“He’s not my guy, Cam. He’s our roommate. Violet’s friend, Ben.”
Cam frowns as he tries to make sense of the information.
“He’s Nora’s little brother,” I add, giving him the information that he probably needs to put the whole puzzle together.
“You’re Nora’s brother? Wow. The last time I saw you, you were just a kid.” Cameron smiles tightly.
“Yeah, well the passage of time and all of that.” Ben gives him an unimpressed look.
Cameron smiles at him cluelessly, and Ben’s eyes flick to mine.
“Ben plays football for Highland State. One of the best players they have,” Joss adds proudly, leaning her head against his shoulder and looking up at him with doe eyes.
“I didn’t know you followed football, Joss.” Cameron raises his brow.
“Well, we do now that we have someone who knows how to play it in the house.” Joss grins, and I shoot her a look behind Cameron’s back.
“No shit. Well, what position do you play? I try to watch the games, but it’s been harder overseas.”
“Wide receiver.”
Cameron stares at him for a minute as if he’s trying to make sense of something.
“Nora—not Lawton? That Lawton?” Cameron’s eyes go wide.
“Yes, that one,” I say from behind him.
“Holy shit. You’re phenomenal to watch. And you must be excited about your draft prospects.”
“I’m hopeful,” Ben answers quietly.
“Okay, well why don’t you get your stuff put away for the time being, and we can let them eat breakfast. I need to grab some myself,” I say, interrupting because I feel like it’s only growing more awkward by the minute.
“Okay. I have to run soon anyway, to get to the conference lunch,” Cameron agrees. “Can I get changed and use your bathroom?”
I nod, and he heads out a few moments later, leaving Ben, Joss and me standing in the kitchen.
“He’s not going to find a hotel. You know that,” Joss whispers, flashing a look of contempt in the direction Cameron disappeared.
“He might. I’ll tell him again.”
“He won’t.”
“Well, I don’t know what to do. Put him on the street?” I say frustration coming through in my tone because this whole morning nearly has me in tears from it.
“Why not?”
“Because he wouldn’t do that to me if the situation was reversed.”
Joss rolls her eyes, and I look to Ben realizing he’s been utterly silent. His eyes meet mine, an unreadable look there. I wish we were alone so that I could really talk to him about this.
“I didn’t know. Honestly,” I say.
“I believe you,” he says softly, but I can tell from the look on his face that it has little effect on his mood.
“Vi, where are you keeping the towels?” Cameron calls out from my room, and I feel the flush of irritation return.
“I’ll be right there.”
