A/N: I am so sorry it's taken me so long. When I finally got inspired to write more for this story my computer decided to crap out on me. Luckily they were able to recover my hard drive and fix it. I didn't lose any of my work which was a relief. I will try to update faster next time, but I did just get a promotion and am now working 40 hours. So my writing is pretty much going to be limited to my days off. Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter after my unplanned hiatus. Please review. If you haven't posted a story, you'd be amazed at how much it really does help a writer. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah. You guys know what I own and what I don't.

Riley could care less about what Tanya's reaction to her clothes. Trevor had apparently had enough as well. Trevor wore jeans and a nice button-up shirt while Riley had on khaki Bermuda shorts and a dark green boat neck shirt that her best friend Cami had given her as a going away present. Cami said that she needed something more sophisticated to wear out and Riley's closet really did consist mostly of t-shirts. She had on a pair of flip flops and he had on his sneakers. If they had to suffer through this thing, they were at least going to be comfortable. The drive was the same as it had always been when they got into the car together. They fought over the music, but in the end Riley won when she played the injured card. It wasn't long before they were pulling up to their dad's mansion.

"You know that the injured little girl act is only going to hold up so long with me," Trevor said as he opened her door and handed her the crutches. Riley rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, yeah." They ambled along up the walkway and before they even reached the door, it opened to reveal their father. He looked at them and took in their appearance.

"Dad," Trevor said in acknowledgement.

"Trevor. Riley. You could've dressed up more. We do have an appearance to uphold." Riley felt all the anger she had towards her father start to rise to the surface. She worked on keeping it in check, but a little managed to slip out.

"We could've, but we didn't. So the bi...Tanya will have to deal with it." The look Maxwell gave her caused her to stutter. He was an intimidating man.

"It's not just Tanya you are representing Riley," Maxwell replied in his cool, collected tone. "It is me and the Galloway name itself. There are certain standards…" That was the breaking point.

"Yeah well screw your standards." Maxwell glared at her. His jaw clenched and his face turned red. Trevor inched closer to Riley, prepared to place himself in front of her for protection. He had only seen his father lose his temper a hand full of times and they were never pretty.

"Now listen here young lady. I am you father…" Riley rolled her eyes.

"A little late for that role. I've spoken to you maybe twenty four hours in the last eight years. You didn't even come to see me when I almost died," she shouted, her voice echoing off the brick in the silence of the night. Trevor cringed while Maxwell looked away. She had him and she knew it. She wasn't going to spare his feelings or care if he was uncomfortable. It's not like he ever gave her the courtesy. "I learned a long time ago never to expect you to be there for me. So please enlighten me as to how you could call yourself my father." Maxwell just stared coolly down at her. His face an emotionless mask.

"I am your father Riley Ann and you will respect me." With that he turned and went back inside.

"Fat chance," she said as Trevor led the way in. Well this is going to be an interesting dinner, Trevor thought. He knew he had to keep Riley and their father as far from each other as possible. They followed their dad through the entryway and into the dining area. She should've been surprised by the fact that there were more people than expected there, but she wasn't. What she was surprised about was who was there. She was ready to turn around and hobble her way back out to the car when Trevor came up behind her. Riley looked at him and he shrugged his shoulders. Reid stared at her as Aubrey smiled smugly from the chair at his side.

There was another person sitting across from Reid. The curly head of hair turned towards her and the boy's eyes lit up seeing her. She watched as he slowly looked her over and smirked. He then turned back to Reid. She wasn't sure what kind of look he gave him, but whatever it was it caused Reid to glare at him with severe hatred. When Riley looked back to the table she noticed that her dad, Mr. Garwin, and who she assumed was the creep's dad at one end. Next to them were their wives. Riley looked at Mrs. Garwin. She could see where Reid got his blonde hair and height from. Mr. Garwin was a couple inches taller than Reid and had dirty blond hair. Reid, however, got his blue eyes. Riley noticed that there were only two chairs left open; one next to the creep and the other down at the end by their dad. Three guesses as to who got that one. Trevor gave Riley an apologetic look and pulled out the chair for her. Once she was seated he made his way to the other end, leaving her to fend for herself.

