“It was his idea.”
“He hates me.” And I don’t blame him. His son got shot because of me.
“He doesn’t, but even if he did, would I leave you with someone I thought would make you uncomfortable?”
I know he wouldn’t, but that’s not the point. I’m not ready to see him again. The last time I did was when Ben was lying on a hospital bed. I’m not prepared to give a proper apology, and I’m not ready to face Ben’s mother. “They really don’t have to stay with me. I feel bad enough that you and your coworkers are doing all of this for me. Your parents don’t need to get dragged into my mess, too.”
“They volunteered, sweetheart. I wish I had the time to convince you more, but all I can ask is that you trust me.”
“I do. I just don’t want to be the cause of more fighting, Ben.”
He shakes his head. “You never were in the first place.”
“Okay,” I concede.
“I promise you’ll be good.”
“I know.”
“Go back to sleep.” He gets up and takes a step toward the door, but then he stops. He looks over his shoulder, pivots, and reaches for me. Leaning down, he takes my face in his hands, and the tips of his damp hair graze my cheek. I want to inhale that clean, fresh smell of the ocean, but my breath stalls as his mouth brushes my temple. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” His lips slide up, linger for two point seven seconds, and then he kisses my forehead.
My eyes flutter closed, and by the time I have the strength to open them, he’s gone.
Even though I haven’t slept a wink since Ben left, I’m still in his bed, and I never want to leave it. I heard him take off right after his parents got here, but I haven’t shown my face yet because I’m a coward. For the past three hours, they’ve been quiet, but now the smell of bacon fills the air, and I know I can’t hide anymore.
I dig through my suitcase and pull on a casual outfit of a tight black cami and calf-length black leggings, then cover my feet and swollen ankle with chunky white socks. I pull on my favorite sweatshirt. It’s one that Ben left behind—heather gray with a faded blue outline of a football. I make up the bed and tear off yesterday’s word and read today’s.
Opportune: suitable or convenient for a particular occurrence.
If I thoughtinsouciancewas fitting,opportuneis destiny.
It’s been one day, and I feel happier than I have in years. Despite someone stalking me, I haven’t been this content in a long while, and it’s all because of Ben. I really hope that him welcoming me back into his life means that we’ll remain friends after this is over. And if that’s the case, I need to make amends with his family… if they’ll allow it.
“Wish me luck,” I say to Joan Wick.
Meow.
Inhale, exhale, and go. I gently walk the few steps to the mouth of the hallway and stop dead, because I almost forgot how much Ben looks like his dad. I met him a couple of times back then, but he hasn’t changed a bit.
He’s sitting on the recliner and looks up with a welcoming smile. “Morning, Annie.”
“Hi, Sterling. Uh, good morning.”
“Oh, what a beautiful baby. Yes, you are. You are the prettiest cat I’ve ever seen,” Vera coos from the kitchen as she scratches Joan Wick’s head. She, too, smiles at me. “Morning, Annie. I hope you like bacon and eggs.”
My mouth goes dry and nerves make my stomach lurch, but I can’t tell her that. “Morning. I do, thank you. And it’s nice to meet you.”
“Same, dear.” She gets to her feet and brushes her hands off on her navy-blue slacks.
“Have you heard anything from Ben?”
She looks at Sterling for an answer, so I do as well. “He’ll be back soon.”
He’s being cryptic, but I’m still worried, so I push. “Soon as in a couple of hours or a dozen?”
“Somewhere in between.” He grins. “But they haven’t had any…issuesso far.”
Well, that’s a relief. Speaking of…I need the bathroom. “Excuse me.” I turn too fast and wince, then reach out to the wall for help.
