Page 64 of Resisting the Fall

“But the other route doesn’t require us to spend time together every day.” To share meals and experiences and force us to remember what it was like before. “Actually, it doesn’t require us to spend time together at all.”

“Is spending time with me that terrible?”

My shoulders dropped. “That’s not the point and you know it.”

“What is the point, then?”

“I just think it would be better if we went our separate ways.”

“Maven, we went six years without speaking. If what we get out of this is the ability to be in the same place at the same time without feeling like one of us needs to leave—or without making our families tiptoe around us—isn’t that worth it?”

Friends. That’s what Ben wanted. And here I was, losing all common sense when he stepped into my general vicinity. Which, honestly, shouldn’t surprise me. I was always more in love with Ben than he was with me. “I think we’ve already accomplished that.”

As if fate meant to prove me wrong, the back door opened, sending my gaze flying toward the kitchen.

“Bennett?” Tom’s heavy footsteps followed. “You here, son?”

I shook my head with dizzying force.

Ben sent me an apologetic glance. “In the living room,” he called. “Maven’s here too.”

The kitchen doors swung open and there stood Tom, his dark brown eyes locked on me. Then a smile lifted onto his lips. “Maven. What a pleasant surprise.”

I forced out a smile. “Hey, Tom.”

“Are the two of you hungry? I was about to whip up some lunch, and I’d be happy to make enough for all three of us.”

Ben’s gaze flicked to me. “Thanks, but we already shared one meal today. I don’t want to push my luck. Plus, I told Maven I’d drop her off at her mom’s after the meeting with Archer.”

“Thanks for the offer though,” I said.

Tom gave an understanding nod, his gaze settling on me again. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he drew in a slow inhale instead.

“I’ll be back in a bit to help with the straw maze,” Ben said, stepping next to his dad and placing a hand on his shoulder. “Mind if I leave Finn here? I’m guessing he’s soaking wet.”

“Of course.”

I followed Ben, giving Tom a smile as I passed. “Tell Ann I said hi.”

“Will do.” After a few more steps, Tom’s voice paused me again. “I don’t know how long you’re in town for, but stop by anytime. I know Ann would love to see you.”

Unwilling to agree to a visit, I gave a noncommittal nod.

Ben held the door open for me. “Ready?”

“Yeah.” With a parting wave to Tom, I quickly stepped onto the back porch before I changed my mind. I didn’t need one more reminder of what I had lost when Ben had decided his love was conditional.

We walked to the truck in silence, and I slid into the middle seat when he opened the door.

His gaze met mine. “I didn’t realize my dad would come home while you were there.”

“It’s fine. It’s not the first time I’ve seen him. I just…”

“I get it.” Ben started the truck, but his phone chimed before he started driving. He glanced at the screen. “Appointment Reminder,” he read. “Time for a wax?” His gaze slid to me.

“Don’t be embarrassed. I use my phone calendar the same way. It’s hard to remember those pesky little things otherwise.”

“What else did you do on here?” Ben asked, unsuccessfully attempting a password. Then another.