The Bet

Chapter 26

Riley's POV

Another twenty minutes or so went by, and James and I decide to finally go downstairs.

"Well look who finally decided to show up." Emily comments as we enter the dining room.

James's POV

We all take a seat to the old dining room table. Riley sits across from me, and Emily is by my side. Just my luck.
Riley's father places supper on the table, which is turkey and vegables. Everyone starts to dig in.

"So James, Riley tells me that you play football." Riley's dad says.

"Yes sir, I do." I reply.

"Captain, am I correct?"

"Yes sir." I say.

"I used to play in my day too, believe it or not." He says.

"Oh really? Riley never told me that." I say, glancing at Riley.

"Well, it's not like you ever asked." She says defensively. Everyone, including myself, laugh a little at that.

"So, how long have you and Riley been dating?" Emily asks.

"A couple days." Riley's says.

"But we have been hanging out for awhile before." I cut in, giving Riley another look, which she returns, then I can't help but chuckle at her cute face.

After awhile, the questions slow down, and Riley's dad started telling stories, usually something that Riley felt embarrassed about.

"Dad!" Riley shrieks after her father told us a hilarious story about Riley when she was a kid.

"Lighten up Riles." Her father says.

"Don't call me that anymore." She says through gritted teeth.

"Why, what's wrong...Riles?" I tease, a smirk on my face. She rolls her eyes and then crosses her arms.

The attention towards Riley begins to dwindle, and we went back to other stories.

It's was way different from supper at my house, where I would have to listen to my parents naustiating work stories, and discussion of money while we're served some fancy food that I usually can't even pronounce.

This was fun and lively. There isn't a dull moment as we chat and laugh.

Riley's father is surprisingly really funny. Despite his somewhat stern and scary appearance, he was easy to talk to, and had no problem talking to me and making me feel involved and welcomed.

After supper was finished, I was surprised to see Riley clear the table without hesitation as everyone gathered in the living room, whereas my maids would do that for me.

"Need any help?" I ask her. She shook her head.

"No, I do it all the time." She says. I ignore her objection and help anyway, clearing away more plates and bring the to the kitchen sink.

"I'll wash them after." I hear her say under her breath, then she turns to me.

"Do you want to stay down here with eveyone else, or we can go back upstairs to be alone," She suggests, but then pauses before carrying on, "Or you can go home if you want."

I check the time before answering.

"I do need to head home soon, but I want to spend a little more time alone with you." I say with a slight smile.

"Alright." She says and we head back upstairs to her room.