“It forced us to hang out. Even if Wyatt was there, it gave us a chance to talk.”
“Yeah, maybe,” he agrees slowly. “Was she okay with you when you got there? I told her she had to be, or she’d be in even more trouble.”
I pause, my fingers tightening a little on the steering wheel. “Wait… you told her to be nice to me?”
“Of course I did,” he says without hesitation. “She’s been giving you a hard time every time you’ve crossed paths.”
I go quiet, turning that over in my head. For a second, I wonder if tonight was just an act. If she was only playing nice because she was afraid of getting into deeper trouble.
“Ash? You still there?” Ben asks after a moment.
I let out a slow sigh. “Yeah, I’m here.”
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing,” I answer too quickly.
“Ash,” he says gently. “Talk to me.”
I hesitate. “I just… I thought we were making progress tonight. But now I’m wondering if she was just putting on an act so she wouldn’t get into more trouble.”
Ben exhales quietly. “I don’t think that’s it, baby. She didn’t have to go to your place. She could’ve gone straight home. She chose to spend time with you.”
“Yeah, maybe,” I murmur. “And we did make plans for tomorrow night, too. Me, Laney, and Ivy. I know she’s technically grounded,” I add quickly, “but I was hoping you might be okay with it… since she’ll be with me.”
There’s a pause before Ben responds, a little surprised. “You’re seeing her again tomorrow?”
“Yep.”
“At your place again?”
“Uh… no.” I hesitate for a second, but in the end, I can’t bring myself to lie. “We’re going to Eden,” I admit, rushing to add. “But I promise I won’t let her have anything to drink. Is that okay?”
I leave out the part about Laney meeting her date. I gave her my word I wouldn’t say anything, and Wyatt was right; I keep my promises.
Ben chuckles softly on the other end of the line. “You two are going to be trouble together, aren’t you?”
I grin. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t,” he teases. “Just keep an eye on her and make sure she sticks to soda.”
“I will.”
“Alright. I should shower and then get back to work. I still have a few things to finish up for tomorrow.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, then.”
“Definitely.”
“Night, Ben. I love you,” I say, my voice softening.
“I love you too, Ash. Night, baby.”
I drive home on cloud nine, still a little stunned by how the last few hours played out. I’m excited for tomorrow night now. I just hope Laney feels the same way when she wakes up.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Laney
