Page 122 of Tight Ends & Tiaras
SIENNA
I wishI could say that a few minutes in the bathroom helped me get some perspective, but the powder room off the kitchen has remarkably thin walls. Either that or everyone was talking loudly because I heard everything.
The one sentiment that really hit me was his aunt’s comment that Ben has a duty to his daughter. Ben’s family obviously wants him to get back with Janelle. That would explain his aunt’s attitude toward me.
They think I distract Ben. That I’m the reason he hasn’t been getting more minutes in games. That I’m why he fought with Cal.
I guess I did make things messy for Ben.
After I get Lily’s mouth rinsed and we rejoin the group in the dining room, I’m wondering how much an Uber back to Charming would cost. It’s obvious no one wants me here except Ben, but I return to the dining room, determined to support him.
I sit next to Ben, and Lily rests her head on my shoulder. After the day she’s had, I’m not surprised when she starts to doze off. I’m just glad she’s not puking anymore.
I keep waiting for Janelle to ask for her daughter or ask how she’s been, but she barely glances at her. It pains me that she’s so dismissive. It makes me more determined to love up on Lily.
Tío Julio folds his hands in front of him. “Ben, we just want you to hear what Janelle has to say for herself, that’s all.” He looks at me briefly and then back to his nephew. “Yes, your aunt and I are hoping that you and Janelle will work things out for the sake of your daughter.”
When Ben starts to argue, his uncle holds up his hand. “We’ll respect whatever your decision is. We only ask that you hear her out.”
Ben crosses his arms over his broad chest and stares at Janelle. “Go for it. Let’s hear whatever you have to say so we can get this circus over.”
Her eyes well with tears, and a part of me sympathizes. After that brief spat I had with Ben on the way here, I know how his cold words can cut.
The other part of me thinks she’s a manipulative bitch.
I breathe in Lily’s baby shampoo and think about how Janelle’s drama has only hurt her daughter.
Janelle grabs a tissue and dabs her eyes. “First, I want to apologize for the lies and for the way I left y’all at the lake. There was no excuse for my behavior.”
Her parents nod, and her mother grabs her hand in solidarity.
“Also, I want to tell you that once I got home, I went to see a doctor who says I’ve had postpartum depression. I was...” Her chin wobbles. “I had a miscarriage earlier this summer, so I think maybe I’ve been hormonal.”
Again, on one level, I feel bad for her. Of course I do. I’d never wish a miscarriage on anyone, but on the other hand, “being hormonal” doesn’t excuse her behavior. Assuming she was actually pregnant and that’s not just another lie.
Ben’s eyes soften. “Sorry to hear that. I’m sure that was tough.”
“I just...” She cries some more. “I just want you to know I came straight home after the lake. I knew I needed help, so I went to my parents, and they took me to see a doctor.”
I think about how she phrased those words.
Yeah, that’s bullshit. I know exactly where she went after the lake.
Only... I never told Ben what Melvin emailed me. Damn.
Things got so crazy with training camp. And then he had to move into the dorms. It never seemed like the right time to bring it up. And, if I’m being honest, I was afraid of where that conversation would lead or the questions he’d raise about Melvin.
I mull over whether to call out Janelle.
She starts to lay it on thick, crying about not seeing Lily, even though she hasn’t reached for her once since we got here. Lamenting how all she wanted was to be close to Ben again, even as friends. She goes on and on about how they grew up together, and he was the love of her life. That she didn’t mean to ruin things. That she was young and dumb, but she’s older now and wants to prove that she can be a good friend to him.
Her mom rubs her shoulders, and I sigh. Janelle has a good crying game, I’ll give her that. She somehow manages to wail while still looking beautiful.
I glance over at Ben, and my heart sinks. He looks awfully conflicted.
Screw it. If we’re going to get everything on the table...
“So you went straight home after the lake?” I ask Janelle.
