Page 14 of Our Promise

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Elle knew his family wouldn’t switch up like those people. Like she said, she was scared. Rightfully so, but she had to have a little faith in him. He was all that she needed.

“You know me, Elle. You know I’ll take care of you.”

“I take care of myself.”

“I promise I’ll take care of you better.”

“And just fuck Tara, huh?”

He chuckled as he said, “You still on that?”

“It’s not funny, Benny! You know what? Forget I even asked.”

“Yes, forget Tara. She ain’t in the picture anymore.”

“I hear you.”

Now she had an attitude. “I want to see you. I’m about to pull up. Come outside.” He was riding down her street. He would pull into her driveway in seconds.

“What?”

“You heard me. I’m outside,” he said as he backed into her driveway behind her car. Jo’s car was parked on the side of hers.

“Why won’t you come in?” she asked.

“Jo and I need a little separation.”

“Why?”

He could hear the panic in her voice.

“Chill, it’s not about us. She’s just not feeling any man right now. Trust me, I’ve spent most of my day with her. We need a break from each other.”

She laughed. “I get it.”

“You coming out?”

“Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute.”

Benny couldn’t help the goofy grin that covered his face. That had gone a lot better than he thought it would have. Now all he had to do was wait for her to appear.

Chapter

Four

How We Heal

Work forgotten, Lorielle pushed away from her desk and walked to her room to grab her coat and slip her feet in her boots. She knew the last thing she should be doing was going outside, but she bundled up and headed for the door.

When she passed through the living room, Jo was on the phone with Trey. They were arguing.

Lorielle shook her head.

She hoped her friend didn’t feel like a fool tomorrow with the way she had been carrying on for the past few weeks.

Outside was cold, but not as bad as she thought it would be. Benny’s car was backed in, making the passenger side closer to her front door. She rushed to the car where he pushed the door open when she got close.

“Whew! Thank you,” she said as she slid into the seat.

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