You're it (SEQUEL OUT)

Chapter 8- short but not sweet.

A/N at the end :)

'maybe if I skimmed a stone?

walked a different way back home

it would all make

sense.'

(**)

The next morning I wake up, my phone ringing very loudly beside me. I grunt, fumbling around for it.

"Hello?"

"Riley. Good morning." My brother, Darren, says.

"How's if going?" I ask, keeping the conversation as light as I can. I love Darren- he's my brother so I'll always love him. But my relationship with him isn't great, especially since he left me here alone.

"I'm fine. You?" His voice is tight. I know he feels nervous around me, because he knows what he's doing is wrong.

"Listen, your monthly cheque is in the bank. Well, on the way. How's everything with you ?" He asks. I know he doesn't care so I keep it short and not too sweet.

"Fine. I haven't burned the house down. I'm still paying some of the bill, okay? Can I go? I promised a friend I'd help out at her store."

"Fine." He sighs. I can hear him go to say something else but he stops. "Have a good day." He says and hangs up.

I breath, relieved that the conversation is over and haul myself out of bed. I promised Kelly Ann I'd help with her coffee shop. She just opened recently and needs all the staff she can get. I can work the machines the best, since I used to work as a barista part time.
This was before Darren's monthly checks got so  high I didn't need a job.

The day goes by pretty fast, a rotating line of customers coming in and out as we serve them. The door pings open near five and I glance up, seeing Luke enter with Hollie.

I smile at both of them but Hollie just avoids me, heading for the back. I frown, waiting for Luke to come to the desk.

"Hey Riles." He drums on the desk, smiling. "You work here? I thought you didn't have a job."

"I don't. Just helping out." I explain and glance towards Hollie. "What's going on with her?"

"What time do you finish?" Luke asks. I frown and glance at my watch.

"30 minutes." I say and he smiles.

"I'll explain in the car." He shrugs and rattles off his order. I shout it down to the next girl and assume he means he's giving me a ride home.

I watch him wonder off towards the table, Hollie seeming worried.

What the hell is that about?

---LUKE POV---

"Is Riley okay? I'm just nervous, I didn't mean to blank her." Hollie says, looking worridley towards the back where Riley is scrubbing the desk. I smile watching her, rolling my eyes at her trying to subtly pretend she's not watching us.

"She's fine." I laugh, sipping my coffee. Hollie nods, biting her nail. "So...you and Dylan?" I ask. She sighs, sitting back with her latte.

"Get comfy." She replies. "So, I became friends with Ashley and Riley a few years ago. Dylan latched onto our group. Me and Dylan clicked. We barely knew each other, yet there was just something." I glance upwards at Riley as she says this, watching her take someone else's order.
"We went on a date, and were going to tell our friends the next day. We kissed and had fun and I was glowing when i got home. I liked him a lot. After two days." She laughs but her eyes grow sad. "When I got home, my Mother asked who the date was with. I told her and she got mad and shouted in Spanish. I've never seen her so angry or hurt before. I swore to not see Dylan again because I couldn't bear her hurting like that."