Chapter Twenty-One
“This place isnice,” Riley said as he hauled one of Emily’s bags into her dorm room, looking around at the bright, airy space. It was a surprisingly big room, especially when she wasn’t sharing it.
As far as he was concerned, Emily had hit the jackpot.
“It’s not so bad,” Emily agreed. “Once I’ve got a few posters up, maybe some lights… I can work with this.”
“You should have seen Brent’s dorm room,” Riley said. “There was barely enough space to walk between the two beds. This place, though. This is almost enough to make me wish I was going to college.”
“Do you regret not going?” Emily asked.
“No,” Riley said without having to think about it. “No, this isn’t quite my style. And you know, before Brent gets up here… if you decide in a week or a month or a year that it’s not your style either, I’ll have your back, okay?”
“He’d be so disappointed if I dropped out,” Emily said.
“I know, and I know you know, but you can’t let his potential disappointment dictate your life. I’ll handle Brent. I care about you, and I want you to be happy.”
Emily smiled at that. “Thanks, Riley.”
“Always. Brent may have been my friend first, but I love you, too.”
Emily surged forward, wrapping her arms around Riley’s shoulders and holding him tight. At about the same moment, Brent came through the door.
“What did he do to deserve that?” Brent asked, setting the box of books he was carrying down on the bed.
“He was just promising me that he’ll always have my back.” Emily pulled away, grinning at Riley.
Riley winked at her, and then turned to Brent. Brent didn’t need to know that he was handing out life advice that might upset him if Emily ever took it.
He’d hate himself later though if he realized he’d forced her to do this.
Riley was fairly sure Emily would suit college just fine, but he wanted her to know there were other options. Not everyone had to take the beaten path.
It felt like his responsibility to both of them to make sure they weren’t doing things just to please each other. Brent had given up so much to look after Emily, and now she was flying the nest.
Emotional didn’t even begin to describe the atmosphere between them.
Riley understood. Emily wasn’t Brent’s daughter, but he’d raised her like one. This was a big deal for him. It was a big deal for Emily, too, being away from the only family she’d ever known for the first time.
“He’ll keep that promise,” Brent said. “He’s always kept it for me.”
Riley blushed, warmth blooming in his stomach. He’d tried his best to be a good, loyal friend to Brent, and he was glad Brent thought he was.
“I know,” Emily said. “I need to make a friend like Riley.”
“Well, you already have a friend like me,” Riley said. “It’s me.”
Emily laughed at that. “You know what I mean. My own personal Riley.”
“You’ll find your people,” Riley promised. “You’re so smart and fun and interesting, people will flock to you. I know you’re scared. But they will.”
“EvenImade a few friends in college,” Brent said. “So you should have no problem. You’re a lot cooler than me.”
“Can I have a hug?” Emily asked, looking between the two of them.
Riley stepped forward, and Brent moved at the same moment. After a slightly awkward pause, they both closed the gap at the same time, wrapping their arms around Emily and holding her close.
Brent’s family was a little on the unusual side, but in this moment, Riley wanted more than anything to be a part of it.
