Her transparency hit me in the gut. I wasn’t sure why, because I’d never been the guy who women opened up to. In high school, I didn’t have the right pedigree. In college, I was too distracted, busy, or self-centered. And since being back home, I’d been flat-out disinterested in making the effort until Murphy showed up in my life.
“I’m glad,” I finally said. “We always had a good way between us.”
“We did,” she said softly.
A long silence stretched out between us, full of undeclared feelings and unanswered questions.
“I believe the experts call that a pregnant pause,” I said, my brain getting in the way of my emotions.
“Apparently, they’re very good when making a point. At least, my dad always said.”
“We don’t need to make a point. That’s just how we are. We flow. Let’s not allow all this underlying stuff to get in the way this time.”
Before I could ask her to agree, she said, “Okay.”
“See? No pregnant pause required. Maybe I know something your dad doesn’t.” Closing my eyes, I couldn’t believe I said that. “I just meant we probably have different perspectives. I wasn’t putting anyone down. I’m sure your dad is a very smart man.”
“It’s okay. I think you may be on to something. It’s like the social media stuff I work on. Honesty and transparency are the hallmarks of a good post. Maybe it’s the same for relationships ... I mean, friendships.”
“Relationships,” I said, correcting her indecisiveness.
“Anyway, I don’t know how we got on this topic, but I just wanted to tell you about the book club. We’re going to aim for an introductory meeting a week from Friday, chatting about a popular book that many people have probably already read. I haven’t decided which book yet. I may ask a few coffee patrons, if Zara doesn’t mind.”
“Ha. Well, I can’t help you with that, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
“Okay, well, I’m going to go. I’m working the morning shift,” she said, her voice groggy.
“I won’t see you there then. I’m operating in the morning and then going to see Branson play in a summer basketball league. Do you work Friday?”
“Yeah. Only eight to twelve, a short shift.”
“I’ll be sure to pop in.”
“Night,” Murphy whispered.
“Sweet dreams, Murph.”
As we hung up, I wished we could have stayed on for a lot longer. It was easy between us in a way I’d never had.
Murphy’s mind and her body got me equally revved, and I couldn’t help my hand sliding south, taking hold of my length, which was as hard as a rock. I needed to handle business before falling asleep. With memories of Murphy against her door, me sliding to my knees, and a flashback to her in my bed, it didn’t take long.
23
Ben
I pulled into the Busy Bean’s parking lot in a daze, having spent the entire drive there worrying about Branson. He didn’t seem right the night before. The kids seemed to leave him out of the team huddle, and he appeared relieved to hang back on the bench. He didn’t give the game any effort, and I didn’t like what I was seeing.
I might not have appreciated the opportunities thrown at me—football, boarding school, Harvard—but I always gave everything I did my all. In a world full of rich kids who didn’t care about underachieving because they had trust funds, I was the one who always strove for overachieving.
Branson seemed like he was getting complacent, and it ate away at my gut. My sister worked too hard and wasn’t around enough, and I was too close to the situation.
Yanking open the side door to the Bean, the one closest to the coffee bar so I could catch a glimpse of Murphy, I considered sending Branson to Pressman.Christ. I shook my head to relieve myself of the idea.
“Hey, Zara. How are you?” I said at the register.
With a twinkle in her eye, she said, “Can’t say I’m surprised to see you in here. Murphy’s about done.”
I nodded. “No getting anything by you.”
