Page 109 of Plentywood
“Five minutes,” she announced. “Anything else for today?”
“I’m going to ask him tonight,” I said. “Like you said, I want him to know.”
“Is this Ben we’re speaking of now?” she clarified.
“Yes. I’m going to ask him for his help.”
“Okay,” she said, sounding cautious. “What if Ben refuses to help?”
“Then I’ll add another fifty sessions with you,” I quipped.
She rolled right over my curt response. “Because he could, Hunter. You do understand that he might not be prepared for this big of a change from you.”
“He doesn’t really know me, though. Not really,” I said. “But I want him to.”
“And what about Mark, Hunter? Where does Mark fit into this decision?” she inquired.
“He doesn’t,” I admitted. “This will be my decision. And,” I began. “I’m hoping wherever he is that he’s happy for me.”
“The Mark you’ve described to me sounded like the sort of man who would be proud of you, Hunter. I knowI’mproud of you.”
“Thank you, Bonnie. I mean it. Thank you for your time.”
“Of course, young man,” she replied. “We’re not done with each other just yet, but I’m rooting for you.”
“Same time Monday?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” she said. “I look forward to hearing how Ben feels about this emerging person.”
“Do you think he’ll want to help me?” I asked, needing some encouragement to face Ben in less than an hour.
“What doyouthink he’ll want to do, Hunter?” she asked, turning the tables on me once again. “That’s what matters.”
“I think he will,” I confessed, realizing we were two minutes over. “I owe you two minutes, boss,” I joked.
“I’ll get you next week,” she said. “And remember, Hunter. You can make choices, too.”
“Goodnight, Bonnie.”
I clicked off the call and stood up. The smell from the kitchen alerted my stomach that I hadn’t eaten since a bowl of Frosted Flakes that morning. Bella gave me her best ‘You didn’t feed me, either,’ glare.
“Sorry, girl,” I said, immediately receiving a wagging tail and forgiveness.
I walked through my house, checking on everything and wondering if my choices looked good. I left the lights on in every room because it made things seem brighter. A goofy candle that Jill had given me burned on the kitchen counter. She’d been correct. Vanilladidsmell nice in a house.
A vehicle door slammed shut from the driveway. I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, glancing at a mirror I’d relocated to the living room. I needed a haircut. My usuallybuzzed head had a quarter inch too much hair. I ran my hand over my head and smiled at myself.
“He could say yes,” I said, talking to the man in the mirror.
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT: Benedict
Istood on the front porch, staring down the driveway toward the entry to Hunter’s land, unconvinced that I’d seen what I thought I’d seen when I turned off the highway.
“Hey, you,” he said, opening the door and standing back so I could enter. “Thank you for coming.”
I jacked my thumb over my shoulder. “Is that a For Sale sign?” I asked, turning to face him before motioning down the driveway again.
“That it is,” he replied. “Went up Tuesday.”
