Saving Riley

66

Riley's POV 

Believe it or not, it didn't feel weird being back here. I know this place like the back of my hand. Toronto is and always will be my home but this place was also a big part of my life. A chapter that is long due closure
"This is the place" James smiled as we pulled up at a small town house he had rented for the week
"I used to live up the road from here" I said biting the inside of my mouth
"Want me to find somewhere else?" He asked and I shook my head
"It was the flat I had while at Julliard" I said making James nod
There were no memories of Lucas in that flat, I may have been dating him alongside it but I never let him come to my place
It was my safe haven until I gave it up to move in with the prick 

The place James had found was honestly beautiful, it was spotless and almost too good for words
"I didn't realise places here were so nice" James chuckled returning with all of our luggage
"Just you wait until I show you around" I smiled as he came over wrapping his arms around me from behind 
"mmm I can't wait" He said kissing my cheek making me smile more 
"a few old Julliard friends caught wind of me being in town and want to meet you" I said making James nod as he chin rested on my shoulder
"I'll go wherever you want to Ri" He said kissing my cheek again before we pulled apart

--

A couple hours had passed and James and I were not at the bar waiting for my old friends to join us, one of them being Nathan. I know he knows about what happened and I won't lie, I'm a little nervous to see him
Why? I don't know but it's one of my many toxic traits
"I think they are here Ri" James said making me look up to see a group of them walking in, it was in fact them
"There she issss!" Kerry smiled hugging me tightly
"Hey" I smiled as we pulled away
"Guys this is James, James this is Kerry, Carson, Alison and Nathan" I smiled letting my eyes linger on Nathan a little too long
"Can we talk?" He asked and I nodded before we both excused ourselves, James looked at me a little worried before I gave his hand an extra squeeze before letting go 

As soon as Nathan and I were outside in the cold evening air, he put his arms around me pulling me into a tight hug
"What's this for" I asked with a little chuckle
"I am so sorry.. You were there the entire time and I had no idea, I didn't know what he was doing and god I feel terrible" he rambled, I sighed pulling away looking up at his enticing green eyes
"Nath, it's okay. I in no way shape or form blame you, I know you didn't know. I heard it all and I promise you, there was nothing you could have done" I said making him sigh
"This wasn't the plan he had told me I swear" he replied and I nodded
"I know, if it was you would have told me" I answered making him nod with a smile
"You are a strong ass girl Riley, you know that right?" He said hugging me again
"You know, I've been told that a lot lately" I laughed alongside him
"If you need anything and I mean anything Riley" He started before I gave him a look
"You are one phone call away" I replied raising my eyebrow with a smirk making him chuckle throwing his arm over my shoulder as we walked back inside
"You bet your ass" He chuckled 

We both walked back in the bar to see James mid conversation with everyone, tell me why I'm not surprised? He's such a people person
Especially people he is yet to meet. Like he used to say when we were kids
Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet
"What's the topic of discussion here then?" Nathan said taking his usual seat next to Kerry kissing her cheek as he sat down
"James was just telling us about Lost & Found and Riley's Corner" Kerry said, I looked at James
"Couldn't help yourself could you" I laughed making him chuckle wrapping his arm around me
"No idea what Lost & Found is but I know about Riley's Corner" Nathan said and I nodded
"How?" Alison asked
"Nathan came to visit a while ago" I replied making James look at me confused
"When?" I asked
"He was the one who told me about you showing up at Lucas' hotel room" I reminded him making James instantly avoid eye contact

"So Lost & Found?" Nathan then asked
"It's where James works, the rest of his band joined there when we were preparing for what Internationals?" I asked James who nodded
"I still can't believe you went to Internationals" Carson reminded me. He was always so jealous of that
"We both have, it was our duet that won it" James said proudly making me smile as we intertwined our hands
"You dance?" Nathan asked and we both nodded
"James is amazing at it" I bragged making him roll his eyes
"While you guys are in town you should come hang at the studio" Carson offered, I turned to look at James who smiled
"We would love to" I replied
"But be warned, I haven't done it in a fair couple years unless I was helping my little sister" James said 
"I'm sure you are still good" Kerry said as we all chuckled
"He is, he's being modest" I said rolling my eyes as I took another sip of my drink
Tonight was going to be a night of getting to know each other all over again, rekindling, catching up and honestly I think it's a long time coming