You can do this, she said giving herself a mental pep talk.

"Oh Riley what happened to your leg?," Aubrey asked in mock concern. The glint in her eye told Riley that she really didn't care, not that she expected her to. She was just trying to impress the boys with her "concern."

"I had an accident. No big deal." She fiddled with the napkin in her lap as the food was brought out.

"Well you should be more careful. I mean you just got here. We wouldn't want you to leave so soon."

"I'm sure you don't." Everybody started eating. Riley saw Reid glance at her a few times as Aubrey tried to engage him in a conversation. It wasn't as awkward as Creepy's blatant staring and smug expression.

"I'm Aaron Abbot," he stated as if she should swoon at finding out who he was.

"Riley Galloway."

"You have an interesting accent. Where are you from?" Riley turned to reply and out of the corner of her eye she saw Reid turn his full attention to them, causing Aubrey to huff and pout like a child.

"I'm from Oklahoma."

"Huh? Did you grow up in the city?" Aubrey started laughing.

"Oh you're so funny Aaron. Riley has no idea what city life is like. Poor girl grew up on a ranch."

"Really? What did you raise there?"

"Horses and cattle," she stated easily.

"So I take it you can handle a bucking bronco with ease huh?" His smile left no room for her to misinterpret his meaning. She may not have had much experience when it came to sex, but that didn't mean her friends and the guys she spent time around didn't put things out there. She noticed Reid tense and listened as Aubrey chuckled.

"Oh Aaron you naughty boy," Aubrey replied, giving him what she apparently thought was a seductive look. Aaron just smirked at her.

"Oh you have no idea Aubrey." He winked and her smile widened. Riley couldn't figure Aubrey out. It seemed as if she wanted to get her claws into Reid, but apparently any man with money would do. Gold digging whore, she thought. Aubrey and Aaron flirted some more and Riley took the loss of attention happily. She had a feeling Aaron would not have said something like that if Trevor was with them, but she had always been able to take care of her self just fine. His wasn't the first innuendo that had been thrown at her and she knew it wouldn't be the last. She found the best way to deal with them was to ignore them. They wanted a reaction and if they didn't get it they tended to leave her alone.

She muddled through the rest of the dinner in silence. However, she didn't miss the looks Reid threw her way. He obviously didn't trust Aaron and she couldn't blame him. She had always been good at reading people and the reading she was getting from him was that he was an asshole. Finally dinner was done and everyone made their way to the sitting room. As Riley got her crutches under her Mr. and Mrs. Garwin approached.

"Riley I would like you to meet my wife, Meredith." Riley took the dainty hand that as offered by the beautiful woman. Her hand was soft and warm, making it obvious that she had never worked a day in her life. Riley felt inadequate when she placed her rough, calloused hand in hers and gently shook it. It was like Mrs. Garwin was one of those China dolls that her grandpa had bought for her grandma every couple of years. The ones that Riley always admired on the shelf, but still seemed to freak her out due to their eyes. Mrs. Garwin, however, had kind eyes that seemed to smile warmly at her.

"Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Garwin."

"It is a pleasure my dear. I have heard a great deal about you. Trevor enjoys talking about you with anyone who asks. I have to say I am glad you have moved here. Even though he enjoyed talking about you, the poor boy looked sad. I could tell he missed you greatly. You two must be very close." Riley smiled at Mrs. Garwin. She had a feeling her mother and the kind woman would have been good friends if she was still alive. She saw her father began to approach them and made sure her next statement would be overheard.

"We are, but that tends to happen when you only have each other to lean on." She saw her father pause in his confident stride and frown. Riley felt a little bad, but quickly shook it off. Serves him right. Mr. Galloway closed the distance quickly before Riley could make any other comments.

"Shall we retire to the sitting room for some brandy Joseph?" Mr. Garwin nodded his head. As they all made their way to the sitting room Riley noticed Reid walking towards the front door.

"Reid darling?," Mrs. Garwin called out.

"Where are you going son?," Mr. Garwin asked.

