Page 25 of Where We Belong

Ben: There were many things that were left unsaid.

Cory: Nope. It was pretty clear. You were drunk, I was available, and things happened. You apologized, and that’s the end of the story.

Ben: But that’s not really how it happened.

Cory: You’re here to change history? I’m pretty sure one of us was sober that night, and it wasn’t you. If you’re trying to say that I took advantage of you, I don’t think that’s true. It was just a fucking kiss.

Ben: Can we talk?

Cory: Nope. I’m busy. Haux Drinks is having a little snuffle, and we’re working to get that cleared out.

Ben: What kind of snuffle?

Cory: Someone is suing us because they had an allergic reaction to the mango-rita. The one that says it contains mango puree. Why on earth would they drink it if they’re allergic?

Cory: : face-palm: emoji

Ben: I know several lawyers who could help you.

Cory: Thank you, but our legal team is amazing—no need to add anyone else to the mix.

Ben: Please let me know if I can help you with anything.

Cory: How about you stop contacting me?

Ben: We still have to figure out the hotel. You can take your time, but please don’t forget that.

Cory: Sell it. Let it be someone else’s problem.

Ben: It’s Paradise Bay.

Cory: What does that even mean?

Ben: You’ve always wanted to run the town.

Cory: There’s a lot of things I wanted when I was younger—life changes and I have to go with it. You can keep it.

Ben: I bought it so you could build your dream, not to take it away from you.

Cory: You think my dream was to have a hotel in the middle of a small town?

Ben: Then what was it?

Cory: I didn’t have what most of my siblings did. Dad was too busy with everyone else. Mom didn’t give two fucks about us. But I recall hearing stories about them hosting wine tastings at the vineyard and being the town’s hostess. They were a big family receiving everyone with open arms and making them feel like a part of the Spearmans. I thought I could make that happen again on my own terms.

Ben: You can still do it.

Cory: I don’t know if I want to do it anymore.

Ben: What changed?

Cory: For that to happen I would need a family, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever get married and have children.

Ben: Is it because Bodhi already has children?

Cory: You’re such a smart man, Ben, but also so fucking stupid.

Ben: Whoa, what did I do? I just want to help you.

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