Riley James

Nope, but it is cute that you tried. 

Well, I’ll take cute.

Addison, gave him a somewhat blank expression. She looked down before looking at him. A skeptical smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Really, how odd it is that you know two people who suffer from memory loss. Unless you make it a point to keep company with people who suffer from amnesia.” 

Riley chuckled a little, shaking his head. “I only know one person with memory loss,” he murmured softly. He didn’t want to scare her off, but he also didn’t want her to think that there was someone else he was referring to.

“You say single like it’s a bad thing,” Eliza commented, looking away from him. “Been single most of my life and it works out better, especially with all the dangers we have going on.”

Addison couldn’t help but wonder who this friend was, and why her stomach twisted uncomfortably as he said this. Was she…jealous? “So are you making that for her?” She nodded towards his project. “This friend?” 

Riley smiled a little to himself. “It is,” he said. He glanced over at her. “It’s too bad, though. She doesn’t really remember me. I hope it makes her smile, though.”

Not to be mean, but I don’t think you could really pull off sneaky very well. 

Really? Not even a little bit?

“Yeah? Makes it kind of sad, in a couple minutes we will have to go off and be adults again.” She sighed shaking her head slowly from side to side. 

“It is, but such is life. We can’t be kids forever, after all.” He smiled lightly, sighing. 

You just want to cuddle my new little friend. Not that I blame you. 

You caught me. Here I thought I was being sneaky.

Thanks, man. Just doing my part to keep ducks safe.

Well, someone’s gotta do it, right?

Addison felt her heart shift as he smiled and bit his lip. He was so handsome, and here he was talking to her. “Well that sounds like some pretty good advice.” 

Riley smiled, nodding. “I think so, too. She was a smart woman, that friend of mine,” he chuckled.

I gotta stop watching the news. It seems like there’s always a new story about a raid that happened any time I tune in.

I know what you mean. It’s kind of depressing.

I helped a mama duck and her ducklings safely cross a busy street this morning. Is it lame to feel a little bit like a hero?

That’s not lame at all. I commend you.

I bought a hedgehog and named him Francois. I am feeling very proud of my decision making. 

I think I need to meet this Francois.

Valerie sat alone outside. She turned her head noticing someone standing beside her. “Don’t mind me, just enjoying the day before I’ve got to go in for work. It’s real pretty out don’t you think?” 

“It is,” he said with a nod. “I’m trying to enjoy it, before going back to work.” He chuckled, biting his lip a little.

His hand was warm. She smiled at him as he gave hers a gentle squeeze. He seemed so incredibly…comfortable. “It kinda is,” she said quietly as she took a deep breath before giving him a smile. “That is good, though I’m glad you decided to get out at least for a little.” 

“Yeah, someone once told me that it would be good for me to put myself out there more,” he chuckled, biting his lip a little.

“Not a fan of the attention?” Eliza asked, curious about his reaction to her comment. “You work in the hospital, right? I think you were there when I was stitched up before… maybe. It was a while ago, so maybe not,” she shrugged, “I’ve only recently become an official resident of Belle Haven.”