by Kimi Flores
Startling him out of his thoughts, Ben cleared his throat as he strutted into the room. He snapped off a pair of blue latex gloves, peering up from the florescent yellow clipboard he held in his dry, powder-covered hand. “Hey, Stefen. I promised Leah I’d come check on you.”
Fantastic.
Ben’s eyes were glued to the chart. “Everything looks good and you should be able to leave in the morning.” He was all business. Thank god.
“Thanks,” Stefen answered dryly.
Leah’s intentions may have been good, but why the hell would she think it was okay to send this jackass in to check on him? Neither admitted their distaste for each other, but it was obvious Ben hated him. Maybe it was just a guy thing, and she simply didn’t pick up on their pissing contest.
Jackass put the chart on the rolling food tray, narrowing his eyes. “I want to talk to you about Leah. I realize you guys are close and she considers you a good friend,” he emphasized the word friend.
Stefen curled his hands into fists.
“I want you to know that I may not have time to see a lot of her at the point, but we’re serious.”
He wanted to ask Ben if Leah was aware of the seriousness of their relationship. That’s not the vibe Stefen caught from her. He decided to let his snide comment slide and let this dipwad know that he couldn’t care less what he had to say.
Lifting an eyebrow, Stefen said, “I think this is a conversation you need to have with her, not me.”
Annoyed that he was at a disadvantage, only wearing a hospital gown with one eye covered, Stefen crossed his muscular arms over his chest. The irony was not lost on him that he thought Ben was the cocky one and here he was puffing out his own chest.
Ben continued to babble on. “Like I said, I get it. She's even called you her best guy friend.” Ben ground his teeth, obviously pissed by that. “I won’t pretend that I understand because I think there’s more to the story, but you need to know that I feel very protective of her.” Ben imitated Stefen, placing his arms over his extended chest. Bastard. “I’ve known her a lot longer than you have, and I’ll stand by her side no matter what. But there will come a time when this whole thing between you won’t work for me. I just wanted you to know my intentions since we’re both in her life—for now.”
Who the hell does this prick think he is? Ben was marking his territory, which made Stefen’s blood boil. Stefen would definitely let any bastard know if she was his, but this dumbass hadn’t even made a commitment to her. Why the hell did he think he had a right to do this? Leah would be pissed, too, but Stefen would let Ben dig his own hole. Sooner or later, she would see that this asswipe needed to go.
Stefen intentionally nodded, carefully watching every word. He didn't need this dill weed telling Leah that he was causing problems. “Duly noted. But it’s only fair to tell you that I’m also protective of her. She’s a remarkable woman and deserves the absolute best. Someone that will be there for her, present and future. Likewise, I’ll fight to make sure she’s taken care of.”
Okay, so maybe that wasn't so subtle.
Ben tapped his pen on the clipboard he’d picked back up. “Good to know,” he grumbled. “I just wanted to make sure we’re clear.”
Stefen laughed internally. I don’t even have to fight this dimwit. He’s clueless and doesn’t stand a chance. I almost feel bad for him.
He gave Ben a cocky grin. “Crystal clear.”
That grin slid right down his face as Ben smirked. “Good. I'll tell her tonight. We’re going out.”
Oh shit. This son of a bitch took a left and slapped me upside the head. Had I known they were going out, I would’ve let Leah stay.
“Thanks again, doc.” He didn't try to hide his sarcasm.
Ben squinted, confused, then turned to leave.
Infuriated, Stefen turned on the TV, almost breaking the remote as he flipped channels. It took everything in him not to throw it at the wall.
He was stuck in this bed and couldn’t do anything about it, but knowing Leah was going out with that asshole tonight, burned his ass.
Leah was surprised when she got a call from Ben earlier, asking if she wanted to go out to dinner. They hadn’t really been staying in touch, and she assumed that things had already fizzled out.
The conversation was relaxed, until she asked if he would go check on Stefen. The irritated grunt he answered with told her that he didn’t care for Stefen, but there was no reason why he couldn’t extend some professional courtesy by doing her that favor.
