Not Your Match

by Lindzee Armstrong

The door swung open. Andi dropped her phone in her purse and glanced up, then blinked in surprise. A lanky figure. Toffee-colored hair that looked as though he’d recently run his fingers through it. Chocolate-brown eyes and a five o’clock shadow.

  Rachel’s brother. Andi’s favorite dance partner.

  It was Ben.

  Andi threw her arms around his neck, laughing. “Ben! I was just thinking about you today.”

  Ben returned her hug, and a zing shot up her spine. His arms felt familiar and comforting. She had the sudden urge to nuzzle closer.

  Whoa. She was really losing it if hugging Ben—the boy who, sure, had been hot, but more like a brother than potential boyfriend—made her feel all fluttery.

  “I hope you were remembering me fondly and not cursing all the times I stepped on your toes or dropped you in practice.” His voice was deep and raspy, just as she remembered it, sliding over her like hot chocolate on a cold day.

  “I never remember you stepping on my toes, but I do remember getting dropped in practice once,” Andi teased. “My butt was sore for a week.”

  Ben grimaced, motioning her inside. “Sorry about that. But in my defense, you were busy ogling Daniel Kim instead of paying attention.”

  “Exchange students were my kryptonite. I couldn’t help myself.” Andi shut the door behind her. The open floor plan allowed her to see through the sliding glass doors in the kitchen to the back patio filled with people under heat lamps and around the fire pit.

  “A likely excuse. All the girls were obsessed with him that year.”

  Andi laughed. “So what are you doing here? Did you come all the way from Arizona for Rachel’s birthday, or are you here for Christmas too?”

  Ben ran a hand through his hair. “Didn’t Rachel tell you? I moved back. Adam knew someone, and I got a job at a charter school a few minutes away. I start after winter break.”

  Ben was back in town. Her stomach swarmed with butterflies. What was wrong with her? “I haven’t talked to Rachel much the last couple of weeks. Things have been crazy at work.”

  “Well, I only found out about the job a week ago.”

  “That’s great that you’ve moved back.”

  The sliding door opened, and Rachel stepped inside. She wore a festive red Christmas sweater that showcased her trim figure, and black leggings with white reindeer on them. Her bangs were pulled back with bobby pins, adding another layer to her short bob. She smiled when she saw Andi and ran across the room, throwing her arms around her in a hug. “I worried you weren’t going to make it. I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “I got tied up at work.” Andi swatted Ben on the arm. “Why didn’t you tell me this guy was moving back?”

  “I thought I mentioned it.” Rachel shrugged. “Guess I forgot. Food’s on the counter. Grab a plate and come out. It feels great with the heat lamps and fire. We’re roasting s’mores soon.”

  Andi handed the card to Rachel. “Happy birthday.”

  Rachel opened it, her eyes scanning the hastily scrawled note, then squealed. “Mani-pedis with my bestie? I’m holding you to this.”

  “We’ll go soon,” Andi promised.

  Rachel turned to Ben. “You take care of this girl tonight. I don’t want her slipping out early to go home and work.”

  Ben wrapped an arm around Andi. A shiver shot down her spine, a response that had her struggling not to giggle.

  “I won’t let her out of my sight,” Ben promised.

  “Perfect.” Rachel gave Andi another hug, then hurried out to the backyard.

  “So how’ve you been?” Ben asked, following Andi to the kitchen table with its wide array of food.

  Andi shot Ben a sideways glance. “I know that tone. Rach told you about Mark.”

  “She feels awful.”

  Andi groaned. “She has to stop blaming herself. If Mark and I couldn’t hack long distance, then we wouldn’t have been able to hack a marriage.”

  Ben rubbed the back of his neck. “You know Rach. She feels responsible since she hooked him up with the contact in New York.”

  “She might’ve hurried along the process, but he always had his sights set on bigger and better things than local journalism.” Andi should’ve realized in high school that his ambitions spelled doom for their relationship. Instead, she’d wasted seven years on him. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  “So, how are you?”

  Andi sighed. “Honestly, it’s been rough. I haven’t been single since I was a sophomore in high school.” And apparently being single transformed her into a hormone-crazed sixteen-year-old melting over any guy who smiled, regardless of his availability. Ben was engaged, for crying out loud. She needed to pull herself together.

  “Mark didn’t deserve you anyway. He was kind of self-involved.”

  “He was a jerk,” Andi agreed. “But he knew what he wanted out of life and wasn’t afraid to go get it.” Even if it meant leaving her behind. Andi grabbed a plate and piled it with food. She took a bun and loaded it up before adding a burger. “So tell me about your life. Did Whitney come with you to L.A., or is she still in Arizona?”

  Ben looked away. “We broke up.”

