Page 141 of Tight Ends & Tiaras
SIENNA
“Thanksso much for letting me crash with you.” Magnolia was the first person I called when I decided not to come home because I knew Ben would need extra help with Lily.
Her house looks straight out of That ’70s Show. If it took place in a giant haunted Victorian. Between the shag rug on the floor and the bead door curtain, I have some serious questions about how she ended up here.
Maggie adjusts her glasses and smiles. “This house creeps me out at night, so really, you’re doing me a favor. Just watch the steps. They need some work.”
“I’ll help you with the rent or mortgage or whatever.”
“Thank God. I didn’t want to ask in case you were on your last leg, but I’m not gonna lie—I could use the help. Not for the mortgage, but I need to do a couple of repairs.”
I’m surprised Ben hasn’t told her about my family, but I guess I shouldn’t be. He’s not the kind of guy to go around blabbing gossip about people.
Maggie gives me a quick tour and warns me about the trouble spots where loose baseboards or water damage have taken out a few steps. Apparently, she inherited this place from a relative she didn’t even know well.
We settle in the living room with some hot chocolate, and I get out my textbooks, but no matter how many times I read the page in front of me, I can’t process a word.
“Maggie, can I ask you something?” When she nods, I give in to the urge that’s been eating away at me since I saw Ben last night. “Is Ben doing okay?” I’ve already peppered her with questions about Lily, but I wasn’t ready to talk about him yet.
Last night I felt overwhelmed and tongue-tied. He looked so beautiful after practice with his damp hair and t-shirt that clung to his wide chest. Seeing him talking to Cherry knocked the wind out of me. I’d had every intention of seeing if we could work things out, but hearing Johnny talk about Ben and Cherry scared me.
I bombarded Melvin when I found out that he’d spoken face-to-face with Ben, but he’s been tight-lipped about the whole thing. My dad has him doing security audits on all of his properties because Melvin’s in the doghouse for helping me without giving my father a heads-up.
Maggie gives me a sad smile. “Ben is his usual serious self. I can tell he misses you, though.”
I swallow and wish I could rewind the last few days. If there’s a bright spot, it’s that my dad relented on the security team. I just have to check in more with “his people.” I’m sure they’re probably tracking my new phone too, and I guess that’s fine. If I really want privacy, I’ll just leave my phone at home.
I’m going to use the next few weeks to regroup. To focus on classes. Teach yoga. Try to raise money for my after-school yoga program. To find my light, so to speak.
And pretend I’m not heartbroken over losing Ben.
The hardest part is that after I shared all of the reasons I didn’t think Ben and I would work, he didn’t argue. He didn’t fight me. He just accepted it. Or maybe, deep down, he agreed with me.
A man who loves you would fight harder, right?
I wish I had some fight left in me, but I’m wrung out. I’ve already experienced being the only one in a relationship, and I don’t want to have to persuade Ben we should be together.
“You miss him, huh?” Maggie asks as she pulls me into a hard hug.
“You’re stronger than you look,” I squeak against her shoulder.
She laughs and lets me go. “Have more hot chocolate. I find that makes everything better. Even broken hearts.”
I’ve only known Maggie since early August, but apparently she reads me like a book.
“Thanks.” I accept the refill and promise myself that I’ll stop moping around soon. “I miss him a lot.”
“I know. You guys will work things out.”
I’m not so sure. Worse? I’m not sure I’m what’s best for him. We come from really different backgrounds. His aunt and uncle hate me. His ex probably wants me dead.
“This breakup or whatever this is isn’t his fault. Not really. I’m just not sure where to go from here.”
Like I told Ben, I’m always the first girl to jump off the pier or skydive or learn ski tricks.
But I don’t feel brave anymore, and I’m not sure how to get that back.
