The Bet

Chapter 62

James's POV

I really can't believe them sometimes. If Riley never needed me at a time like this, I probably would have stayed there and told them off. But than again, that might show signs of me actually liking Riley.

I hopped out of my truck and jogged up to the front door and knocked. Emily opened.

"Hi." She says.

"Riley here?" I ask.

"In her room." She sighs.

"Okay thanks." I reply and trot up the stairs.

"Hey." I say softly. She looks up from a newspaper.

"Hi." She says quietly. "I thought you were with the guys."

"I left when you texted me." I tell her.

"You didn't have to leave because of me." She says.

"Nah, the guys were being idiots, so I left." I explain.

"I see." She says, looking down at the paper again.

"What are you doing anyway?" I ask, peering at the paper.

"Looking for another job." She says, just as I notice that she's looking at the job listings section.

"For your dad?" I ask.

"No, for me." She sighs.

"Riley, you're already working one job. How can you work two and go to school?" I ask. I decided to leave out spending time with me, trying to sound less selfish.

"It's only until dad manages to get another job." She replies.

"How long will that take though?" I ask. She runs her hand through her hair.

"I don't know." She sighs.

"How about this. I just lend you money until your dad gets a job." I say.

"No, I can't let you do that." She replies.

"Sure you can. It's not that big a deal." I respond.

"Yes it is James! We're not talking like twenty or thirty bucks. It's food, light, and heat bills! You can't lend me that much money." She says, raising her voice.

"I don't mind. It's not that much to me and-" I stop as she begins to cry.

"Riles I'm sorry." I say, hugging her. She continues to cry into my shirt.

"It'll be okay Riley." I sigh, rubbing her back. She pulls away from me, wiping away tears.

"I'm sorry, it's just that..." She trails off.

"I understand." I tell her.