  Andi fumbled the salad tongs, dropping lettuce awkwardly on her plate. “Oh, Ben. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “Things had been rocky for a while, and she didn’t want to stick around to work it out.” He rolled his shoulders. “So here I am in Los Angeles. When Adam mentioned the possible job, I jumped at the opportunity.”

  Andi rubbed a hand up and down Ben’s arm. “I feel like an idiot, going on and on about Mark when your wedding just got called off. I can’t imagine how difficult that’s been for you.”

  “When she wouldn’t set a date after almost a year, I should’ve known this was how it’d end.”

  “That doesn’t make it any easier.”

  “No, it doesn’t. So here I am, staying with Rach and Adam until I can find an apartment. I’m hoping to be out by New Year’s.” He gave a mock shudder. “Being a house guest to newlyweds is awkward.”

  “Yeah, I can imagine.” Rachel and Adam were in the disgusting, over-the-top happy stage of marriage. Living with them would be positively nauseating.

  “I shouldn’t complain. I’m grateful I have a place to stay until I figure everything out.”

  “I guess that means we’ll see each other next week. Rach invited me to dinner on Christmas Eve.”

  “You aren’t spending it with your parents?”

  “No. Dad has a client meeting in New York and Mom’s going with him.” She was kind of relieved. Her idea of a Merry Christmas wasn’t being pressured by her parents to start dating.

  “Well, I’m glad you’re coming to dinner. It means I won’t be the awkward third wheel.”

  Andi laughed. “I feel the exact same way. I must’ve asked Rach a billion times before agreeing to come if she was sure. She keeps hinting I can bring a date, but that would be more awkward, not less.”

  Ben led Andi outside to a secluded section of the yard. Four chairs were staggered around a heat lamp. Andi picked up her burger and took a big bite. She closed her eyes in pure bliss. Even cold, it was the best food she’d eaten all week. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a meal that wasn’t a protein bar or sandwich from the deli near work. “Adam sure knows how to grill.”

  “I manned the grill this time,” Ben confessed.

  “I’m impressed.”

  Ben smirked. “You have ketchup on your lip.”

  Andi flicked out her tongue and whisked the condiment away. “I can’t even be embarrassed. This is one seriously awesome burger.”

  “You always did like your meat.” Ben smiled, and a current ran between them that she’d never experienced, especially not with him. Ben blinked and cleared his throat. “So tell me about work,” he said.

  Andi latched onto the subject change. What had that been all about? “There’s not much to tell. My dad has me on family law, mostly divorces. I s
tarted taking on solo cases a few months ago.”

  “Divorces.” Ben leaned back in his chair, resting his hands behind his head. His biceps stretched and flexed, and Andi looked away, her cheeks heating. “I bet you have some interesting stories.”

  “You could say that. It’s funny the things people consider important. The divorce I worked last week was insane. The only thing the couple seemed concerned about is who would get a hand-woven Mexican shawl they’d bought on a cruise. I saw a picture of the shawl, and I’ve got to tell you, I don’t even think it’s authentic. I’m pretty sure someone lied and told them it was handmade so they’d pay a fortune for it. Then today, I worked a prenup, and they kept arguing about their pet bearded dragon.”

  “A bearded dragon? Not a dog or cat or something?”

  “Hey, dragons are people, too.”

  Ben laughed. “Sounds awful.”

  “My dad keeps promising me I can pick my own cases in a few years. I’ve always wanted to do family law, but I imagined something more along the lines of helping families in abusive situations.”

  “Okay, so law isn’t what you expected. What about dancing, do you still do that?”

  Andi took another bite of her burger. Her mind flashed back to the last dance they’d shared together at the state high school championships. He’d led her through the salsa effortlessly, directing her with a flick of his wrist or the right pressure on her hand or her waist. “I haven’t danced since college. Law school got chaotic, and now work’s insane.”

  “That’s too bad. You loved it.”

  Andi pierced him with a challenging gaze. “Have you danced lately?”

  “Okay, you caught me. I haven’t made time for it either.”

  “Ah-ha!” Andi pointed a finger at him as though she’d found him with his hand in the cookie jar. Ketchup dripped from the burger she held in her free hand onto her plate, and she quickly took a bite.

  “I’ll start dancing again if you do.” Ben lifted his eyebrow in challenge.

  Excitement flashed through Andi. “Careful what deals you make, Ben. I might take you up on that.”

  “I hope you do.”

  That made Andi blush. She quickly bent her head and grabbed a chip from her plate, trying to hide her flaming cheeks. Seriously, what was wrong with her? This was Ben. “Tell me about this new job of yours.”

  His face changed, lightening. “I don’t know much yet. I’ll know more after meeting with the principal on Monday. I’m excited, though. This charter school has some serious financial donors, so I’m hoping they have awesome lab equipment. I can’t wait to dive in.”

