The Bet

Chapter 68

James's POV

My phone rang as I walked into the cafe the next morning. I was planning on ignoring it, but when I saw it was Riley, I was eager to answer.

"Hey sweetheart." I say when I accept the call.

"Hey, what's up?" She asks. Even on the phone I could notice her poor throat growing sore.

"Um, nothing much." I reply.

"Oh, I was wondering if you could drop by to see me? I get it if you can't, but I just miss you." She explains.

"I'm actually working on something right now, but I promise I'll come by to see you later." I tell her.

"Okay, I'll see you later." She says.

"Okay, bye."

"Bye." Than she hangs up.

I go into the cafe and sigh heavily as I take to the customers.

I never told mom about my new temporary job for two reasons. One, because it's a job. And two, because it's something for Riley.

"Morning James." Marie greets.

"Morning." I sigh. I bring a cup of coffee over to a little old couple who I'm told come here almost every day.

"Say, what happened to the young girl who usually serves us? Riley was her name I believe." The elderly woman asks.

"Yes, she was such a little sweetheart." Her husband agrees. I smile warmly at them.

"She's sick actually. I'm her boyfriend, so I'm just covering her shifts for her until she gets well again." I explain. The woman smiles.

"Oh isn't that romantic." She gushes. I try to hide a blush as I smile.

"Yeah, I guess it is." I agree sheepishly.

"Is she still getting the pay cheque and tips?" She asks. I nod.

"Yes." I reply. She opens up her purse and takes out a fifty dollar bill.

"Here, a tip for her." She says, handing me the bill.

"Thanks, but you don't have-"

"No I insist. It's Christmas." She persists. I smile and take the bill.

"Thanks, Riley will appreciate it." I reply.

"My pleasure." She says smiling.

~~~~~

"James, you can head out now." Marie tells me.

"Alright, see you." I say as I walk out the door. Changing my attitude did help, and I managed to get much better tips today.

I drove to Riley's house like I promised to visit her. Her father wasn't home, so I just walked on in and up to her room.

"Hi." She says tiredly.

"Hi baby." I say, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Glad you came." She says, a strain in her voice.

"How are you feeling?" I ask, pulling some hair out of her face.

"A tiny bit better." She replies.

"Do you want me to get you anything?" I ask.

"Can you get me a glass of orange juice?" She asks.

"Yeah, of course." I reply. "I'll be right back."

I go down to the kitchen and pour up a glass of orange juice. As I pass the living room, I look in. There were several boxes labeled Christmas decorations. I put on a puzzled face before going back up to Riley's room.

~~~~~

"Why didn't you put your tree up yet?" I ask Riley as I help her sit up in the bed and give her the orange juice.

"With dad being busy and me sick we never got around to it." She tells me, taking a sip of juice. "But dad refuses to put the tree up himself, and I always have to do it. But by the way I'm feeling, it won't be out up any time soon."

"What if you had someone to help you put up the tree?" I ask with a smirk on my face.