Page 64 of Pretty Broken Promises

“I can keep my distance for a while,” I offer.

He shakes his head. “That’s not what I want. Yeah, it hurts, but being away from you hurts worse.”

“I’m just afraid that if we spend too much time together we’re going to fall into old patterns,” I say.

Benji gives me a sad smile and tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear. “Would that really be so bad?”

I take a step back, just out of his reach. “For me it would be. I don’t want to lose our friendship, but I can’t lean on you like I used to. The lines got too blurred between us before, especially because I was so badly broken. I should never have let things get as far as an engagement. But especially now, there needs to be more defined boundaries between us. Ford is being extremely understanding of our friendship, I think the respectful thing is to make sure to recognize that there’s a distinction between what our relationship is and what he and I have.”

“And, what would that be?” Benji pushes.

“He’s my person. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but he’s the one I need to turn to when I need someone,” I start to explain.

Benji rolls his eyes. “From what you, Tracy, and Lydia have told me about him I find it really hard to believe that he’s the type you can depend on. Are you really trying to plan a future with him?”

“Why shouldn’t she?” Ford’s deep voice rolls over me. His arm drops around my shoulders and he pulls me against his side.

“Just the fact that you’ve let her down over and over again. I’ve been picking up your mess for most of the last year, then you swoop back in, make a bunch of empty promises, and she falls for it like she always does.”

Ford’s arm tightens around my shoulders, but otherwise, he doesn’t move. I know it’s taking enormous self-restraint not to respond. He ignores Benji and instead focuses on me. “Let’s get out of here before Coach Hard-Ass finds some other rich asshole he wants to shove in front of me.”

We walk with a purpose until we exit the building. Once we’re outside my stomach grumbles loudly reminding both of us that this dinner was very notably missing the dinner portion of the evening.

Ford stops underneath a lamppost. His eyes slowly scan me up and down. “You look really beautiful tonight. How about we take advantage of our freedom and I take you on a date.”

“I’d like that.”

It’s a good thing we took advantage of the moment because the next few weeks prove challenging for us to spend any time together.

* * *

Carol leansacross the counter of her cafe in front of me. “Do you live here now?”

I roll my eyes and continue wiping down the counter. “I’m just picking up extra shifts before school starts. The other girls wanted some time off.”

“Don’t you want to spend some time with that hunky boyfriend of yours? I know you just started back to work, but that doesn’t mean you have to make up for lost time,” she argues with me.

“Football training camp is in full swing. He’s gone before I get up, and by the time he gets home, he’s practically dead on his feet. So, I’m keeping myself occupied. It doesn’t sound like it will be much better once the season starts either,” I tell her.

“Ah, that makes sense then. You know I’m here for you. Whatever you need, dollface. I’ve got your back,” Carol reassures me.

“Thanks, Carol. I think I’d go a bit nuts if I didn’t have something to keep me busy.”

The bell over the door jingles and I get ready to serve the next customer. Then I see Tracy walk in the door.

“I haven’t seen much of you since you’ve come back. Are you avoiding me?” Tracy always did cut straight to the chase.

“God,” I sigh. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been a shitty friend. I’m not avoidingyou. Benji and I had a weird run-in at some athletic department event, and he and Ford almost got into it. I just haven’t felt comfortable going over to his apartment.”

“That used to be your apartment too,” she reminds me.

“I know, but my home is with Ford, and I can’t let Benji jeopardize that.”

“So you’re going to choose the guy who has hurt you over one of your best friends?” she asks.

“I love him. He’s my one,” I tell her.

“Well, Lydia and I miss you.”

---