Tough Love

Chapter 54

James's POV

After we got straightened away, Kate called us down to a large room we booked in te hotel to practice.

To my surprise, I quickly notice Riley walk in with Beth, talking and laughing like the best of friends.

I make my way over to them.

"Hey ladies." I say.

"Hi James." Beth says.

"Hi." Riley says shyly. I turn to Beth.

"Want to practice out duet?" I ask her.

"Um, yeah sure." She replies. "I'll see you later Ri."

"Yeah, I'll see you later." Riley says.

Riley's POV

After Beth walked away with James, I decided to go find Charlie, who was stretching in a corner.

"Hi, can we practice?" I ask.

"Yeah of course." He says.

"Great let's start." I reply as he stands up.

We run through the routine several times, and there is one section in it that involves partner work, and it's pretty dangerous if we mess up badly.

But that's the problem. We keep messing up.

I'm starting to get nervous because I'm afraid I'm going to get hurt. I stop and fin myself to start breathing heavy.

"You alright Riley?" Charlie asks. I can't even get my words out because I'm breathing so hard. Tears trickle down my face as I try to catch my breath without any success.

James's POV

"James?" Beth speaks, suddenly stopping in the middle of the dance.

"Yeah?" I ask as I stop as well.

"What's wrong with Riley?" She asks. I turn my attention across the room and see Riley having some sort of meltdown, and Charlie trying to get her to calm down.

"Is she alright?" Beth asks concerned.

"I-I don't know." I reply as I watch as Riley's panic attack slowly begins to get everyone's attention.

"Does Charlie know what to do?" She asks.

"I don't know."

"Did this ever happen when she was dating you?"

"Yeah, once or twice or so."

"Do you know what to do?"

"Sort of." I say, still watching Riley.

"Than go help her!"

I rush over to Riley, pushing my way through everyone to get to her.

Charlie immediatly moves away from her and let's me take over. I pull Riley in my arms and move her over to a chair in the corner.

"Riley, calm down, calm down." I say soothingly. I kneel infront of her, and cup her face in my hands, just like old times. She's still breathing heavy.

"Shhhh, shhh. Calm down Ri, okay? Calm down." I rub her back. Her breathing slowly begins to even, and she wipes her tears. I smile a little at her.

"You okay now?" I ask. She nods a little.

"I-I...Think...So." She replies hoarsely, still trying to catch her breath.

She stands up and walks back to Charlie, leaving me alone on the floor without another word.