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“I think that would be best for today.”
It’s going to take time to heal from this, but I’m determined to be okay. Even if I have to use La Mensa’s breadsticks as motivation to move forward.
17
BEN
The noise at La Mensa is much louder than a few days ago as I stand in the lobby, waiting for my take-out order. With the start of the weekend, everyone seems to have wanted to eat out rather than stay home.
I knew I didn’t want to sit at home with my parents tonight, so I thought I’d grab some dinner and see where the night takes me.
This has been an interesting week, to say the least. Sara has been acting as if nothing happened to her at all, which I can understand. Dwelling on something traumatic would probably lead to madness. I just hate how haunted her eyes look now. There’s a shadow in them that wasn’t there before. It makes the protector in me want to slay the dragon she’s fighting in her mind, even though I have no right to.
I may have saved her, but that doesn’t mean I’m anything more to her than a Good Samaritan, who was in the right place at the right time. Something in my chest constricts at the thought of being nothing to Sara. I don’t want to just be a guy who happened to help her one time. I’m not exactly sure what I want to be, but I know I want to be more.
That’s why I’m at La Mensa. Although, I’m not sure if this is the best choice for dinner.
Oh, god, this could seriously backfire.
What if she has a panic attack?
Running my hand through my hair, I contemplate canceling the order.
“Ben, your order is ready.” The hostess interrupts my thoughts, holding up the white takeout bag.
Well, too late now. I stand to pay for my food, then walk back out to my car. My gaze flicks toward the back of the parking lot, where I saw Sara being taken. My heart starts beating fast just at the reminder of what could’ve happened. I’m so glad I got to her in time.
Shaking off the residual anxiety, I get into my car to head to Sara’s house. Sadie peeks her head between the front seats to give me a sniff.
“I hope this works, Sades. What if she cries? Or punches me in the face for thinking this was a good idea?”Or both.
“I’m such an idiot. I shouldn’t have done this.”
Sadie’s nose presses into my neck, so I give her some pats on the head. Her comfort is exactly what I need to calm my nerves.
Pulling into Sara’s driveway, I take a deep breath. “Wish me luck, Sades. Hopefully, I’ll be back in a minute to get you.”
I get out of the car with the take-out bag in my hand and walk up the sidewalk to Sara’s front door. With a tap on the wood, barking ensues as well as Sara’s voice saying, “I don’t know any more than you do, so give me a minute.” I hope she’s talking to Koda and not someone else.
The door opens to the dogs surrounding Sara’s legs, which are completely bare. My gaze drags up her incredibly toned legs to find her in running shorts and a sports bra.
She has abs.
Holy hell.
Her shiny brown hair is up in a messy bun, and her cheeks are flushed like she just finished working out.
I clear my throat when she raises an eyebrow at me, a small smirk quirking up the corner of her mouth.
“I brought breadsticks,” I blurt out.Smooth… Real smooth.
I hold up the take-out bag in my hand to show her they’re from La Mensa. All the tension in Sara’s body drains, and she smiles a beautifully vulnerable smile.
I’ve never met someone so open with her emotions. With one glance, you know exactly what Sara is feeling based on her expression. Over the past month, she’s only ever looked at me with annoyance. Which, to be fair, is deserved.
“Breadsticks sound amazing.” She nods her head to invite me inside.
“Uh, before I come inside, I brought Sadie.”
