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I barely get one leg out of the car before she barrels over me. Despite plenty of rest stops, she’s ready to do a few sprints after being pent up.
“You must be Ben.” I offer my hand.
“Nice to finally meet you, Libby. How was your drive?”
I huff, grabbing my small bag from the back of the car. Thankfully, my life is still without a creepy banjo soundtrack, but there were a couple of close calls. “I’d rather not think about it ever again.”
When I slam the door, I catch my reflection in the window. I’m a mess, with my hair half falling out of my ponytail. It seems fitting for my first big move, and to be honest, I expected much worse.
“I’ll walk you up to Riker’s apartment and leave you to recuperate.” Ben holds out a set of keys on his index finger for me, waving it so they clink together.
Riker won’t be back until morning, but I wanted to be here early and get a few things unpacked before then. Fortunately, his friends were happy to help handle a few of the details.
Ben leads me up to the second floor and to the corner apartment. I take a deep breath before unlocking the door, but the minute it’s open, Spiegel dashes in and goes to work inspecting the space.
“Thank you for meeting me.” I notice the tall stack of boxes near the front door. “And the movers.”
“Gretchen actually came for that. She also left you a list of numbers on the counter and information for the best places to get tacos and coffee.”
“Well, I hope Riker hasn’t told you all of my secrets.” I rub my palms against my thighs as I take in the space we’ll be sharing for the immediate future. Well, Spiegel and I mostly. The kitchen is separated from the living room by a breakfast bar, and with only a few essential furnishings, there’s plenty of space for Spiegel to run around.
“Only the good stuff,” Ben says with a chuckle that leads me to believe that isn’t fully true. “I think you’ll fit in fine. Just try not to get lost driving around.”
I scratch the back of my neck. “Yeah, only the good stuff.”
I guess it’s only fair since Riker had to deal with Trent and everyone back home.Home. This will be the first time I’m calling anywhere but Ashville home. But considering I could technically work anywhere, and I definitely wasn’t asking Riker to move even farther away from Kenzie, this is the best option.
“Call if you need anything before Riker gets back.”
“Thank you, but I’m sure I can manage for twelve hours.”
Ben chuckles, covering his mouth with his fist.
I sigh, slumping back against the chair. “I don’t want to hear it. I managed two whole days on Jekyll Island before Riker got there, and I only took one table to the shin.”
Probably should have left that last part out, as if Riker wouldn’t have told him already.
“Have a good evening,” Ben says, tipping his head.
With him gone, I collapse over the arm of the couch, thankful to finally relax. Even with the daunting tower of boxes taunting me from the corner.
* * *
After taking Spiegel for a brisk walk, I managed to sort through two boxes before stretching out on the couch. I must have dozed off then, because the next thing I know, Spiegel is using me as a springboard as she dashes toward the door, barking.
Crap. Apartments.
“Spiegel, hush.” I stumble after her, tripping over the blanket which had, at some point, engulfed my feet.
“It’s okay,” I say when she whimpers again. Through the peephole I see two blonde-haired women outside, each holding large grocery bags. I open the door a crack so Spiegel doesn’t make a mad dash for the hallway. “Were you sent to check on me?”
Spiegel squeezes her snout through the door, sniffing the air and attracting her usual round ofawws.
“Not exactly,” one of them says. “We figured you’d be busy getting settled, so we brought a few things to welcome you to town.”
She lifts a bottle of whiskey from the bag on her arm.
“One of you must be Gretchen.” I grab Spiegel’s collar before opening the door and inviting them in to see the mess I’ve created.
