The Bet

Chapter 71

Riley's POV

As Friday came faster, I was beginning to feel so much better. James dropped by every evening to visit, but still never told me about his little activities that was taking up his time.

"Are you sure you're feeling better?" James asks me as he drives me to the cafe on Friday.

"Good enough to work." I reply.

"I'll take your word for it." He says.

"It just sucks that I won't be able to get paid. Just messily little tips." I sigh.

"Who knows. Maybe you'll luck into something." He says smirking.

~~~~~

James's POV

I wasn't sorry to say goodbye to working at that cafe yesterday afternoon. But I'm pretty excited for Riley. The look on her face will be priceless when she gets her cheque and all those tips.

"Bye babe." I say when I drop her off. I kiss her cheek, mostly because she won't let me kiss her lips in fear that I'll get sick too.

"Bye." She says.

"I'll come by later to pick you up." I tell her. She nods and than she's off. And I'm off to the mall to buy her gift.

~~~~~

Riley's POV

"Welcome back." Janet says when I walk in.

"Thanks." I sigh an take a look around the cafe. "I guess I'll get to work."

~~~~~

James's POV

"Will that be all sir?" The cashier asks. I nod. She rings up my purchase.

"Someone's being very generous." She comments, looking at the receipt.

"It's for my girlfriend. It's all pretty pricey but her happiness is priceless." I explain. I hand her a few hundred dollar bills, grab my purchase and leave to go back to the cafe, just in time to see Riley.

~~~~~

Riley's POV

I finish up with my last customer, just as James strolls in.

"Hey, you're early." I say as we hug.

"Yeah, but I wanted to see you sooner." He replies.

"I'm ready now so we can go." I say.

"Merry Christmas everyone!" I call out to my coworkers.

"Wait, don't forget your cheque for this week!" Marie calls out, coming out from outback with an envelope.

"I never worked all week. I'm not supposed to get paid." I remind her.

"Yes you did. Here, take it." She persists, shoving the envelope in my direction.

"Um, no I never. I was pretty sick, but I wasn't hallucinating. I wasn't here all week." I tell her. I notice her smile up at James. I look up at him puzzled.

"What? What's going on?" I ask.

"While you were sick, James covered all your hours for you." She explains, putting the envelope in my hands. My mouth drops. I look up at my boyfriend in shock that he would do something like that.

"Is this why you were so busy?" I ask. He nods, smiling proud.

"Yup. Open the envelop. There's some tips there too." He says. I open the envelope which contained my pay check, Christmas bonus, and an unbelievable amount of tips.

"Thank you." I say, as tears beginning to roll down my cheeks. Through my now blurry vision, I see James smile. He sweeps me into his arms, hugging me tight.

"You're welcome baby." He whispers in my ear. I pull away, still crying tears of joy as I attempt to wipe them away. I smile at James as he smiles down at me.