“Why do you think that?”
I sigh and down my flute of champagne. “I think I slept with him and I don’t remember, and if I did, I might have been a total bitch to him the next morning.”
“Oh, Elle.” Peyton leaves her side of the plane and comes over to me, pulling me into her arms. I need this. I need to feel loved and worthy of someone else’s affection, whether it’s my sister or not. “We’ll fix this,” she whispers into my shoulder. I want to believe her, I do, but I fear Ben is too far gone, and I don’t really blame him.
14
Ben
“As I said in the ad and as you can see, the apartment is fully furnished.” The woman who answered my sublet ad continues to look around. In her response, she stated she was looking for a short-term rental until her boyfriend returned from his deployment. What I’m offering is exactly what she needs.
“Are your neighbors quiet?” June asks. She reminds me a bit of Elle except with blonde hair. Although I have a feeling, everyone is going to remind me of Elle if I look hard enough.
“They are. I have no complaints.” There’s an older couple on one side, and Elle and Quinn on the other. If Quinn is serious about curbing Elle’s partying, everything should be nice and quiet in this part of the complex. “There are a few college kids living here, but for the most part, they’re very respectable. My friend sometimes has her friends over to use the pool, but no one around here really parties.”
“Okay, that’s good. I start my job on Monday as a nurse, so I’ll have odd hours.”
“You remember that I’ll be back in ten weeks, right?”
“Yes,” she says. “Randy, my boyfriend, will be back in about eight. I think I’ll stay here and transition slowly into moving in with him.”
“Perfect.” There’s an awkward silence that falls over us. June moves from room to room looking over everything she can, including the size of my closet. Thankfully, I cleaned before she came over. Otherwise she might find something unmentionable on the floor. I show her where to find sheets and towels, as well as how to use the washing machine even though it’s probably pretty standard. “So, what do you think?” June is really my only hope. I didn’t get as many inquiries as I thought I would, mostly because I didn’t post the ad on campus. I didn’t want Elle to see the ad and ask me what I’m doing. As it is, I’ve had a hard time ignoring her, but it’s all for the best. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
“I’ll take it.”
“Oh thank God,” I say, exhaling loudly. “Sorry, I was just worried—”
“No, no, I get it. Believe me, you’re helping me out too, so I think this will work perfectly. I have my stuff in the car, should I go get it?”
“Yeah, definitely. I’m just going to grab my things, and then the place is all yours.” I hand her my spare set of keys and watch her walk out of my… well, now her, place. Once the door shuts, I relax a bit. The only thing left on my to-do list is to get on the plane and actually go to New York. Most of my belongings have been packed for a few days, so now it’s a matter of actually leaving.
Pulling out my phone, I send a quick text to my brother, letting him know I’m ready to leave. Brad said he’d hang out in the area and wait for me to call. It was his idea for him to take me to the airport. I think he volunteered because he’s afraid I won’t get on the plane. He’s right because right now I’m second-guessing my decision. I know it’s the right one to make, but making it is a whole other step.
June returns with an armful of her belongings. I realize I should be helping and immediately go to her and offer my assistance. “Here, let me help.”
“I got this load.”
“Is there more in your car?” Of course, there is, Ben! What a stupid question.
“Yes, it’s the blue Beemer. Here are my keys.” June slightly turns to the side. Her keys are dangling from her backside. I grab them quickly and rush out the door and down the stairs. Every few seconds, I look over my shoulder for Elle or Quinn, hoping I don’t run into either of them. I’ve thought about telling Quinn, but I know he’ll tell Elle and right now I can’t deal with her reaction. It’s best I leave and do my thing, consequences be damned.
Although, there shouldn’t be any consequences. Elle should be happy for me. A true friend would encourage and congratulate someone in my position, and the fact that I think otherwise of Elle, proves we need a break from each other.
June’s car is easy to find. I pile as much as I can into my arms and head back upstairs. Inside, she has the curtains open, music playing and she’s already making herself feel at home.
“Thank you, Ben. I promise to take care of your place while you’re gone.” June relieves my arms of her belongings, tossing them onto the couch.
“You’re welcome. You have my number in case anything goes wrong, but it shouldn’t. The management company has your information so there shouldn’t be any problems there either.”
“Perfect. Enjoy your trip.”
I feel like I’ve just been kicked out of my apartment. I suppose in a sense I have. I nod, gather my stuff and walk out the door. I glance quickly at Elle’s door, wondering if she’s even home. As tempting as it is to knock, I don’t.
My brother’s waiting in the parking lot when I finally make it down the stairs and out of the complex. For whatever reason, it took me longer than normal. Maybe it’s because I’m still hesitant about my decision or maybe it’s because deep down, I want to say goodbye to Elle, to share my news, and know she’s happy for me.
“Get in the car.” Brad leans over the passenger seat and yells through the window. I do as he says, and no sooner do I shut the door, he’s peeling out of the parking lot like he’s being chased.
“Slow down.”