“Just Yoda,” I correct him.
He nods and keeps laughing before ushering us into the party.
“See,” Jesse says, slapping me on the back.
I take a deep breath, looking around nervously for Ben.
He should be easy to find. This is his party, after all.
I scan the room for a guy in a long, brown cloak, but there’s lots of guys wearing those.
People aren’t as excited to see Yoda inside the party, and I realize it’s because I’m not the only one. Of course. The other Yoda turns around and I recognize Nate right away. He isn’t wearing the full head mask like I am. He’s wearing a hood with floppy green ears. His sweaty face on full display.
That’s when I spot Ben.
My heart does a little stutter.
He’s wearing the costume he wore to the last party. I can’t believe how much has changed since then.
He sees me and smiles and everything feels right. Butthen I realize he can’t see my face. He’s just smiling because he spotted a good Yoda costume.
His gaze roams over Jesse and Chad and his face drops. So, he’s recognized me, then.
I catch the moment when Nate notices something’s wrong and spots us.Okay, deep breath, let’s go.
I take my Yoda head off. Chad and Jesse wish me luck and send me on my way.
That walk to the kitchen feels like I’m walking the green mile. Ben just stands there, staring at me with a stunned look on his face.
Archer steps out and puts a hand on my chest before I can reach the kitchen.
“You weren’t invited,” he says.
Nate steps forward after saying something to Ben.
“Stand down. Of course he’s invited.”
Archer frowns, but steps out of the way.
I nod to Nate before focusing my attention back on Ben.
“You can use the executive office if you want to talk,” Nate says.
Ben takes a deep breath. I can’t tell if he looks like he wants to cry or rage at me. I’d rather he do the latter. I don’t think I’d be able to handle seeing him upset because of me.
I follow him into a room on the first floor. The music outside is muffled when the heavy door is closed.
“Hello,” I say, my mouth dry.
Before I can say anything more, Ben says, “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to apologize.”
He nods before crossing his arms. “Okay?”
“I’m sorry, Ben, I’m so, so sorry.”
When he bites his lip, something churns in my stomach.
