The Bet

Chapter 70

James's POV

I wake up, and instantly realize that I have work. I just wanted to stay and cuddle with Riley, but than again, working at the cafe was for Riley. As I move, she stirs.

"Are you leaving?" She asks.

"I don't want to, but I have too. So I'll see you later, I promise." I kiss her head and get up.

~~~~~

"So, how's Riley doing?" Janet asks when we're on break.

"She's feeling a bit better I think. I stayed with her last night, and we put up the Christmas tree together. I think she'll be back to work Friday." I reply.

"Just in time to pick up her tips and cheque." She says.

"Yeah, that's right." I say, taking a sip of my coffee.

"You know, it's really sweet what you're doing for Riley." Janet comments.

"Yeah I guess it is." I reply, looking down at the coffee in my mug.

"You really must love her." She says. I swirl the coffee around in the mug as I take in her words.

"I think my breaks over now." I tell her and go back out.

~~~~~

Riley's POV

I decided to just stay down in the living room. I didn't have the energy to go back up the stairs, and the living room was better than the dusty attic.

"Here." Dad says, handing me a cup of tea.

"Thanks." I reply, taking a sip.

"Where'd James go?" He asks. I shrug.

"I don't know. He's been busy with something, but he won't tell me. He says it's something to do with Christmas." I explain.

"I see. Well you two did a nice job with the tree." He comments.

"Thank you." I reply, taking another sip.

"Nice of James to help you too." I nod.

"He is nice isn't he?" I smile proudly.

~~~~~

James's POV

I never realized how many customers at the cafe love Riley. Nearly every one I serve asks where she is. And every time I explain that she's sick and I'm her boyfriend and I'm just covering her hours, they give me a large tip.

"You don't have too." I object, like usual, to a middle aged woman.

"No, I insist." She persists, shoving twenty give dollars into my hand.

"Thanks you." I reply, finally accepting the money.