Ben's mind stayed partially on Amelia even as he focused on organizing the drills.
The clinic went smoothly. The troublemakers from earlier in the week weren't present, and the atmosphere felt lighter, more focused. Ben enjoyed working with the kids who genuinely wanted to improve their basketball skills, especially the ones who struggled but kept trying anyway.
Just before the break, he made his way backto the table where Amelia sat, watching her carefully as he approached. She looked up from her laptop, a small smile forming when she saw him. The mocha latte was nearly gone, and the bag that had held the croissant lay empty beside it.
"Was the croissant good?" Ben asked, taking the seat next to her.
"It was perfect," Amelia said. "Thank you again."
Her color looked better today, he noticed with relief. The shadows under her eyes weren't as pronounced, and there was a bit more life in her expression.
Bending over, he took the drinks out of the cooler and put them on the table, while Amelia arranged the snacks. He enjoyed working alongside her. It was as if they were a team.
After Cole had finished sharing with the group, they all filed out of the gym to grab drinks and snacks.
“Are you interested in going out for dinner tonight?” Ben asked when it was just the two of them at the table.
“I can’t. I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m going to Mom and Dad’s. One of Layla’s kids is having their birthday today, so we’re having a family dinner.”
Ben was disappointed, but at the same time, he was glad she was spending time with her family.
“How about tomorrow?” he asked. “Fancy another outing on the boat?”
Amelia stared at him, and he could almost see the wheels turning in her mind. “I don’t know. I saw that it was supposed to be cloudy, maybe even rainy.”
Ben frowned. “It is?” He pulled out his phone and checked his weather app. “Well, only in the morning. It’s supposed to clear later in the day. We could still go out on the boat for dinner.”
Amelia shook her head. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“What?”
She glanced at him before looking back down at her hands, where they were wrapped around her now-empty latte cup. “Us spending time together.”
“I disagree. I think it’s a great idea.”
“Ben, we’ve discussed this already. I’m… I’m just not in a good place for…” She waved her hand in the air, gesturing between the two of them. “Whatever it is you want between us.”
“I want a relationship with you,” Ben said, deciding to be blunt.
Shock briefly crossed Amelia’s face. “But… why?”
“Listen, now isn’t the time to discuss this,” Ben said with a glance at the gym. “Cole’s going to be blowing that whistle soon, but I want to talk to you about it.”
Amelia shifted in her seat. “I’m not sure there’s anything to talk about.”
“Please, Amelia,” Ben said. “Just… let’s have a conversation about it.”
She sighed and reached for the empty croissant bag and carefully folded it into a small square.
“I guess we can go out on the boat tomorrow.”
Ben grinned. “Perfect.”
She didn’t seem very excited about it, but Ben was glad she was at least willing to have a conversation.
“What time?”
“Same as last time,” she said. “I do better when it’s not super sunny or hot.”
