Faker

Chapter 12

I guess you can say that the duet went alright. I thought we were going to do amazing, but James didn't seem like he was all there when we did it.

After the duets, I seen James talking with Eldon and West. I walked up behind him and shyly tapped on his shoulder. He turns his head, at first looking annoyed.

"Hey." He says, beginning to soften.

"Uh, hi. I just wanted to say good job with our duet." I reply nervously. He smiles a little at me.

"Thanks. You did alright too." He replies before turning back around.

"Okay." I mumble awkwardly.

~~~~~

I tossed my dance bag on my bedroom floor and hopped onto my bed.

"Ri? Are you home?" My dad calls out from down stairs.

"Yes!" I yell back angrily.

"Come down! I want to tell you something!" He yells back. I groan, getting off my bed and run down the stairs into the kitchen.

"Yeah?" I inquire, crossing my arms as I walk in.

"What's up?" He asks.

"Um, nothing. What do you want?" I ask again.

"Well, we're having a BBQ here Friday, you know, inviting some friends and family over. Anyone you want to bring?" He asks.

"No, not really." I mutter.

"Oh? How about James?" He questions.

"Well, I guess I can invite him." I reply awkwardly.

"Just no sneaking off to make out." He says.

"There better not be any making out between you and James." Emily says, striding into the kitchen.

"We're not even dating!" I shriek.

"But you wish you were." Dad says.

"Dad!" I snap. They both laugh.

"Stop it!" I whine.

"Calm down Riles, we're just joking, right Em?" Dad says, turning to Emily.

"Right." Emily responds.

"Don't call me Riles anymore." I hiss.

"Don't you need to go and call James?" Emily sighs, rolling her eyes.

"I'll just ask him tomorrow at dance." I reply.

~~~~~

It felt like the school day wouldn't end. I nearly fell asleep in physics and just barely saved myself from a detention. Which would have meant another forty five minutes jailed in school, and I would have been late for dance. But finally, here I am, at the studio.

As I sat on the floor, stretching, I kept a close eye on James. I didn't know when I should ask him. Right now? During practice? Or after? I was staring at him so intently without noticing, until he turned his head and our eyes met. I look away quickly, mentally scolding myself, until I feel a presence towering over me.

"Riley." James's deep voice says. I slowly look up.

"Yes?" I squeak.

"Were you staring at me?" He questions, crossing his arms a roasting his chest. I bite my lip.

"Yes." I admit I'm embarrassment. He chuckles, and to my surprise, he reaches his hand down to help me up. I grab it, and he smoothly helps me to my feet.

"So, what's up?" He asks casually.

"Um, nothing." I reply. Why was I being so awkward?

"So, um, can I ask you something?" I ask.

"Yeah sure." He replies.

"Well, my dad is having this barbecue at our place Friday. And I was wondering if you would...Like...Want to come?" I ask, rubbing my hand up my arm nervously.

"Yeah, that sounds awesome. I'd love to come." He replies. On the outside, I look calm and collected. But on the inside, I was screaming and jumping for joy.

"Okay, great." I reply.

"Riley!" Emily calls out to my from across the room. James and I look over at her. Trust Emily to ruin my moment.

"Go on. I'll talk to you later." James says, winking at me before heading back over to the boys.

"Riley!" Emily says once again.

"I'm coming." I say pleasantly. Not even Emily could ruin my mood right now.