Page 41 of My Scorned Best Friend

I dig my phone out of my purse and call him. Fran and her posse were a lot to deal with today and all I want to do right now is sit on my couch, drink a glass of wine, and read an emotional book that will pull every frustrated tear out of me.

Nikki thought she was so funny with her little Scandals report today. Does she forget these are real people she’s talking about? And Chip can bugger right off for acting as though I let Xavier walk all over me.

Fran was just the cherry on my shitty-ass day.

Ben doesn’t answer his phone, but a woman does. “Hey, Clara, it’s Molly. He’s at Truth and Dare and um…”

I sigh, not wanting another issue to deal with today. “What?”

“Clary,” Ben singsongs in the background. “Come drink with us.”

“He might have had too much to drink. The grandma crew is here, and supposedly Midge challenged his manhood, and shots were consumed. Maybe too many shots.”

My jaw drops open. “Why would you continue to serve him?”

“I didn’t.” She’s quick to defend herself. “We’re training a new person, so I don’t have to help out anymore, but I had to run out because Emelia was throwing a fit. She didn’t want Jed to take her to Brownies because it’s a mother-daughter thing. I’m sorry. By the time we both got back here, the damage was done.”

“I swear if those grandmas hired Emelia…”

“Doubtful. Although I’m not sure why Ben took the challenge on in the first place. But maybe you want to come down and get him.”

I blow out a breath, ready to call Xavier because he’s his teammate, but Ben came here to visit me. “I’ll be right there.”

After changing out of my slacks and blouse, I put on a pair of jeans, a bodysuit, and a sweater, then walk over to Truth and Dare since I live close to town.

The minute I walk inside the brewery, the grandmas all get up and collect their things.

“Nope. Sit.” I point at their chairs.

Looking chastised, they do as I ask.

Ben looks at me and his smile is as sweet and innocent as a child whose mom is picking him up on the first day of kindergarten. As if he thought she wouldn’t come back for him. And in this moment, I know I owe him the truth. It’s glaringly obvious to me now that there can be no us.

The three grandmas try to talk first, but I put up my hand to silence them.

“Hi, Clary. These women thought they could drink me under the table, but I proved ’em wrong.”

I look at the three very sober women and pick up a shot glass from in front of Ethel. I don’t smell a drop of alcohol in the glass.

Ethel smiles tentatively. “My liver enzymes have been high lately.”

“And the rest of you?”

Midge holds up her hands. “What can I say? He’s a champ.” She winks at Ben, and he makes this sound as if he’s endeared by her.

“And Dori?”

She shrugs. “We couldn’t let him woo you,” she says, speaking the truth and raising her chin defiantly.

“You don’t get to choose!” My voice is too loud, and I have to remind myself everyone in this town is already talking about me and this imaginary love triangle. I don’t need to bring any more attention to myself.

“Bravo!” Molly claps from behind the bar.

All three grandmas give her a disapproving look, probably assuming they’re responsible for her being with Jed.

“Come on, Ben. Let’s go back to my place.” I step forward to help him up.

“I got you flowers from the florist lady.” He hands me a bouquet of mixed flowers off the table. “And a muffin from the coffee place.” He hands me a bag with a mushed-up muffin inside. “Whoops, I dropped it, I think.”

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