Daydreaming about my bed, Beckett?
I battle the urge to smile against the rim of my glass, my third drink of the evening making me reflective, reckless, and apparently careless.
Maybe I just wanted to talk to you
Ben
You’re at a table full of people.
I glance around the restaurant, the guys now talking basketball. I’m almost positive I’m going to find a smirking Ben at a booth if I just look hard enough.
Spying on me, are we?
Ben
Grant may have mentioned your dinner.
So you’re saying Grant is your spy, and you are spying on me? You are dangerous…
Ben
What are you drinking?
Wouldn’t you like to know
Ben
Remember when you texted me because you wanted to talk?
Uh yeah— you are infinitely better company than the guy to my left… hint— it’s not Grant!!
Ben
Don’t let Will catch you talking to me.
Will who? :)
“Liv.” Will’s irritated voice brings me back to our booth at Vida’s. “Your food’s gonna get cold,” he says, nodding toward my salmon salad. I narrow my eyes at him, feeling light and buoyant in my seat.
“It’s a salad?” My brows quirk, my alcohol fueled assessment of him clear.
“You’ve been on your phone this entire time,” he mutters to me under his breath, clearly bothered.
“So glad you noticed between nostalgia sessions with Gen,” I snipe, aware of my exaggerated expression. His jaw flickers with irritation, and he silently swaps my cocktail for his water, turning away from me.
Good riddance, I think to myself, both pleased to have pissed him off and annoyed that he didn’t take the bait. Remembering I’m in the middle of a conversation, I click my screen back on.
Ben
Goodnight, Olivia. Get home safely.
I click my phone shut and shove it into my bag, the text sobering me in an instant. I feel stupid, and I’m wracking through every possible impression Ben has of me when I feel Will nudge me to move out of the bench.
“You coming, babe?” The look on his face tells me he couldn't care less, and I realize I couldn’t either. This day has been an emotional rollercoaster, and I’m desperate for the quiet solitude of my bedroom for a few hours.
“I’m just gonna head home.” His gaze settles on me for more than a moment, irritation flickering behind it. It seems like he’s about to say something, but he just gives me a tight smile instead.
“Don’t worry— I’ll make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble,” Gen mockingly reassures me, her gaze sliding up to Grant as he approaches.
