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“I didn’t tell him who I am.”
“Oh. Well. That’s interesting.”
Interesting.Bennett had used the same word to describe my questions. I shifted uncomfortably in the leather seat of the car, but the discomfort was really internal and had nothing to do with the luxury vehicle I was riding in. “I didn’t want a repeat of what happened last night.”
“Understandable.” Jude was quiet for a moment on the line, waiting me out.
I hesitated a beat before doing what I always did—asking for Jude’s opinion. I trusted him implicitly, and I was sure he’d steer me in the right direction. “What do you advise?”
He seemed to weigh his words as he spoke. “I think you should tread carefully. Maybe keep some things close to your vest.”
Disappointment settled on my shoulders like a lead blanket. “Yes. You’re probably right. I’ll throw out his number.”
“That’snotwhat I said. I definitely think you should go for it. Call him. See where things go. Just… keep being careful with what you tell him.”
The car pulled into the driveway and Frank put it in park, waiting silently for me to finish my call.
“Maybe you’re right.” What I really meant was,maybe if I don’t tell someone who I really am, I have a shot at happiness for once in my life.It was a bleak thought, and my stomach felt like it turned to stone.
“I’m always right. Now, get some sleep. And don’t forget, you have seats at the Guardians game tomorrow.”
A seed planted itself in my mind and I smiled to myself. Just then, my phone beeped, and I glanced at the screen. A text had come in. “Of course. Thank you.”
The call ended, and I climbed out of the car, saying goodnight to Frank and assuring him I didn’t need a ride to the game the next day. I could certainly drive myself. Once I was inside the house, I turned off some lights I’d left on—I never left the house dark while I was gone, because coming home to a completely dark and empty house felt too bleak even for me. I took a seat on the couch facing my wall of windows and looked out at the Grandlin River as it meandered by.
Loneliness settled deep in my bones once again. I’d bought my place when I was young and dumb, when I thought that nobody would care that I had more money than I knew what to do with, when I’d taken over the family business after my mom hadpassed. I’d thought I would soon fill the house with a partner and pets and maybe, one day, kids. Instead, I’d lived there for twenty years, since I was twenty-five, and had yet to make any progress on any of those. I had a few houseplants, though.
My phone vibrated with a reminder that I had a text I hadn’t read, and I glanced down and opened it with a sigh. It was from Cary, the guy from the night before, and I fought the irritation—no, the anger—that bubbled up inside me.
Cary:Thanks for letting me stay in the hotel room. I had a great time last night. Sorry you weren’t able to stick around.
I frowned and shook my head. What was he talking about?
Dex: I trust you left the room in good condition?
Cary: Don’t worry, I did. I’m sorry about the misunderstanding we had. I hope we can get together again soon.
A growl escaped my throat. With gritted teeth, I tapped out a final response.
Dex: There was no misunderstanding. Don’t contact me again.
Before he responded, I tapped the screen and blocked his number. It didn’t make me feel any better. I seriously considered getting up and grabbing a drink, maybe a finger of whiskey, to help me sleep. I didn’t really need another drink, though. I’d had a few at the banquet and I didn’t especially want another.
I went to my room and changed into pajama pants and a soft t-shirt before climbing into bed and sinking my head onto a pillow. I scrolled my phone mindlessly, checking a few emails and responding, doing anything to resist the urge to call Bennett too soon.
All at once, it hit me I didn’t need to call Bennett. I could text him. I didn’t know why I hadn’t thought of it right away. But…wasit too soon? Even for a text? I worried my bottom lip withmy teeth for a few seconds before I threw caution to the wind and went for it.
Dex: Had a great time getting to know you tonight. This is Dex, by the way.
I held my breath waiting for a response. When there was nothing after a minute, I put my phone down and closed my eyes. The second I did, my phone vibrated, and I snatched it back up.
Bennett: Me too. This is Bennett, by the way.
His response brought a smile to my face as I debated what to say next.Go for it. Just ask him already.
Dex: Do you like baseball in addition to kickball, or are you strictly a one-sport guy?
Bennett: Baseball’s cool. It’s kickball’s grandfather, after all.
