The Bet

Chapter 96

Riley's POV

After saying my goodbye to James, I ran into the house, careful not to slip on the wet pavement.

"Hey, sorry I'm late." I tell my father.

"What happened?" He questions.

"Me and James got in a fight, but we're fine now." I reply.

"I see." He responds. He puts his coffee down and looks at me.

"I've been thinking, and even though I'm not entirely okay with you drinking at the party, and getting drunk, I can understand that you were pressured by everyone else. So, I have decided to end your grounding tomorrow instead of Friday." He tells me.

"Really?" I exclaim. He sighs but then smiles.

"Yes. And besides, you need time to go shopping for a dress to wear to that wedding." He replies. I run over and give him a big hug.

"Thank you!" I squeal.

James's POV

When I get home, there was people in the backyard, talking with my mom. By now the rain had cleared up. Jessica stood beside mom, but didn't seem very involved with the conversation.

"Jessica!" I call out from the step. She looks at me, then to mom, and then trots over to me.

"Hey." She greets.

"What's going on?" I ask.

"Oh, those are the people that will be decorating for the wedding." She explains.

The wedding was being held in our backyard. The ceremony will be held here, then the wedding party will be driven to a private location mom booked for wedding pictures. While that is being taken care of, the guests can go home and change for the reception, or do whatever they want while the decorators will turn the backyard from the ceremony to a reception area. Then everyone will come back, the bride and groom and their party will enter, we'll eat, and then dance."

"Mom's taking over like usual, I can see." I point out.

"Yeah, but I have to give her credit. I wouldn't be able to handle everything without her." She replies.

"Or without dad's bank account." I tease. She gives me a light slap on the arm.

"You won't be saying that on yours and Riley's wedding day." She replies. I tense up at her comment.

"Who says I'm marrying Riley? That's like, years away!" I exclaim.

"Calm down James, I was just joking. But I can tell that you love her." She responds.

"Whatever." I mutter.

"Drop the act James, because I can see right through it. You love her, and you're happy that I invited her to the wedding." Jessica says, putting a hand on her hip. I couldn't help but let a smile break out on my face.

"Okay, maybe I am a little happy about that." I admit. She giggles in her bubbly way.

"See, I knew it!" She exclaims. I just laugh a little, until I smile at her. A genuine, grateful smile.

"Thank you though, for inviting Riley. It means a lot to me." I confess. She smiles back.

"No problem." She replies.