Excited that they were going to her favorite Argentinian restaurant tonight, Leah waited in her mom’s living room for her date to show up. It was the first time her mom and Sal were going to meet Ben, and she was a bit nervous.
The soft knock at the door was too quiet for a man. Wondering who it might be, Leah opened it, a little surprised that it was Ben. He was still in his scrubs.
Leah looked down at the new dress and heels she'd bought specifically for their date. Can’t he dress up, just once? She huffed under her breath.
“Hey, you ready?” he asked with a wide grin. It was the same grin he used to flash at a crowd after he’d scored a touchdown.
“Sure. But my mom and her fiancé want to meet you first.” She motioned him in.
“Oh, okay.” He appeared to be uncomfortable, craning his neck around the corner and wiping his hands on his pants as she led him into the dining room. “Something smells good.”
She dropped her shoulders and lifted her chin, puffing out, “I know. I’ve been suffering through the smell of my mom’s delicious cooking. I’m starving. I can’t wait to eat.”
He grimaced. “Sorry it took me so long.”
“It’s fine. You’re here now.” Pulling on his arm, she introduced everyone. “Mami, Sal, this is my date, Ben. Ben, this is my mom and her fiancé, Sal.”
Moving his reading glasses down to the bridge of his nose, Sal got up and extended his hand, giving Ben’s a hearty shake. “Nice to meet you, Ben.”
Her mom gave him a welcoming enough acknowledgment, but Leah caught the sideways glance and her tight lips. Leah was sure her mom also thought it was odd that he’d walked in for their date, wearing his hospital uniform.
Abruptly, Ben insisted, “Let's get going.”
Leah stepped around the table, hugging her mom and Sal goodbye. Outside, she watched as Ben walked to his car, opened his door, and got in…before she even stepped off of the porch.
Really? Stefen would never do that. She’d become so accustomed to how he treated her that it was difficult not comparing the two men. She shrugged to herself, then walked to Ben's car and got in.
“I'm exhausted,” he professed between two yawns.
She glared at him, but he didn’t even know. “We don't have to go out. I kind of wanted to go see Stefen before visiting hours were over anyway.” It was a cheap shot, but she felt it a necessary action to get Ben to actually focus on her. This whole thing was getting tiring.
I wish Stefen hadn’t asked me to leave. I would much rather hang out with him at the hospital than be in this car right now.
“No!” And just like that, Ben was magically alert and awake. “I'm fine. Do you mind if we just go somewhere more low key, though? I'm not dressed for anything fancy, and I didn't get to shower.”
So that was the smell. She’d thought something died. It almost reminded her of that nasty ass smell in Abby’s fridge.
“Sure.” Trying not to wrinkle her nose or look disappointed, she plastered a fake smile on her lips and looked out the windshield. He never even noticed.
If she’d gone to the trouble of getting all dressed up, she was going out. Even if she’d rather just go back to her mom’s and put on her jammies.
A few yawns and blocks later, they pulled into the parking lot of a famous fast food chain.
This is not happening.
Leah discreetly checked out her outfit again as Ben got out and headed to the double glass doors, then held them op
en for her. She was still in the freaking car.
Snatching her small matching purse, she opened the door, slamming it behind her with a little more effort than necessary. She hated fast food. Maybe this was the most famous of all the drive-thrus around. Still, Leah didn't even know what was on the damn menu. At least he held the door long enough for her to pass.
A little boy torpedoed past her, running his french-fried, greasy fingers along the bottom of her new dress. Leah loved kids but didn't plan on spending her evening with so many. Looking up at the menu, she couldn't see anything that grabbed her attention.
Salad.
Dammit.
She was going to have a freaking salad for dinner. Her Mami didn't raise salad eating girls. That came at the beginning of dinner. It wasn’t the whole damn meal.
They slowly and silently made their way up to the cashier.