"I told the guys I'd meet them up at Nicky's after dinner," he replied in a bored tone.

"Well why don't you take Riley and Aubrey with you?," Mrs. Garwin said. "I'm sure they would rather be around people their own age than sitting here listening to our boring conversations."

"I would love to go," Aubrey piped up and shot from the sitting room. Before Riley could even blink she was standing next to Reid. He looked at Aubrey and gave her what looked like a forced smile. He then looked to Riley.

"You want to come?" Riley could see the silent plea in his eyes. He did not want to endure any time alone with Aubrey. However, Riley was unsure if she truly wanted to sit around this Nicky's place by herself. She knew Aubrey probably had friends there that she would run off with and Reid already said he was meeting up with some. She opened her mouth to reply when a hand was laid gently on her shoulder.

"Go ahead Riles. I'll come get you after I'm done here." She turned to Trevor and could see the longing look in his eyes. He would rather go with them, but he had to stay behind to undoubtedly continue their business talk. He gave her shoulder and encouraging squeeze. He figured if she spent some time with Reid she would be able to figure him out. He knew Reid's reputation and he didn't want to see her get hurt, but the Reid he encountered in the hospital was different from the Reid he had heard about at Ipswich's social gatherings and from his friends.

"Sure," Riley said smiling at Reid. She saw his face relax and Aubrey's turn into a scowl as she stomped out the door.

"That little girl has a very unpleasant personality." Riley and Trevor turned to Mrs. Garwin, who smiled at them. "In other words, she's a real bitch, but you didn't hear that from me." She winked at them and left to join her husband who was waiting at the doorway for her. Riley turned back to see Reid waiting expectantly for her. She felt Trevor nudge her.

"Go. Have fun." He smiled at her and she thought about how, once again, she was lucky to him for a big brother. Riley made her way over to Reid. He held the door open for her and led her over to his car. Aubrey was already standing there, impatiently tapping her foot. She sneered at Riley and batted her eyes at Reid. He looked to her and rolled his eyes. He waited until they were at the car to unlock the doors and opened the passenger door.

"Here let me help you." He took one of Riley's crutches and gently guided her into the passenger seat. She heard Aubrey let out a muffled scream and Reid winked at her. He was purposely pissing Aubrey off. That definitely put him on her good list right now. Aubrey climbed into the backseat and slammed the door. Reid took Riley's other crutch and closed the door. Making his way to the driver's side, he tossed the crutches in the back, ignoring Aubrey's screech of protest as they hit her and climbed into the driver's seat. Turning the ignition, the car roared to life and Reid sped out of the driveway.

When Riley saw Nicky's it wasn't what she expected. It was worn and old, looking more like a biker bar. Definitely not a place she expected rich kids to hang out. Reid helped her out and she watched as Aubrey disappeared inside. Reid had completely ignored all her attempts at conversation, turning the radio up to drown out her whining voice. Riley was relieved. Reid walked beside her as they made their way up the stairs. Holding open the door for her once again, the smell of smoke and the loud music assaulted her senses. It wasn't as smoky as some of the other bars she had been to over the summer with her friends, but the faint cloud still hung in the air.

Reid guided her towards a table where four boys and two girls sat. She instantly recognized them from the football game. He pulled out a chair and gestured for her to take it. As she sat she began to wonder what happened to the cocky, self-assured boy from the football game. This Reid contradicted everything Trevor had told her. She began to think that perhaps this new Reid was all an act, but only time would tell. She knew they would have more encounters regardless to the fact that they were attending different colleges.

"Fellas. Ladies," he said as he bumped fists with Tyler and took the seat next to her. "You guys remember Riley Galloway." They all nodded and said hello. Riley replied in kind. "Don't know if you remember names, but this is Caleb and Sarah. You might remember Pogue from the party. This is Kate and this is Baby Boy," he said clapping Tyler on the shoulder.

"You can call me Tyler." Riley smiled and nodded in response. Quickly the others continued with their conversation and Riley did what she did best. She sat back and observed. She always enjoyed people watching. You could learn a lot about a person by just watching them. Most people focused on what was said, but there was more to it than that. There was body language and mannerisms that all relayed emotions far more powerfully than words in her opinion.

