Page 83 of How We Loved

I walk back to the couch and curl up in the blanket.

We all sit in silence, watching the highlights of the football games this week, when Natalie gets up.

“Sorry, but I have to get going. My parents have accepted that I’m dating Dalton, but I still have a curfew. I told them what was going on, so they let me stay out later, but I’m sure they’re wanting me home by now.”

I pull out my phone to see it’s well past midnight. I didn’t even realize it was that late. I need to call my dad.

Before I can bring up his name, Ben speaks up. “Your dad knows you’re with me.”

I turn toward him, but he still won’t look my way. “What did you tell him?” I ask, frightened.

I’m not sure if or when I want to tell my dad what happened.

“I told him you left your phone at Trevor’s, and we were heading back to get it.”

I rub my lips together, thankful he contacted my dad so I don’t have to. If my dad knows I’m with Ben, then he’s not expecting me to even come home, which makes me feel a little better. The last thing I want to do is be alone in my bed and in my thoughts tonight.

I stand up to give Natalie a hug. “Thank you for everything tonight.”

She hugs me back. “You know we’ll always be there for you.”

Dalton walks her to the door with his keys in his hand when Eli hops up.

“I’m heading out too. I’ll give Natalie a ride home.”

To my surprise, Eli walks to me and wraps his arms around me, engulfing my tiny frame in his massive body.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” he whispers in my ear.

I hug him. “Thank you, Eli.”

He pulls back, nods his head to Ben, then walks out the door, tapping Dalton’s arm on the way out as his goodbye.

Natalie and Dalton say their goodbyes, and then she walks out after Eli.

I turn back to Ben to see him standing awkwardly.

After a few breaths, he states, “I’m out of here too. Eli put your stuff there. Your car is right out front.”

“Wait,” I yelp.

He stares at me, his eyes wavering, waiting for me to say something, but not saying a word himself.

I wrap my arms around myself in a hug, feeling scared to be alone. “Don’t go.”

“You guys can stay here and take my bed. I don’t mind sleeping on the couch,” Dalton says.

I watch as Ben’s jaw tics and his frame tightens. It’s not often Ben gets mad, but he obviously doesn’t like Dalton’s suggestion.

“It’s okay,” I state, trying to act like I didn’t notice. “I’m fine, sleeping here on the couch.”

Ben stands there in silence, then says, “Yeah, no problem. I’ll sleep on the recliner.”

“I’ll get you a blanket.” Dalton leaves as Ben heads to the recliner.

I curl back up on the couch and lay my head down on the side that’s closest to Ben. He kicks his feet up, then reaches for the blanket Dalton tosses his way.

“If you guys need anything, just let me know,” Dalton says with a wave of his hand.

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