Page 72 of Whiskey & Honey
The drive back to my parents’ house is depressing. Each mile that clicks away on the odometer is a reminder of how I’d rather be heading to Piper and her bed. I should’ve just stayed at the house tonight, but Laurel texted me that she’s going to get in after midnight and I want to be there when she does. Plus, I need to run a little interference with Ashton before Laurel gets there. Ash has never really been a fan of Laurel’s and I need to get her up to speed before she says something snarky.
I have a little time before Ashton should get home from work so I opt for a shower and a snack. After rummaging the fridge, I put together a mish-mash of a meal and am only about halfway through it when the kitchen door opens and Ashton walks in.
“Well, hello there, stranger. Finally come up for air?”
“Hey, sis.” My response is not nearly as antagonistic as hers.
“Whoa, what’s going on? Someone die? Are the parentals okay?”
Pushing my plate away, I take a drink of my milk before answering. “Yeah, they’re fine. It’s just been a shit of a day.”
“Problems with your lady love?”
I’m taken aback by her comment. She couldn’t possibly know about Piper and me. “Lady love?”
“Come on, you haven’t slept here in weeks and if you’ve been at your house then you’d be in traction from sleeping on the floor. One can only assume there’s a lady love in the scenario,” she replies, sitting down as she takes my fork and starts eating the rest of my food.
“Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about something.” I’m going to just skirt on by her comments about a lady love.
“Sure, what’s going on? You’re being weird, even for you.”
I tell her about Laurel and how I invited her for the week. I expected a smart-ass comment from Ashton about Laurel, but I was wrong.
“Oh my goodness. Ben, that’s awful. Is she okay? Of course she should stay here. Did she call the police and stuff?”
“Yeah, she did. I think she just needs a change of scenery and regroup. I figured this was a safe place for her. I felt really bad, Ash. Can I tell you something?”
She nods as she slides the plate away, the topic obviously effecting her appetite.
“I feel responsible.”
“What? No way, Ben. You cannot assume the responsibility of this.”
“Logically I know it’s not my fault, but I can’t help but wonder if I hadn’t moved back home if this would have happened.”
“Of course it wouldn’t have happened.” I’m stunned by her response, and before I can respond she continues, “You never would have broken up and therefore there would have been no asshole rebound guy. But, Ben, you weren’t happy and since you’ve been home … well, you’ve been different. I kind of like you now. You’re not all stuffy and boring.”
I laugh a little at that last comment. I was completely boring the last few years. I blame the ties I wore every day. Of course I know I’m not responsible for Laurel’s current situation, but the reality of it all is that I ended things between us and she dated this guy. I wish I could call and talk to Piper.
Screw it. I pick up my phone while Ashton is lecturing me and send a text to Piper.
Me: Sorry it’s late. I need to talk to you. Are you up?
After ten minutes, Ashton has wrapped up her lecture on how Laurel’s life choices are not my responsibility and that she’ll spend the next few days with her to help keep her busy. There’s been no response from Piper. I realize how late it is and that she’s probably asleep.
Suddenly the weight of the day hits me like a ton of bricks. While I wait for Laurel to arrive, I make up the couch as my temporary bed. A quick check of the time confirms that tomorrow is going to be a long day.
Laurel looks slightly overwhelmed with the attention my mom and Ashton are giving her this morning. The entire time we were together I would have sworn neither of them liked her or wanted her in this house. Now, I think they’d prefer I leave and she stay. Which I’ll have to do at some point because they are planning a movie marathon. I heard something about avoiding all romances or movies with happy endings so I assume it’s going to be Ashton’s preferred collection of Dolly Parton movies. While they do have happy endings, they also are campy with a lot of singing.
I manage to steal Laurel away from them for a check-in. Grabbing our jackets, we make our way outside and each settle in one of my mom’s deck chairs. Happily enjoying the quiet, I realize this is something that Laurel and I have always done. We’ve always been able to just be in each other’s company and enjoy a comfortable silence. After a few minutes I can feel a shift in the mood.
“Thank you for inviting me here, Ben. Your mom and sister have been great. I could’ve sworn they hated me all these years.”
I turn my head to look at her and she mimics the movement. “Honestly?” I ask and she nods. “So did I.” We both laugh. “My family is kind, Laurel. Let my sister and mom hover and care for you.” She offers no response so I continue, “How are you doing otherwise?”
“I’m okay.” I notice that she absently tugs on the sleeves of her coat and rubs her forearms. I flinch as the thought of that asshole laying his hands on her. My own hands morph into fists in an instant. My desire to find this prick and pulverize him is high.
“I hate this for you. What do the police say?”