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Grinning, I take another bite, following it up with a drink of beer to wash it down. “So, tell me Ben, what’s going on with you? Anything new?”
He swallows. “Not too much. Gym is going great. I’m thinking about opening a second location in Midtown or somewhere... But the rent is insane, and I’m not sure I could afford it.”
“Have you considered franchising?”
“I don’t think I’m there yet, but maybe someday.”
“Open a location in Michigan. Wren would love that.”
His face lights up at the mention of her name, but it quickly dims. “It’s complicated.” He takes another huge bite of pizza, chewing vigorously. Okay, he doesn’t want to talk about it. I can relate to that feeling.
“Well, if you ever need an investor, let me know.”
His dark and well-manicured brow raises. “Serious?”
“Of course. You’re my friend.”
Ben nudges me with his shoulder, “Thanks, Birdie. That means a lot. I’ll think about that and let you know.”
We continue to eat pizza and catch up on mundane things. Family and movies we’ve watched, which for me isn't many. He tells me about some of his crazy clients and what it’s like living in New York City. He carefully avoids talking about Wren too much, even though I can tell he wants to talk about her at every turn. They are hopeless. I know they live in two different places, but they’d be able to figure it out if they really wanted to. Wren thinks Ben just needs time to sort his life out, but I think Ben is waiting for Wren to just tell him what she wants. Like I said, hopeless.
We’re on our last beer, and I feel buzzed. I also feel more relaxed than I have in a long time, and Ben makes me feel nostalgic and safe. Like I’m back at home with Mom. I have to stop tears from pricking my eyes.
Ben notices the shift in my energy. He’s always been one of my more sensitive guy friends. “You doing okay there, Birdie girl?”
There’s a lump in my throat so I take a sip of beer to push it down. “Yeah, I’m good,” I lie. “It’s been a tough go for a bit.”
“I didn’t know if you wanted to talk about it…”
I shrug. “There’s not really much to talk about. It sucks, and it’s scary as hell, but it’s not like the creep has actually done anything. It’s just mindless words and threats. Sadly, this kind of thing is normal for people like me.”
Ben places one of his hands on my shoulder. It’s warm and comforting, and now I feel like crying again. God, is my period coming or something? Ugh.
“I can’t imagine what it must be like to feel helpless like that. If you had more time here, I’d give you some self-defense lessons.”
I grin. “I’d love that. Next time I’m here I’ll hit you up.”
He smiles back. “Good! I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s one of my more popular classes here. A lot of women living in big cities feel safer with it.”
“Makes sense. I know a little bit, but I should probably know more given the circumstances. I hope it doesn’t come to that though, and I’m not sure if Wren told you but the label is making me get a bodyguard. My team is interviewing some men as we speak,” I play with the tab on my beer, annoyed at the thought again.
“A bodyguard?” His face scrunches up and I wonder what he’s thinking. “Have you had one before?”
I shake my head. “Never needed one. The label says if I don’t get one the tour is off, and no way am I doing that.”
“You know… I have a friend who does private security. He’s great. Super professional. I’d trust the man with my life, full stop.”
“Really?”
“100%! If your team hired him, I’d know for sure my Birdie girl is taken care of. I wouldn’t have to worry, and then Wren would stop freaking out, too.”
“He’s that good?”
“Like I said, I’d trust him with my life. He’s a good friend and strong too.”
“It sounds like you have a man crush on him,” I laugh.
He snorts. “I might, just a little.”
