugly. I feel James tense up and he scowls at Charlie. He pulls away from me.

"And what's that supposed to mean?!" He snaps.

"James." I say calmly.

"I mean, that you never have time for Riley! You should be lucky to have her, yet you don't care about her!" Charlie shouts.

"That's such a lie!" James bellowed.

"Says the one who let another girl kiss you when you were dating her!" Charlie retorted. I looked at Beth who was standing awkwardly in the corner. I see James jaw tighten and he glares at Charlie. I move over to James.

"Calm down." I say quietly yet sternly. He looks down at me, giving me such a look that it almost gave me shivers.

"Fine." He spats out and moves toward the door, pausing to glare at Charlie.

"Stay away from my girl!" He rages before he pushes through the door. Beth scurries behind, leaving me an Charlie alone.

"Well that was...something." Charlie laughs. I shoot death glares at him.

"Let's just work on the duet." I say through gritted teeth.

"Aw, c'mon Riles, relax." He smirks.

"Don't call me that! Only James calls me that!" I seethes. He laughs.

"Your hot when your mad." He replies, putting his hands on my hips. I push his hands away and step back.

"I suggest you stop, or I will tell James." I warn.

"I'm not afraid of James." He snorted.

"Well you should be!" I cry. He puts his hands up in defence.

"Alright! Alright!" He chuckled. He puts his hands down and looks at me. "You still never told me what happened to your face."

"I don't have to tell you." I sneer.

"I think I have a right to know Riles." He demands. He comes close to me again, putting his arm around me waist. I angrily push it off and storm out the door, calling over my shoulder,

"This rehearsal is over!"