Page 46 of Until the Ink Dries

She looked at me and laughed as she walked off.

I shook my head. “I’ll be right back,” I said.

“We’re gonna take a break to get something else to drink. You want anything?”

“A strawberry slushie.”

“Gotcha.”

I playfully flicked Charlie’s nose and touched his arm before running off to catch up with Shirah. When I caught her, I gave her head a mush.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked.

“Why… whatever do you mean?”

“Shirah Granger.”

“Willow Dawson.”

“You asked me to come here and immediately ditched me the moment we saw Benjamin. Then, you’ve been watching us all day.” I pointed a finger in her pretty, smug face. “Were you on the phone with Jordan? Did you two set this up?”

She grinned. “Maybe.”

“Why?”

She sighed. “Because Jordan and I both agree that Benny needs a good woman, and you need a good man. We see what the two of you aren’t.”

“I didn’t come here for a hookup, Shirah.”

“Maybe not. But I also know that you aren’t going back to Ellis. You booked a one-way flight to get away from that man. You’ve barely thought about him the whole time you’ve been here. It’s been what? Three weeks.”

“That’s not enough time to move on.”

“I’m not trying to push you into anything, but baby, open those pretty eyes. I watched you and Benny all day. You two have amazing chemistry. You are so much more like yourself with him, Willow. You can’t tell me you don’t feel that.”

I was quiet because that much was true. I didn’t feel like I had to wear a mask with Benjamin. I was free to be myself… someone I hadn’t seen in a long time. We’d always had a cordial relationship as kids, but getting to know the grown man version of him… I was enjoying that.

“This is crazy,” I said, shaking my head.

“It’s not. Something is brewing between you two. I think it could be something beautiful.” She shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a reason to stay. I wouldn’t be mad at that. Maybe I’m selfish, but I miss you, Willow. I miss you and I need you. Your parents miss you. My parents miss you.”

She sniffled and I think it was the first time in a long time that I’d seen her get emotional. She quickly pulled herself out of it and shook her head.

“Anyway! Enjoy your time with Benny and Charlie. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Shy.”

We shared a warm embrace before saying our goodbyes. I walked back toward the block party, stopping to use the bathroom. Thankfully, the Black Thorns sprung for these fancy portable restrooms. After relieving myself and washing my hands, I stepped out of the trailer. As I closed the door and turned to leave, I ran smack into Tierra.

She stood with her arms crossed and a frown on her face. I wasn’t one for confrontation, especially not in a public place. Swallowing hard, I stepped around her.

“Tierra,” I said in a friendly voice.

“Don’t speak to me like we’re cool, bitch.”

“Bitch? What’s with the name calling?”

“What do you think you’re doing with Benjamin?”

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