“How may I serve you?” asked the pimple-faced teenager behind the counter.
Leah’s stomach turned a little. At least he wasn’t handling the food.
“I'll take two double cheeseburgers, a large fry, large soda, and a chocolate shake.” Ben finally looked at Leah. There was the smile she loved staring at from afar in high school. Before she found out how dull he was, that is. “I'm really hungry.”
“Sure.” She turned to the boy. “I'll take a chicken salad please, and, uh, I guess a bottled water.” What the hell? She may as well get a water if she's eating a damn salad.
After hearing the total, Ben pulled his credit card out.
“Oh I'm sorry, our system is down. We’re only taking cash right now.”
Oh my gosh. Who pays with cash anymore? Shouldn’t they have a sign posted?
Ben panicked, his face turning a little red. “I don't have any cash on me. Do you have an ATM?”
The boy pointed to his left. “It isn’t working either.”
Ben huffed loudly, “Let's go.” He started to direct Leah out of the line.
“Wait, I have some cash. Let me pay.”
He looked into her eyes, defeated.
She stuck her foot out and pointed her finger in the air. “Look, you’re tired and hungry. You didn’t know. Just let me.”
She turned back to the cashier, handing him the bills.
“I'll pay you back,” Ben said, throwing his shoulders back and lifting his chin, just like another man she knew would’ve done.
Actually, he would’ve never taken her out for fast food and would’ve given her at least one compliment on how she looked. Shaking her thoughts away, they walked toward a table. The place was packed. The only spot available was a teeny tiny two-seater with swiveling chairs.
Leah settled in, asking, “So how was your day?”
“Busy. Tiring.” He leaned back. His arms hanging off the top of the tiny chair. His legs were spread eagle under the table, leaving little room for her legs.
“I talked to Stefen before you picked me up. He told me you checked on him.”
I know I’m being a bitch, but I couldn’t care less. I just want to go home.
“Oh. Is that what he said?” He moved his arms down to his side and stared blankly at her.
“Yeah, why?”
“No reason.” He shrugged, looking around at the other diners.
Nothing? That’s all the reaction you’re gonna give me? Why didn’t I see how boring you were way back when?
Finally looking at her, he added, “He’ll be ready to leave in the morning. Is he hiring someone to help him out once he gets home? He’ll be immobile for about a week.”
Here we go. She was hoping to have this talk over the phone, but now that she opened her big fat mouth, trying to get some kind of reaction from him, she was about to get a doozy.
Clearing her throat, she held her head high, “No, I'm staying with him.”
Ben rolled his eyes. “What a shock,” he said sarcastically.
Their number was called, and Ben pushed himself up with such force that the swivel chair slammed back and forth hitting the table a couple of times. Leah’s face fell as she watched him stomp away.
What the hell did I ever see in him? Looks are not everything.
Returning with a scowl on his face, Ben dropped the tray on the small table, then plopped back into the chair. The tray was so huge, it practically covered the entire surface.
Leah grabbed her water and salad as he gulped half of a hamburger in one bite. Gross.
Suddenly, it was like her blinders were completely off and this was not the guy she wanted to be with tonight, or any other night. She still had to get through dinner, though. Leah didn’t know how to act around this grumpy-ass version of Ben sitting in front of her, so she just ate.
Glancing down at her meager salad, she realized there was no way this was going to fill her up. She couldn't wait to get home and eat some of the left overs her mom was sure to have.
Around her fifth bite of the wilted lettuce, squishy cucumber and hard cheese salad, Ben finally spoke. “Look, I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have acted that way. I'm exhausted and just hearing that you’re going to be alone in his house with him, for a week, set me off.”
Getting angry, she stabbed the one tomato with her flimsy plastic fork. “If you’re so tired, you should’ve cancelled tonight, or better yet, you shouldn’t have even asked me out.”
He thought one week was bad? If he knew how much alone time she and Stefen spent at his house, he would probably flip his lid.
