Page 23 of Just Enough

“Nah, it’s my job but come over and see her when she’s off. I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you.”

With that, we said goodbye, and he closed the door.

_______

With a text from Emily that read:Benjamin,I thought to look outside. I spotted her in a bright pink hoody standing in our yard. She grinned when she saw me. “Benjamin!” she yelled-whispered dramatically while she waved. It was the cutest thing ever.

The air was warm that night, so I didn’t bother putting on a shirt. I did slip on some flip-flops on the porch and stepped off to meet her. “You just get off?” I asked her.

She nodded. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?”

“Surprise?” I grinned sheepishly.

She rolled her eyes. “You’re the worst.”

“Wanna tell me why your dad’s driving you to work and picking you up?”

She smiled, and it was so damn bright and cheery. “For him to have a reason to stay sober!”

“How has he been doing?”

“Good, surprisingly. He’s miserable though and feels bad all the time. I hope his body starts adjusting soon.”

“That’s amazing.”

Her cheerfulness eased my own worries of her dad. If she had that much faith, then I could too.

The front door opened, and I turned around to see Tammy stepping out onto the porch. “Benjamin?” she whispered.

“Is that Tammy?” Emily whispered like Tammy wouldn’t be able to hear her. “She’s so gorgeous. Oh my God, no wonder you didn’t come home this summer until now.”

I laughed. “Tammy, this is Emily.”

Tammy smiled shyly. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“You too!” Emily beamed.

And that was me, permanently in the friend-zone. She didn’t care that I dated. Ever. It would be nice to see her get a little possessive about me.

I glanced at Tammy and met her eyes with a smile then looked back at my best friend who was also smiling.

But, this was okay too. I enjoyed her as a person no matter how she fit into my life.

______

Emily

Movies?

Food?

What’s a guy got to do to get more than your phone #?

I glanced down at the incoming texts I kept getting from Roger, a nurse from the hospital visits over my arm. I was out of my cast weeks ago, but the lingering nurse-man wasn’t giving up.

I smiled a little.

And I thought I might give in.

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