“Why would that matter to him?”
“Obviously, Ben must mean something to our little girl,” my father replies. He eyes me as he speaks. “She clearly wanted to show off for him.”
“Prue has no need to show off for me,” Ben says. “Not a damn thing about this place could impress me, more than she, herself, does.”
“Do you fancy my daughter?” My father laughs. It’s clearly a fake laugh. To him, the idea of Ben liking me must be the most amusing thing he has ever heard. “Because you should know she is already off the market.”
“Dad,” I say softly, “I told you. Char—” Ben’s hand touches my thigh, squeezing it. “We broke up.”
“Prue, sweetie, kids do impulsive things. I’m sure you two will patch it up in no time. You know your absence at the Hilton last night sure made a fuss, but I know Mr. Davenport is willing to ignore that. Headaches happen, but you do have an obligation to attend these things. Especially when a man like Charles invites you.” My mother uses her lecturing voice as she speaks.
Ben’s fingers dig into my thigh at the mention of Charles’ name, but his face doesn’t change. A polite smile is spread across it, but his eyes dance with rage.
“I didn’t have a headache,” I snap. Ben’s rage is fueling my own.
My parents don’t care about me, but I have someone who literally took a fist to the face for me. He is sitting right beside me, ready to go toe to toe with the people who should love me more than anything. It hurts and feels good at the same time.
“Prue, dear, don’t raise your voice. It’s rude, especially in front of guests,” my mother says. “Even if they are your brother’s friend.” Her eyes glance over him for a moment, before turning back to glare at me.
“Yes, Mom,” I say back softly.
“You know the Davenports are hosting brunch tomorrow. I think that’s the perfect place for Charles and you to patch things up,” my mother adds.
My mouth opens to speak, ready to agree to go and drag Ben out of here. There is no sense in trying to reason with them. It’s best to just agree to their terms, and not follow through. Before I can speak, Ben’s hand flattens against my thigh.
“I’m afraid I can’t let that happen,” he says, patting my thigh.
“Excuse me?” My father’s voice is laced with shock.
I glance up at Ben, who smiles at me. “I told you, I’d be the wrecking ball.”
My eyes roll the way only he seems to be able to make them, but I smile too. He warned me and I still brought him here. Maybe I knew my choice this whole time. Maybe this is what I needed. Let Ben destroy my life for me. Then I’ll have no choice but to become someone new.
“You can’t let that happen? Why do you think you have any say in this?” My father’s voice grows louder, much like his heartbeat must have since he saw me walk in with Ben by my side.
“I’m bound by the morals bestowed upon me, of not being an abusive prick to stop your daughter from getting back with that piece of shit.”
“What filthy language.” My mother gasps. “Extremely rude.”
“Oh, right. I forgot this is the upper class where we ignore bruises and force our daughters to do our bidding. I’m so fucking sorry.” Ben scoffs.
“Young man.” My father jumps to his feet. Ben rises too, staring at him. “You need to leave right this minute.”
“Gladly,” Ben says, holding his hand out to me. “Prue.”
“She’s not going with you,” my father snaps. My eyes dart to him. He glares at Ben, threateningly. When I look back at Ben, his eyes are on me.
“Come on, Prue,” he says.
“What has gotten into you?” My mother shakes her head. “This behavior is so unbecoming. We raised you to be better than this. Given you everything you could’ve wanted. Promised you a good life, and you decide to act out with this boy.”
My eyes drop to the ground. I don’t know what to do. Leaving with Ben will destroy my whole life, but if I stay, I’ll end up back with Charles, who will be far too happy to cause me pain and misery.
“I’m sorry,” I say after a moment.
“Don’t apologize to them,” Ben says.
“Not them. You,” I say, looking back up at him. “I shouldn’t have brought you here. You should go.”
