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The guys chuckled as if sharing a secret, and my fingers curled into fists. Even though he hadn’t even said anything offensive, being around Ben never failed to set me off.
“We can squeeze you in tomorrow,” Ryan said from behind the counter, where he was looking at a pad of paper, probably the schedule.
Ben pulled a phone from his pocket. “That works. I’ll let you get back to your party.”
“Are you in town to visit your family?” Though he’d mentioned a move, I hoped he meant a temporary one.
Ben lifted his gaze. “I’m opening a store in town.”
My heart began beating so loudly that I could barely hear his next words.
“Bean Rush.”
I owned the only coffee shop in town. Which meant my childhood nemesis just became my competition. He’d been the perfect motivator to get good grades in school, but I didn’t want that same dynamic now.
“Why?” I finally bit out. Why was he ruining my dream? In high school, it seemed like he was always two steps ahead, taunting me. I could never measure up when all I wanted to do was beat him. My stomach rolled and dipped like I was on a roller coaster instead of standing on even ground.
Ben shrugged like he didn’t have a care in the world. “I wanted to open a business, and this seemed as good a place as any.”
“I own Java Coffee. We don’t need two coffee shops in town.” I crossed my arms over my chest, positive he knew this information and didn’t care. It was just like him to be cocky, to think he’d make it when no one else did.
He smirked. “It’ll be just like old times, then.”
My cheeks heated. I could feel my friends watching us, wondering how we knew each other and what the deal was. “So, you’re back, like, permanently?”
It came out sounding bitchier than I intended. I couldn’t let him get to me. If he saw a weakness, he’d hone in on it and take advantage any way he could. It was his superpower.
“Looks that way.” Ben’s attention returned to his phone as he moved away.
The fact that he could dismiss me so easily was even more infuriating. Nothing had changed. He was still the same cocky guy he was in high school. He didn’t think he had anything to worry about, but I’d show him he was wrong. I wouldn’t go down without a fight.
Hailey guided me to the hallway out of view of our friends. “Are you okay?”
Her voice was filled with concern.
“I’m sorry. I just wasn’t expecting that.” I gestured toward the garage. What I hadn’t expected washim.
“It will be okay.” What I hadn’t told my friends was that I’d always liked Ben. I was attracted to his sharp wit and intelligence. Though, I’d never admit it to him. Our relationship didn’t allow for weaknesses.
Ben was just the start of the boys, and later, men, who were intimidated by my intelligence and success. I’d thought my ex-husband was different. He was sweet and supportive until he got what he wanted, and it wasn’t me. When he said he wanted a divorce, it was a surprise. Ever since then, I’d surrounded myself with a tough outer shell that no one could penetrate.
I let the shock of seeing Ben walk back into my life wash over me. I wouldn’t let him best me again. The logical part of me recognized it would be better not to let him get to me, but I wasn’t strong enough for that today. Tomorrow I’d do better.
“You got this.”
I’d focus on my business and on drawing customers away from him.
“He doesn’t matter.” My mind was still running through the reel of our childhood, one confrontation after another.
Hailey’s brows furrowed.
I scrambled to make up for the revealing comment. “I mean—I won’t let his business ruin mine.”
“That’s my girl,” Hailey assured me as she hugged me. “It’s going to be okay.”
Except I wasn’t sure that it was. Just like the first time Ben moved to town, nothing would be the same. I just had no way of knowing what the impact would be.
On Sunday night, I ate dinner with my family. It was hard for us to find time since my sister, Abby, and I both owned businesses, but every few months, we made it a priority.