“I never get to see you, Leah. We’re either working or too tired to make the effort. This is why I didn't want to date anyone yet.”
She blinked, fork frozen somewhere near her mouth. Wow, that was one hard slap across her face. Tossing the utensil down, she let him have it. “I never asked you to date me, Ben. You’re the one who asked me out.”
It was humiliating, having this discussion in front of all of these people, in such a confined space. Then again, it was so loud in here that nobody was listening anyway.
He began to plead, “That's not what I mean. I’ve wanted to date you since high school. I couldn’t believe it when I saw you that night.”
Losing her appetite, she pushed her food to the side.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I recognize this is pure selfishness, but I want you, okay? I like you, a lot. Can we just leave it like it is for now? I know I said I didn't mind you dating anyone else, but,” he gave her a pained look, “just…not him, okay?”
“What? This is absurd.” She threw her arms up, not caring who watched. “We don’t see each other, hardly ever talk, and you’ve barely even kissed me,” she admitted, a little embarrassed. “You spend your limited free time with your basketball friends, even when I’m in town. I’ve only put up with it this long because there isn’t anyone else right now. Stefen and I are just friends because we were together once, and it didn't work.”
It didn’t matter what feelings she’d had for Ben in the past, she deserved better than this. Whatever this was. He wanted to keep her waiting around for something that may or may not happen? Not anymore. She needed a man willing to build a relationship over time. One that put her first and treated her like a lady.
Ben was wearing an I knew it look, arms folded across his chest. “Did you sleep with him?”
Her mouth fell open. What nerve! “That is none of your business. I haven’t asked who you’ve slept with, and really you have no right to ask me that at this point in our non-relationship.”
“That was all the answer I needed,” he muttered under his breath. “I’m not hungry anymore. I'll be right back.”
Leah glanced at the tray. He’d already eaten one burger, the fries, and the shake. How could he have an appetite to lose?
Returning with a plastic bag, Ben threw in the last burger and picked up his trash. Leah covered her salad with the plastic lid, grabbed her water bottle, and walked out to his car to wait for him.
Worst freaking date ever!
Stefen paced in his hospital room as he anxiously
waited for Leah. After seeing Ben yesterday and hearing his plans, Stefen decided that he was going to put it all on the line. He had to tell Leah how he felt. As much as he didn’t want to risk losing her, he needed to see if there was at least a small possibility for them as a couple, before she rode off into the sunset with the wrong guy.
The moment she showed up would also mean that he could leave this sterile environment for the last time. Besides a final check-up scheduled with a doctor closer to home, he was done with surgeries, physical therapy, and his least favorite part of this whole thing—dealing with Ben.
As though he'd heard Stefen's thoughts, Dr. Asshat appeared at the doorway, casually leaning against the metal frame. “I bet you can't wait to get out of here.”
“You can say that again.” He pulled the grey T-shirt that displayed his favorite hockey team’s logo over his head.
Ben curiously asked, “Is Leah coming to get you?”
Ah, that's what this pleasant visit was about. If he went out with her last night, then he’d know that she was picking him up. Besides, who else did he think would?
“Yeah, she should be here any minute.”
As if on cue, Leah strolled past Ben, avoiding his eyes, keeping her back to him.
What was that about? Stefen recognized it. He'd seen her avoid his own eyes when he made her uncomfortable. Fury suddenly erupted in his chest. Did he screw her and leave her, too?
No way. She’d never do that. Again.
Shit, am I too late?
“Hey,” she breathed out loud enough for him to hear. “You ready to go?” She would only look at Stefen.
He hated making assumptions, but after seeing how she avoided Ben, Stefen’s aching heart pounded violently. He glared at Ben, ready to beat the shit out of him.
Ben interrupted Stefen’s thoughts. “Leah, can I talk to you for a minute?”
Closing her eyes, she held her breath.
Not happening. She’s not talking to him. He wasn’t letting this happen. “Actually, we need to get back.” Stefen touched her arm to let her know he was taking control. “Ready?”
