Thankfully, by the time she’d finished humiliating herself, it was time to hand out assignments.As she stared down at the paper that had hers on it, Dr.Brunswick hovered a while longer, feeling the need to explain.
“It’s a cancer survivor support group,” he said.“Now and again, they have a physician stop by and answer any questions members may have, but I’d like you to go for more than one session.I want you to get to know these people.Find out their stories.Connect.”
Bethany nodded.She could do that.She could sit and listen.Connect.She was actually looking forward to it.Finally, something to take her mind off her disaster of a life.
CHAPTER SIX
Being ghosted sucked.
It’s not like Benny was asking for much.After their kiss, he’d wrangled Bethany’s phone number from a reluctant Mrs.Molly.He’d then proceeded to message her that they needed to talk.Because they did.When that message went unanswered, he tried again, texting her the following night.
Benny:B, we need to talk about what happened.Meet me for a coffee this week?I’ll buy.
Nothing.Radio silence.So, he tried again the next night.
Benny:You know, it’s a small town, we’re gonna bump into each other sooner or later, I’d rather things weren’t awkward between us.I’m on shift for the next few days but I’ll be done around 8 if you fancy grabbing a drink?
And the next.
Benny:I’m starting to feel like a stalker, B, can you please just reply, even if it’s to tell me to fuck off?
Even after all those messages and no reply, he was still checking his phone.Constantly.And wondering whether to text her again tonight.He’d officially reached peak pathetic.
Welcome home.
He hated how easy it had been to slip back into the pull of Bethany Mayer.She had some sort of sexy magical power over him.Even after all this time.He still wanted her.Still craved her.And he had no idea what he was supposed to do about it.
“You okay, sweetie?”His mom’s hand went to his arm.“You seem rather angry with the lemon drizzle, or is it the apple tart that’s done you wrong?”
A smile tugged at his lips as he lifted his gaze from the snack table to his mother.She held out a mug filled to the brim with milky coffee—just the way he liked it.
“Rough day at work?”she asked as he accepted the cup.
“I’m fine, Ma.”He wasn’t up for talking about Bethany.Not tonight.There would be enough emotions making an appearance as it was.Besides, this was his mother’s night.“Come on, it’s about to start.”
Placing a hand on his mom’s back, he led her over to the circle of wooden chairs.Al always made sure there was enough space for the circle, his antique collection lining the walls and corners of the store instead of taking up room in the middle.
