The Player And The Nerd •Jiley•

•Part 42•

"I'm going to study and stay over at Alissa's dorm tonight so don't freak out when I'm not here for breakfast" Riley said to Jess as she collected the last of her things that she would need.

Alissa was one of her new friends that she met in class recently. They were both getting on well and decided to have a fun little study sleepover.

Once James and Finn found out later in the evening, they weren't all that bothered. But as Riley started leaving more frequently over he next few weeks, James began to worry.

J: do you think she's seeing someone? Like cause I've never seen her hanging out with a girl other than Jess, and I've not heard the name Alissa here yet. Oh god, she's seeing someone! James texted to West with sweaty fingertips.

W: relax! Riley's an honest girl and wouldn't put herself in any danger. She is most likely telling the truth, and even if she is seeing someone they must be a great guy if she feels comfortable sleeping in a dorm with him.

James sighed and threw his phone back into the pocket of his jeans. He had convinced himself that Riley was seeing someone, and for some unknown reason it was bothering him.

As he made his way to drama class, he ignored Riley who said hi. He wasn't interested in speaking to her, therefore the next hour went by with a moody James and a confused Riley.

W: you could have just asked her instead of ignoring her! West told him, annoyed that his friend was being an idiot.

J: no way! What would I have done if she said I was right!?

w: maybe say cool and move on in life? It shouldn't be a big deal, you've slept with more girls than fingers and toes on your body

J: I tried that before remember? But then of course destiny put us in not only the same uni and classes, but in the same dorm! If that's not a sign then I don't know what else is! James replied getting stressed. At least it was his last class of the day, meaning he could go back to the room.

W: bro, you like Ri!! Omg!

James saw the message on his lock screen and got somewhat angry. He didn't even care that he just bumped into some random girl.

J: do not! That's stupid

W: well J, wether you do or you don't it's about time you stopped partying and got your head straight. I'm not surprised that she barely sleeps in her own dorm when you come back drunk every other night.

James, who had now had enough of West and his stupid, definantly incorrect theories, slammed the room to his dorm shut and strode straight to his bed. It wasn't until he had got his breathing back to a steady pace when he heard Riley talking to him.

"James please tell me what's wrong."

"Nothings wrong" he mumbled to himself annoyed. There was silence for s few seconds.

"We can't help if you don't talk to us."

"I can't talk if I don't know what's wrong" he muttered.

"James is sad that you're never here" Finn said, startling the two of them. James launched himself at Finn as soon as he saw his mobile in his hand.

James saw him wink at him. He'd probably seen all them messages.

"I'm guessing that's true since James isn't denying it, but it's not like I'm the only one never here! James is always out p-partying too.." Riley mumbled getting secretly upset.

The three of them stayed silent for a while. Eventually Finn walked out, leaving them both curled up on their individual beds.

"It's true, isn't it?" James eventually said outloud. He was speaking more to himself than Riley though.

"Is what true?" Riley said sitting up on her bed and turning her body to face his direction. She kept her legs crossed comfortably.

"That you keep sneaking off to meet your boyfriend" James rolled his eyes. Riley was confused, but she blushed embarrassed.

"I-I've never even had s boyfriend so no."

"So..there's actually a girl called Alissa who you're best friends with but never invite over or are seen on campus with?"

James could tell that he had caught her out since she sat playing with the ring on her finger.

"No...it's a lie..but that doesn't mean I'm seeing someone."

"Not even speaking to anyone?" James asked.

"No James!" They both laughed slightly at how accusing they had been.

"But where do you go then?" He eventually asked. She sighed and began to explain the story of how she had gotten herself a part time job in a local dance studio. She often would hang out there at night when it was supposedly closed, and dance in front of the fancy mirrors. As a kid she had always loved watching dances but after all the confident knocks she couldn't fulfil all those dancer dreams. Now though, she had found an opportunity and taken it.

"Wow.." James finally said. "I'm sorry for accusing you of so much."

"Yeah...promise me one thing?" Riley said meeting his eye. "No more partying every night?"

"That's fine by me" he smiled as he hopped down from his bunk bed. Riley squinted her eyes in a confused manner, and watched him clamber up the ladder to her bed.

"Budge over then" he chuckled as she made room for them to lie down together cozily. His arm found its way around her back, and her hand and head lay sleepily on his chest.

"Goodnight Ri, love you" James whispered before closing his eyes. He heard a whisper back.

"Night, love you too."
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No it's not the end yeT