"What are you doing?" She shivered as the husky voice whispered in her ear. She turned to meet Reid's blue eyes. He had obviously seen her reaction as he was smirking. She shrugged her shoulders.

"Nothing."

"You're awfully quiet. Are you not having fun?," he asked looking down as he fiddled with a napkin laying in front of him, refusing to make eye contact.

"I'm just getting a feel for the place," she stated simply. "Besides I like to people watch. He quirked his eyebrow at her.

"Oh really?" She nodded her head in response. "Well I like to do the same thing." He glanced around and then snapped his head back towards her. "Come on. I got the best place to observe from." He stood up and held out his hand to her. She took it and adjusted the crutches under her arms.

"Where are you two going?," Caleb asked.

"Pool tables. You coming Baby Boy?"

"Yeah sure," he said standing up. The three of them made their way across the bar and Riley saw Reid quickly rush ahead to snatch an open pool table. He grabbed two pool sticks and pulled up a stool and patted it.

"Best seat in the house." Riley took it and watched as Reid and Tyler started shooting. It wasn't long before some boys, who were obviously still in high school, came over and challenged them to a game, laying down a large sum of money as incentive. A few minutes into the game and it was obvious that Reid and Tyler were going to win. She had to admit they were good. Bored with watching them, she turned her attention back to the rest of the bar.

"See anything interesting?" She managed to reign in her urge to jump as Reid snuck up on her again. He leaned back against the wall behind them, rolling the pool stick between his hands. She looked over and noticed Tyler taking the money from the disappointed boys and shaking their hands in sportsman like conduct.

"Not really, but that girl in the purple shirt has been eyeing Tyler all night." Reid followed her line of sight and instantly spotted the girl. He smiled.

"That's Jennie Compton. She's a year younger than us. Her parents have money, but she likes to work at the coffee shop in town. Something about earning her own way." He shrugged her shoulders.

"Nothing wrong with that. In my opinion that makes her smart." She didn't miss the weird look Reid gave her. She smiled. "I think it's better to work for things than just have them handed to you. It shows what you're made of, helps you find out what kind of person you are." Reid stared at her taking in what she said. She knew he must've thought she was crazy, but he didn't really. In fact he felt kind of ashamed. He had been given everything he had ever wanted his entire life. His parents never made him work for it. His future was lined up for him. He was being groomed to take over his dad's business just like the rest of his brothers, just like Trevor.

He wondered what Riley would do. She obviously had no plans to pursue the family business. He found himself somewhat envious of her. She could do what ever she wanted to do. Every possibility was open to her while he was somewhat cornered. He had grown up with many privileges, but didn't have the privilege to choose his own career.

"Hey Baby Boy."

"What?" Tyler hadn't even bothered to raise his head as he racked the balls so he could continue to play.

"You have an audience." Tyler looked at his best friend and then turned his head in the direction that Reid nodded his head in. They all watched as Jennie blushed and quickly diverted her gaze. Reid left Riley's side and slapped Tyler on the shoulder. "Go get her buddy." He pushed Tyler in the direction of the girl. Reid got into position and hit the cue ball, breaking the tightly packed triangle of balls. He moved over to Riley's side and took a quick glance at his friend and smiled in approval. He turned his attention back to the table, planning his next shot.

"So who else are you watching?" Riley looked around for someone interesting.

"That guy over there is trying to get up the courage to talk to the brunette next to the jukebox." Reid looked up and noticed she was right. He watched as the guy slammed back two shots in a row. He wondered how much false courage it would take the guy and if he would be able to hold it all or if he would end up spilling his guts all over the girl.

"That guy in the preppy shirt chatting up the red head can't seem to get the hint that she's not interested." He turned to the new scene.

"How do you know that? She's talking to him."

