She let out a deep breath. “The truth is, I think you’re both lying to yourselves and each other because you’re scared of getting hurt. You tell yourself that everything he did was all because he was your dating coach. And he—” She shook her head with a little laugh. “He’s probably telling himself the same thing about you.”
I blinked a few times, letting her words sink in. “Do you really believe that?”
“Yes! The man worships the ground you walk on. He adores your son. He would do anything for the two of you.”
“Because I’m his best friend’s sister.”
“No.” Her voice rose. “Because you’re the woman he loves.”
“But…”
“If you’re going to tell me—again—that he’s your brother’s best friend, save your breath.”
“I appreciate your advice, but I’m going with Arlo.”
She held up her hands. “Sure. Fine. See how it goes. You might have more fun than you think.”
I nodded, hoping she was right. Even though I knew she was only saying it to placate me. By that point, we were so exasperated with each other, it was best just to focus on work.
The rest of the afternoon passed by in a blur of shoots and edits, and I was thankful for the distraction. When the end of the day rolled around, I wanted to crawl into bed and hide under the covers, but I couldn’t. Instead, I went home to pack and tried to force myself to feel excited.
I should be excited. I was going away for a romantic weekend with a guy I actually liked. A guy that—were it not for Bennett—I would definitely see a future with. But with every item I placed in my suitcase, my growing sense of dread was magnified.
My phone chimed with a new message, and I opened the LoveBirds app, assuming it was from Arlo. He’d been messaging me on and off all day, and I knew he was excited. I hoped I sounded more enthusiastic than I felt.
There was a new message from Arlo, but there was also one from Ben. I stared at the screen in disbelief. I hadn’t heard from Ben in over a week. Though I knew he’d been away for work again.
Ben: Hey, Wren! I’ve missed chatting.
I debated whether to even respond, but I didn’t want to be rude. We were friends, if nothing else.
Me: Good to hear from you. How was your trip?
Ben: Pretty good.
Ben: Would you want to meet up soon?
I blinked a few times. He wanted to meet now? Now that I’d decided to move forward with Arlo. Was this the universe’s idea of a joke?
Me: I’d love to, but I have to be completely honest. I’m kind of seeing someone.
Ben: Is it serious?
I frowned. That wasn’t the response I’d expected.
Me: We’re going away together for the weekend.
I’d let him read into that what he wanted.
When he didn’t respond, I scoffed and tossed my phone on the bed.Figures.
Ben: I thought we had something here. A connection.
I considered holding back, but I was over it. Over letting men yank me around.
Me: So did I, but you never seemed to want to meet up.
Ben: My job has kept me busy, but I’d love to see you when you get back.
