Page 27 of Whiskey & Honey
“Hey, girl, Ben offered to drive. I agreed as long as I have control over the radio. Who knows what kind of crap music he discovered during his city years. Probably something awful.”
I shake my head at her assessment. I’ve been in this truck and can confirm that Ben’s music preferences are no different than hers or mine.
“Ashton, how much coffee have you had this morning? You’re awfully chipper.”
“Uh, I don’t know. Enough. I’m just excited. Three days of laying in the sun, drinking with my friends, and not a care in the world. You know this is my favorite weekend of the year. Plus, my big brother is here this year. Finally, someone to deal with Jameson and his dramatics. And, hopefully keep Tony from bugging you again.”
“Ugh, do not say his name. He’s like some evil spirit and if you say his name too many times, he’ll appear. And I, for one, don’t want to deal with him.”
“Good point. He isn’t stupid enough to show up at the lake this year. I mean, we all know he’s an idiot but surely he has enough sense to avoid any more scenes.”
I wish I could agree with her but if there’s one thing Tony likes, it is being the center of attention. Plus, he’s not on bad terms with the guys. Except Ben, that is.
“I’m looking forward to the lack of cell service and his inability to keep texting and calling me. I swear, Ash, if you thought that dance the other night was going to somehow keep him from me then you were mistaken. All that did was make him more determined.”
I catch Ben’s eye in the rearview mirror and offer him a shrug, telling him that it’s out of anyone’s control at this point. His response is a shake of his head followed by a sigh of frustration.
“Piper, I told you if he kept bothering you to tell me. Maybe he needs to be confronted. Your niceties don’t seem to be working.”
“Ben, I appreciate it but really he’s harmless. I think it’s less about me and more about the fact that I broke up with him. Other than tears of humiliation I haven’t even cried over it. Obviously he isn’t the love of my life or anything. Plus, since he thinks you are interested in me he’s just going to be like he was in high school and try to win. This time, instead of the role of starting pitcher, I just happen to be the trophy.”
Ashton laughs until she’s bent over smacking her leg like it’s some sort of tambourine. Ben looks at her and I look at him, both of us confused at what she’s laughing at.
“What’s so funny?”
“You. Ben being interested, that’s gross. Tony’s an idiot. You’re like a little sister to him. Now, everyone hush, you’re killing the coffee buzz I have going.”
I shake my head at her comment and cuddle into my pillow; car rides always are a one-way ticket to a nap. Before I doze off I offer up a silent request to the man upstairs. Please make this weekend drama free and encourage Ben to leave the flirtations at home. Amen.