I nod. “Yep. And if things go well tonight, I’m sure you’ll get to meet him soon.”
The next hour passes in a blur of conversation, laughter, and drinks. Paisley stops by a couple of times, but it feels like the bar gets more crowded with every minute. I’m having a great time, though there’s a part of me that keeps wondering how the night’s going to play out now Ben’s here. Laney was supposed to crash at my place. Her stuff’s still there and I’d planned on us walking home since I drove to Eden but ended up having a drink. Ben’s had a couple of beers, but he switched to soda a while ago, so I’m guessing he’s driven and is planning on going home.
I don’t get a chance to ask Ben anything before Laney appears, a wide grin on her face. But the second she spots him, it vanishes, replaced by pure panic. Her eyes fly to mine, and I give her an encouraging smile, hoping to calm her nerves.
“Dad… I didn’t think you’d be back tonight,” she says, her voice tight with unease.
“I can tell,” Ben replies, lifting his brows in amusement.
She shoots me a pleading look, and I gently nudge Ben with my elbow.
“Quit messing with her,” I say, giving him a pointed look before stepping out of the booth and reaching for Laney’s hand.
Ben chuckles. “Looks like you two are going to be a handful now you’re finally friends," he says. “Ash told me everything. You’re not in trouble for being here, Laney,” he adds, his tone softening.
Laney glances between us then lets out a shaky breath, relief washing over her.
“Did Ryan head out already?” I ask, and she nods. “Come sit. I want to hear all about it.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Ben
Even though I’m not entirely sure I want to hear every detail about Laney’s date, I can’t stop the smile that pulls at my lips as I watch her and Ash together. There was a time I wasn’t sure we’d get here. I’d hoped for it, but after seeing how upset Laney was about our relationship, it felt like it would take more than a broken-down car and a couple of slices of pizza to bridge the gap betweenthem.
“Are you going to see him again?” Ivy asks from beside me as Ash and Laney slide into the booth. It’s a tight fit with the five of us, and Ash’s bare leg presses against mine. My hand instinctively finds her knee, my fingers tracing slow circles on her skin.
Laney gives me a hopeful look. “Well, that depends on Dad.”
All eyes shift to me, and I blink in surprise.
“Why’s that?”
“Am I still grounded?” she asks, tilting her head.
“Yeah, you’re still grounded,” I reply, keeping my tone even. “And I’m not sure you want to have this conversation here, Laney.”
She drops her gaze and nods quietly. “Okay.”
I don’t want to embarrass her in front of everyone, but if she pushes me, I’m not above laying it out. She knows exactly why she’s still grounded.
Ash jumps in before things get tense again. “Tell us about the date! What did you guys talk about?” she asks brightly.
Laney perks up, smiling. “Everything. Family, friends, his job. We spent the whole night talking. We just… clicked.”
“That’s awesome,” Ash says, her grin matching Laney’s.
Laney nods enthusiastically. “He works out of Hope Creek PD. He said he knows Nash.” She hesitates for a second, chewing her lip. “Would you mind asking Nash about him? Just to make sure he’s not some total weirdo?”
Ash laughs. “Yeah, of course. I’ll check in with him.”
"Thanks," Laney replies, a wave of relief crossing her face.
“I’m sure he’s not a weirdo,” Ivy chimes in with a smile, “but it never hurts to be sure. I’m glad it went well.”
Laney smiles back. “Thanks, Ivy. And thank you again for helping me get ready earlier.”
Ivy waves her off. “Anytime! Just let me know if you need a hand for date number two.”
