Page 77 of Until the Last Star Fades

Ben abandoned the straw and took a massive gulp of water. He cleared his throat. “Erm, I forgot about that. Yeah, I was being careful…”

“About what? Cheap pizza slices? Yeah, they’re deadly—”

“About us…ah, this is awkward.” He set the glass on the table and shifted in his seat, avoiding her gaze.

Us? “Awkward?” Her expression pinched.

“Riley…” He lifted the straw and plunged it slowly into the water, stalling. “When we first met at the airport…I really fancied you.”

“And now I’m hideous?” Eyebrows aloft, a nervous laugh escaped from her throat. “Thanks a lot!”

“That’s not what I mean…” Ben glanced over his shoulder and pulled his chair closer, his long legs bumping her knees. “Oh, sorry!” He awkwardly peered under the table, wasting more time before reuniting with her eyes. “I thought…I thought you might be a snog…or a shag.”

Riley raised her eyebrows.

“I know, it sounds awful.” His eyes fell to the food on the table. “But that’s just what I’m used to. I don’t really DO relationships—too messy, and they never work out anyway.”

Oh God, he’s a fuckboy?! Is that why he doesn’t have a girlfriend? “So, when was your last relationship?”

“Drama school. It didn’t go well so…” His fingers balled up the discarded paper from her straw. “I…I hook up instead.” He winced.

Erghh! Well, at least he admits it!

“I’m sorry I was a jerk that night. I wasn’t in a good place. I was embarrassed about stripping, about being fired—lots of stuff. I was in self-preservation mode.” He shrugged, dropping the twisted paper. “And seeing you again…I still thought you were pretty and everything, but I knew you had a bloke so I wasn’t going to try anything. You were different from other girls, though…the way you spoke to me, the way you acted—you were kind, and I thought, ‘I could be mates with this girl.’ Truth be told, I don’t need another shag. I need a friend.” He shook his head. “Lucky for me, you weren’t having it. You didn’t walk away. You wanted to be a mate even when I was being an arse.”

“I did…I still do.”

“I know, and that means a lot—really, it does. I appreciate it…and I appreciate you saving half your lunch!” His eyes brimmed with mischief as his hand flew back in for more nachos. Mid-bite, he looked up and clocked an attractive brunette three tables away, his gaze lingering before returning to the cheesy snacks.

I’m different from other girls—yeah, like that one, a girl he wants to shag. Her stomach twisted. I feel kinda insulted, but at least he’s honest.

“You’re starving, huh? After all that”—she lurched forward, swatting his arm—“dancing! You had moves all along, you big liar!”

“Yeah, turns out I dance better with my clothes on. Who knew?” He winked as he liberated two nuggets. “Just keeping you guessing, Hope.”

Thirty-Three

“You’ve never done this before?” This is so cool! Looking at his phone, Ben backed up toward the curb.

Riley shook her head. “I didn’t even know it was here.” She squinted behind her sunglasses at the massive thirteen-foot-tall red sculpture—an HO sitting atop a PE. The pop art landmark hogged the corner of Seventh and West 53rd, and it was the sister sculpture to the LOVE design a few blocks away on Sixth. Her knotted brow released into a grin.

Ah, there’s that smile! Ben’s face lit up as he composed the perfect shot. “Say Funyuns!”

Riley laughed.

“Want a peek?” He showed her the image on his cracked screen.

She wrinkled her nose. “Not bad.”

“Not bad? It’s a masterpiece!” His smile grew as they continued north up Seventh Avenue, his head constantly swiveling, taking in the tall buildings and traffic heading in the opposite direction. “So, where are you taking me?”

“Central Park.”

“Ooh, nature!”

“I’d take you up the Empire State Building but…” She adjusted her tote on her shoulder. “I’m kinda broke right now.” Her voice faded away on the breeze.

You and me both. “Ah, no worries. I’m skint, too. I donated blood last week to get cash for my mum’s birthday flowers. Have you ever done that? It’s easy money.”