"Notice how her body is angled away from him." Reid nodded. "She's only talking to him out of politeness, but she's absolutely not interested. Plus her eyes keeping sneaking sideways. She's looking for a way out." Reid looked shocked. He had never really looked at the way a girl showed that she wasn't interested. Of course that may have been because he had never experienced a girl that wasn't interested in him. They all threw themselves at him and the body language then was always very clear. They spent the next twenty minutes decoding people as Reid continued to shoot. After a bit he turned to Riley.

"You play?" He nodded his head indicating the pool table.

"No. Don't know how."

"Well you came to the master. Come on." Reid helped her over to the table. "Put your hands like this." He took her hands in his and positioned them on the stick. "Now the easiest shot is going to be the solid five there." Riley felt his heat on her back as he pressed into her. She knew he was only helping her set up, but she couldn't stop the goosebumps that covered her arms and the fluttering feeling she got in her stomach. "Ready?" She nodded, afraid of speaking knowing her voice would sound abnormal. Reid's hands rested lightly on her arms as she pulled back and made the shot. She watched as the cue ball rolled to the five and knocked it, sending it careening around the table and eventually into the right corner pocket. Riley smiled and turned to Reid, who smiled back.

"You're a natural."

"I have a good teacher." She noticed his hands were still on her arms and he was gently rubbing circles with his thumbs along her skin.

"Ready for another one?" Riley nodded and they moved around the table for the next shot. It was ten minutes later when Trevor showed up.

"Having fun Riles?," he asked as he observed his sister playing pool. Reid was pointing out the shots she should take and helping her line up. She sunk the six ball and turned to smile at her brother.

"Yep." He noticed her crutches were leaning against the wall and Reid was acting as a human crutch, helping her move around the table. When she finally sunk the eight ball, she turned to Trevor with a large grin spread across her face. He knew then that she had truly enjoyed her time and he was glad. He didn't want her to barricade herself in the apartment.

"Hey Garwin. How about a game?" All three turned to see Aaron walk up to the table, followed by two other guys. He smirked at Riley and winked. She scrunched up her face in disgust, but Aaron's attention had turned back to Reid.

"Not interested Abbott."

"Two hundred bucks interest you?," he asked flashing the wad of cash. Riley could see the debate going on in Reid's eyes. Finally he nodded.

"Rack 'em." Riley decided now was the time to leave. She had seen the looks Reid and Aaron had exchanged during dinner. She knew when that it wasn't smart to be around two angry bulls when they were getting ready to fight. She turned to Trevor.

"I'm ready to head home." Trevor nodded and walked over to get her crutches. He had the same idea. He had seen first hand how those two were when they played pool. Riley looked back to Reid and saw his disappointed face. She smiled at him. "Thanks for getting me out of that house Reid. And for teaching me how to play pool." He gave her a small smile.

"You're welcome Ry." She looked at him and he just smirked at his new nickname for her. She could just knew if she protested he would go out of his way to say it more than he normally would if she didn't say anything. Trevor handed her the crutches and helped her get situated before they started walking away. They were halfway to the door when the heard a shout.

"RY!" She turned back to see Reid jogging up to her. She looked past him and saw Aaron drumming his fingers against the table, obviously ready to play. Tyler had had returned to the table, with Jennie in tow. They were apparently playing in pairs. "Let me see your phone."

"Why?" He just held out his hand. She sighed, pulled it out of her pocket, and handed it over. He flipped it open and quickly began punching numbers. He pulled out his phone and she heard the ringtone start playing. He smiled and pressed a few more buttons on her phone before handing it back to her. When she looked at the screen she noticed REID now listed in her contacts. She looked up at him and he smiled.

"I'll call you later." With that he turned and headed back towards the table. She saw Aaron throw his hands up in the air and knew he said something. Reid took the stick from Tyler and got ready to take his shot. Before he did, he looked up and winked at her. Turning his attention back to the table, he took the shot and Riley watched as it went into the pocket and he turned to smirk cockily at Aaron. The tap on her shoulder pulled her out of her trance and she turned back to the door and followed Trevor out. On the ride back to Boston, Riley couldn't help but think about the two guys she had met in her short time here and how they were more than likely going to make many appearances in her dreams from now on.