Riley had just ordered her a meatball submarine and a small cup frappe when she received Alex's message. She frowned and shrugged and sat down at the table to eat. She sent a quick okay to him before putting her phone to the side. She took a bite of her sub and wiped the corner of her mouth, when a voice brought her to reality. "Oh, Mr. Rhodes, hey." She said, motioning for him to sit in front of her. "Ms. George. I heard this was a good coffee shop, and they had some killer subs." He said, showing his turkey and cheese to her. Riley smiled and nodded. "Yes, they do." She said, taking another bite out of hers. "Are you liking it? The job?" She asked the General as she sipped on her frappe. He nodded. "I am, it's surprisingly easy." He said. "Am I a good boss, I was so worried I'd be too pushy." He said with a frown.

She watched as his face crinkled when he frowned- he was very handsome. A lot older, but handsome. "Well, so far I approve." She joked. They both shared a laugh. "I better get back to the office- I don't want my boss getting onto me. It's only his first day." She said as they walked outside on their lunch. The General chuckled. "Well, I think he'll be just fine with it, if she agrees." He said eyeing Riley. "Agree to...?" She asked, tilting her head to the side, "Agree to?" She asked with a small smile. "To have dinner with me." He said. Riley smiled and shrugged, fishing her keys out. "I think she will." She said and got into her truck.

When the day was over, she gave the General her number and headed home, sent a quick message to Alex as she drove. [i]Can't hang 2night- got a date. New boss lol his name is Tommy Rhodes- gr8 guy, lunch tomorrow?(:[/i] She hit send and continued driving.

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[b]Six Years Ago - Flashback[/b]

[i]It was a week after the incident with Rick and how him and his buddies treated Riley, things changed at school. Her popularity increased significantly in just that short week. She was at her locker when it all started, putting her books up from English literature. Tiffany, the very same Tiffany who hooked up with Rick, approached her, along with her posse, two pretty blondes. "Riley. I heard what happened... Rick and his friends are such jerks." She said, flipping her blonde hair behind her shoulder. "I can't believe I ever hooked up with him." She said, shaking her head in disgust. "A decision I really regret." She said, shaking her head, her blonde curls bouncing. "We'd like for you to sit with us at lunch.: She said, beaming, her beautiful teeth showing. Perfectly straight and as white as pearls.

"Uhm." Riley looked over at Alex. She always ate lunch with him. "I actually eat with Alex at lunch." She said, turning back to Tiffany. "Listen, sitting with us can increase your social status in school- its a step up on the social ladder. You can stay with, well, the loser." She said, directing her attention to Alex. "Or with us, the winners." She said. "Make the right choice. Hope to see you at lunch." Tiffany said, flipping her hair once more before sauntering off with her crew. She watched as they left and sighed.

After going through the lunch line, Riley stopped to think. Surely Alex would be okay one day without her? Sighing as she made her decision, she walked towards the table where the blonde trio sat. "Good choice." Tiffany said with a smile, Riley returned a weak smile in return.[/i]