Derailed (Clayton Falls #1)(43)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“So, we have dinner plans.”

“We do?” Shayna sat down across from me on the loveseat.

“Yeah, Ben’s cooking for us.”

“Ben can cook?”

“I asked him the same thing, and he assured me he’s capable.”

She straightened a throw blanket I had left lying around. “I guess it was sweet of him to invite us, and if you insist on dating him again, I might as well see him. Now I’m curious to see if you’re right about him growing up.”

“You don’t trust me?”

“When it comes to Ben, no. You were always so blind with him. He could do no wrong in your eyes.”

“That’s not true.” I sat up, ready for a fight.

“Yes, it is.”

I knew what she was talking about. When she was home on break from college one year, she ran into an incredibly high Ben, and she assured me it wasn’t from weed. She confronted me about it, and I refused to believe her. Of course, I found out from a friend that it was true. I didn’t talk to him for a week after that, but he promised to stop, so I eventually forgave him. Ben said I was hypocritical because I drank, but I never bought that line.

“He’s not the same boy anymore.”

“I hope you’re right.”

I immediately went on the defensive. “I am. It’s not like I was an angel back then either.”

“It’s not like you’re an angel now.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I snapped, worried about where this conversation was going.

“I found the empty bottles while you showered. I knew you drank, but it seems excessive.” Only Shayna would have found the evidence that quickly. In another life, she could have been a detective.

“I know. I’m going to cut down. It’s just sometimes the only way I can escape the pain. I haven’t needed it as much lately.”

“Because of Ben?”

“Yeah.”

“All right, I’ll try to give him a fresh slate then.” That was a lot coming from Shayna.

***

Jake answered the door in an apron.

Shayna busted out laughing. “Did Ben conscript you to help?”

“He promised me free food.”

“Are you really that easy to ply?” I asked.

“Don’t start.”

“Who me?” I feigned innocence.

“If you guys are done fighting, you can come in here,” Ben called from the kitchen.

Ben wasn’t wearing an apron. He looked adorable in a navy Lacoste shirt and khaki shorts. He took a few pans from the oven. He washed and dried his hands before pulling me into a hug and a chaste kiss. He turned his attention to my sister.

“Hi, Shayna, thanks for coming.”

“Thanks for inviting me. It’s nice to see you.” Shayna shot me a look that let me know she agreed with my earlier assessment. I laughed.

“What?” Ben asked.

“Nothing,” Shayna and I said in unison.

“I’m not going to ask. Can I get either of you something to drink? I’ve got wine and some beer in the fridge.”

“You have wine?” Shayna asked skeptically.

“Yes, don’t act so surprised.”

“All right, I’ll try to stop.”

Ben poured wine for Shayna, Jake, and himself. I passed, asking for a Coke instead. I looked at Shayna triumphantly. I wanted her to see I wasn’t an alcoholic or anything.

“Are you sure you’re feeling well?” Jake taunted when I refused.

“Shut up. Like you should talk.”

“Some things never change,” Shayna said dramatically.

“I think I’ll worry if they ever start getting along… I’ll know they’re up to something.” Ben came over to put an arm around my shoulder. I leaned comfortably into him.

Ben ushered us all over to the table, bringing out a stuffed chicken, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables. It all looked and tasted incredible.

“So, how is Seattle? You’ve got two kids now, right?” Ben asked.

Shayna seemed surprised by his interest. “Yes. Rob’s four and Ella is one. We’re doing well, but we all wish we saw more of Molly.”

“I can understand that.”

“I planned on trying to bring her home with me, but she seems to have found a reason to stay.”

Ben found my hand under the table and squeezed it. “I’m glad. There’s no way I’m losing her again.”

“I still think she’d be happy if she came, but she seems pretty determined. You’d better treat her right, or you’ll have me to deal with.”

Ben laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of doing anything less. I’ve been waiting five years for a second chance, and I won’t blow it again.”

Shayna smiled. “Good. You’re not going to get a third.”

I squirmed in my seat, but didn’t say anything. I hated that all of the blame for our breakup fell on Ben. As angry as I was at him at the time, I had overreacted. Hurting, I’d wanted to make a clean break. I would have found another excuse.

“Everything’s amazing, Ben. But you know what this means right?”

“What?”

“I’m going to expect you to cook for me all the time.”

“Not a problem. If it gets you over here, I’m all about it.” He placed his hand on my leg, while trying to inconspicuously arch an eyebrow.

Unfortunately, Shayna noticed. “Ahem, I’m only in town for a few days. I think you two can keep the conversation PG until I leave.”

Jake laughed. “These two? I don’t think it even took forty-eight hours of Molly being back before they were at it again.”

Ben punched his arm.

“What’s that for?”

“Do I really have to explain?”

“How did you even know that, Jake?” I looked over at the guilty expression on Ben’s face. “Seriously?”

He shrugged. “He asked why I was in such a good mood.”

“All right, so what are you guys up to tonight?” I tried to steer the conversation. I couldn’t really be mad considering I’d told Kelly right away. Besides, I already knew Jake had broadcasted it to everyone at Gill’s.

“I’m not sure. What are you doing?” Ben asked.

“I promised some people I’d stop by Gill’s and catch up,” Shayna said. “Anyone want to join me?”

“I’m game for that,” Jake said.