Me: But thankfully Korbin was there.
I don’t want him to be mad at Benton when it wasn’t his fault.
Lincoln: Korbin said you walked away from him. You should’ve stayed with him, let him take you to the office.
Me: He’s not my babysitter.
Lincoln: Thankfully he had the sense to follow behind you. He made sure you got inside the building safely.
He what? Followed me? Yet again, I wasn’t aware of him or my surroundings.
Me: Tell him thank you for me. But honestly Lincoln, I’m fine. Can we please drop this?
A second later, a new chat pops up—Group: Lincoln + Bayleigh + Milton.
Lincoln must’ve added us all together, probably trying to keep everyone up to date, but why Milton? I haven’t seen or heard from him since the event.
Lincoln: She’s safe.
There’s no reply from Milton yet. Just the little “seen” notification hanging there. Why would Milton care that I’m okay? Why are they talking about me and the incident amongst themselves?
Before I even get a chance to type anything, my phone vibrates in my hand with a message from Benton.
Guess he wants to make sure the paperwork got there in time.
I open the thread, and it’s not what I expected.
Benton: ARE YOU OKAY? DID YOU KNOW THE GUY? WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? WHERE WAS JAMES? WHY WASN’T HE WITH YOU?
His message comes through in all caps, letting me know he’s yelling and he’s pissed. How the fuck did he find out?
My trembling fingers move fast, typing out a response.
Me: I’m fine. I didn’t know him. Just some jerk. James was busy, and I knew the paperwork needed to be turned in. I thought I’d be okay.
Me: How do you know what happened?
Benton: Lincoln called me.
What?
Me: Lincoln called you? How did he get your number?
Benton: I don’t know, and I don’t care. I’m glad he did, because I doubt that you’d even tell me. Are you okay?
I exhale, the tension finally easing a little. But he’s right. I wasn’t planning on telling him anything.
Me: I’m fine. I turned the paperwork into the league office. Then the guard brought me back to my car. I’ll be home soon.
Benton: Good. Bayleigh, go straight home. Nowhere else. Do you understand?
Me: Yes Sir.
I hope he hears every bit of sarcasm in the words.
I wait for him to respond back but he doesn’t. I pull up the thread with only me and Lincoln to handle the tattletale.
Me: You told my brother?
