Page 132 of Last First Date

I took a deep breath. “Waverly, Benjamin and I have a history, but it’s not what you think. He used to bully me in school, always trying to embarrass me. We’ve never been friends. I can’t stand the guy. He’s an asshole. He’s always been an asshole.”

Her eyes widened, and for the first time, I felt like she believed me. “Wait, what?”

“He’s not my friend. Period. Never has been.”

“But the bet?”

I interrupted her, eager to set the record straight. “There was never a bet. The only reason I ran this event was because I punched Benjamin in the face when he said something rude about you. I hit him and he said he would go to the police and press assault charges unless I did the party for him and attended as one of his guests. He wanted to use my name and my clout to make him look good.”

Waverly’s eyes searched mine. “You punched him for me?”

I nodded. “Yes, Waverly. I may not have shown it well, but I’ve never been on Benjamin’s side. He’s a bully, and I wanted to stand up against him, especially when it came to you. I pulled you off his party because after what I heard him say, I didn’t want you anywhere near him. I took over because I can handle him. I didn’t want you subjected to his nastiness. I had no idea he was still doing it through text. I’m so sorry.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked.

“I knew you were mad. I didn’t blame you. I planned on talking to you that night, but I got the call about my grandfather shortly after you left. I had to deal with that. I left town and was gone a few days. I knew it was going to be difficult to get the truth out, and honestly, I didn’t have the energy. Plus, I was still stuck doing his stupid party. I knew you weren’t going to believe me since I was sticking with his event, but I couldn’t quit or fire him. I always planned on telling you, but it had to wait.”

She nodded. “You really punched him?” she asked, a hint of amusement replacing the confusion.

I chuckled, recalling the satisfying moment. “Right in the face. It felt good, though. He deserved it. I wished I would have gotten in a few more blows.”

“Violence is never the answer.” She grinned.

“With Benjamin, it’s the only answer. He’s been the way he is since high school. I hated him back then. When he reached out and asked me to do the party, I’m not going to lie, I didn’t want the business. I certainly didn’t want him to have a successful grand opening.”

Realization dawned on her face. “You gave me his event because you thought I would screw it up.”

I dropped my head, ashamed of my actions. “Yes.” I knew that wasn’t going to win me any points with her. I probably just wiped out any positive feelings I had gained.

“I see,” she said.

I looked her in the eyes. “I’m sorry. I had no idea you knew how to plan. You killed it. You were really good. I didn’t want Bejamin to benefit from your skills or your presence. I guess I was jealous. I didn’t want him looking at you. I wanted to keep you all for myself.”

Waverly grinned, a genuine warmth softening her features. “I can’t believe I got it all wrong. I thought you were just another jerk like him.”

“I understand the confusion,” I admitted, my tone sincere. “But I’m nothing like Benjamin. I never wanted to play games with you or hurt you. I wanted to protect you from someone like him. That wasn’t my place either. You’re an adult and you can make your own decisions. You’re not the fragile little flower I thought.”

She smiled. “I guess I owe you an apology. I had you all wrong.”

“No need for apologies,” I reassured her. “We both had our misconceptions. The important thing is that we understand each other now. I am not going to claim to be a hero or even a good man, but I will never intentionally hurt you.”

Waverly extended a hand, a gesture of reconciliation. “Truce?”

I accepted her hand, a smile forming on my lips. “Truce. Let’s focus on exposing Benjamin for who he really is.”

She nodded in agreement, a sense of determination in her eyes. “Agreed. Together, we can make sure he faces the consequences of his actions.”

“I think you’ve already set the ball rolling on that one.”

As we continued our conversation, Waverly and I walked toward the exit, the weight of the evening’s revelations still heavy in the air. I knew there was much more to discuss and clarify.

“I know I messed up, Waverly,” I admitted, keeping pace with her. “I should have been more transparent about everything. It wasn’t fair to you.”

She glanced at me, a mixture of skepticism and curiosity in her eyes. “Why should I believe you now?”

I took a deep breath, realizing that actions spoke louder than words. “I’m not expecting you to trust me immediately. But I’m serious about making things right. Benjamin needs to be held accountable, and I want to ensure you’re not caught in the crossfire.”

Waverly remained silent for a moment before sighing. “Look, I appreciate you telling me the truth now, but it doesn’t erase everything that happened.”