Page 47 of Where We Belong

Ben: Nope, I don’t want to risk our relationship. What if you resent me for not doing it right? I might get something wrong if I don’t follow the steps… also, we have to do this for us and Bernie.

Cory: I hate that you’re right.

Ben: Me too. :kissing-heart: emoji

Cory: Thank you for tonight, though. It was extraordinary.

Ben: Glad you liked it.

Cory: Will I see you tomorrow?

Ben: Am I allowed to drop by with coffee?

Cory: I don’t want you to rush Bernie because of me, though.

Ben: Promise to take my time—and leave a small buffer between you and my first patient.

Cory: Don’t worry about me. I can make my own coffee.

Ben: Yes, but I can deliver it along with your morning kiss. :wink: emoji

Cory: Then, I won’t complain about you dropping by. See you tomorrow.

Ben: Sweet dreams, love.

* * *

Ben: Good morning! Hey, I had to drive to San Francisco last night. I’ll have someone deliver your coffee.

Cory: Where’s Bernie?

Ben: Derek flew down here. I’m doing him a favor, so he’s with Bernie.

Cory: If you need anything, I’m here.

Ben: Thank you. Maybe we can schedule Elliot for next week and see what we can do with the inn?

Cory: You got it, but I was talking about Bernie.

Ben: She’s ready to see you, and she misses you a lot, but… I’m unsure if we’re ready for it. You can’t disappear from her again.

Ben: And I know it was all my fault. I should’ve handled that day a lot differently. It was probably to protect myself more than to protect you.

Cory: Protect yourself from what?

Ben: What if you never loved me?

Cory: :rolling-eyes: emoji

Ben: I don’t understand that answer.

Cory: You can be infuriating, but I do more than care about you. I’m just not going to say the L word because… I don’t think we’re ready for that, either.

Ben: Once you’re ready, then we’ll take the next step.

Cory: Have I ever told you how much I admire you?

Ben: Nope, but you’re going to have to hold that thought. I’m being called for another surgery. Talk soon.

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