“Terrible. They disowned me.” I leave out the fact Ben stabbed himself. Cameron doesn’t need those details.
“No. You’re the golden child. They aren’t disowning you over hanging out with Ben.”
“Yeah, pretty sure they are. If they didn’t over Ben, then they will when they see the tattoo.”
“You got a tattoo?” His jaw drops. “Holy shit. What happened while I was gone? Did hell freeze over or something?”
“Something like that.” I shrug.
“I want to see it.”
“It’s small and on my ankle,” I counter as Ben’s phone buzzes in my pocket. I answer it without looking, figuring it’s probably Wes. “Hello?”
“How sweet of you to answer my phone for me, baby.” Ben’s voice instantly makes my chest tighten.
“Ben?”
“Yeah. I didn’t remember your number, so I thought I’d try mine and at least leave you a message. Lucky for me you have no problem invading my privacy.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t think. I thought maybe it was Wes.”
“Relax, Prue. I’m just playing around. Where are you?”
“Cameron’s.”
“Is he there with you?”
“Yes. I slept in your bed last night, like I promised.”
“I’m sad I couldn’t be there for that,” he says softly. “I would’ve rather fucked you before letting you sleep, but as it would seem I’m in major fucking shit right now.”
“Ben. I’m so sorry.”
“For?”
“This is all my…”
“Shh, baby. Now is not the time for that. I’m just calling to let you know I have court tomorrow. Wes’s lawyer says they will probably offer me bail if I surrender my passport. I’m having Wes bring it down tomorrow so I can get that squared away quickly. If all goes well, I’ll be out before noon.”
“On bail.”
“Yeah,” he says. “Listen, I need you not to show up tomorrow, okay? I’m pretty sure we can guess who is to blame for all this. If not one, then the both of them are teaming up. I have an odd feeling one or both will show up tomorrow and I can’t risk something happening to you when I’m unable to do anything about it.”
“Ben, this is all…”
“Shh, baby. I’m trying very hard to behave right now, can you please help me out? I will make it up to you, however you see fit, but just don’t come down here tomorrow, okay? Can you do that for me?”
“Okay.”
“I have to go, Prue, but I’ll see you real soon.” The line goes dead before I have a chance to say goodbye.
I stand there, blinking back tears as Cameron stares at me.
“Prue, what the fuck is going on?” he asks.
I sigh, sinking into the spot beside him on the couch. I don’t know where to start. Cameron is normally the one who comes to me with a wild story, but lately it’s been me relying on him. It feels strange, but when he stares at me with those same blue eyesas mine, I remember how close we were as kids. And how much I know I can trust him.
“It’s a long story,” I start. “You know I met Ben at that party Monday.”