  “Seems like you love your job.”

  “I do. It was hard to leave my students in Mesa, but I’m excited for a new challenge.”

  “Are you still flipping houses?”

  “I haven’t in a year or so. Maybe I’ll pick it back up.”

  “You should. If the pictures on Facebook are any indication, you’re good.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I enjoy it.”

  Andi smiled, resting a hand briefly on Ben’s knees before taking another bite of her burger. “I’m glad we ran into each other tonight.”

  He motioned to her plate. “It’s because I made you that delicious burger.”

  “Well, that and the fact you haven’t mentioned even once how amazing Adam is.”

  Ben snickered. “Are you trying to say Rachel isn’t as much fun as she used to be?”

  “I swear ninety percent of our conversations center around Adam.” Andi rolled her eyes. “They’ve been married almost a year. You think she’d have calmed down.”

  “I promise to keep my discussions of Adam to a minimum when around you.”

  “So considerate.”

  “I’m going to grab a soda. Want anything?”

  “I’m good, thanks.”

  “Okay. Be right back.”

  Andi watched as Ben walked away. His jeans hugged his hips and back end, and Andi’s body temperature rose. That was definitely new since high school. Looks like this year, Christmas had come early.

  If Ben had told his fifteen-year-old self he’d one day find his fresh start in a high school, he would’ve laughed in his own face. But when Adam had mentioned he knew a principal looking for a science teacher, Ben jumped at the chance. He’d interviewed for the job over the phone and been hired on the spot. Had it really only been a week ago?

  “Your students have had a rough year,” Principal Stewart said. “Yes, sirree. Probably should’ve hired a new teacher last year when Peggy got sick, but didn’t want to edge her out. She was a good friend, may she rest in peace.” He leaned back in his office chair, resting his hands on the enormous silver belt buckle that showcased a Texas star. Ben wasn’t sure what he’d expected from Principal Stewart, but someone wearing cowboy boots and a bolo tie hadn’t been it. “They’ve had a string of subs while Peggy was out on sick leave, and the students are taking her death pretty hard. She was a favorite ’round here.”

  Ben nodded, not really sure what to say. He was sorry to hear of the elderly teacher’s passing, but mostly he was grateful for her job.

  “Anyhoo, the subs haven’t known how to teach or discipline worth a darn. I worry your students are severely behind and will need a lot of help in order to pass the end-of-year test. You’ve got your work cut out for you.”

  Ben took a deep breath. He needed something to distract him from the disastrous life he’d left behind in Arizona. This was perfect. “I’m up for the challenge.”

  “I know you are.” Principal Stewart stood, signaling the end of the meeting. Ben stood as well and the two shook hands. “So happy to have you on board, Ben. We were really in a bind. You’re taking a load off me.”

  “I’m excited to be here,” Ben said.

  The principal opened a desk drawer and pulled out a keyring, handing it over. “Your keys. School should be out in about ten minutes if you want to go take a look. Feel free to come in over the break and get your classroom set up.”

  “I will. Thanks again.”

  Ben wandered in the direction of his new classroom. The tile was new, the paint fresh. The hallways were mostly empty, since class was in session. The updated building and upscale finishes made him feel like he was in a different world. The public school he’d taught at in Mesa had been rundown and ancient. Still, he’d miss his students and co-workers. He hoped his student teacher would be okay. She’d been thrilled to accept the position he was vacating.

  A poster for the winter dance hung in the hallway, even though it had been last weekend. A flier advertising the knowledge bowl club clung to a cork board by one stubborn staple. His classroom was in a perfect location—far enough from the cafeteria that it wouldn’t be overly noisy during lunch hour, but close enough to the teacher’s lounge to be convenient, and right next to the door leading outside—the door closest to the faculty parking lot. In a few minutes, the bell would ring and the school would be a flurry of excited teens celebrating the start of winter break.

  Ben peered through the small rectangle window in his classroom door. The sub sat at the desk staring at her cell phone while students chatted. Their textbooks were already stowed in backpacks, any evidence of learning tucked away. Ben leaned back against the wall, his spine tingling with anticipation. The students might be anxious for the two week winter break, but he was more excited for January, when he could officially start his new job. Establishing classroom management would be his first task.

  Buzz. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and glanced at the number. And his heart plummeted.

  Whitney’s mom, Barbara.

  Ben clenched his jaw and brought a fist to his lips. Should he answer it?

  It had been nearly a month since he’d waken up to find Whitney’s diamond engagement ring on the bedside table and a note that simply said I’m sorry. I’m done.

  Buzz.

  Was something wrong with Whitney? If there was, did he want to know?

&
nbsp; Buzz.

  He should leave it alone. He’d left Arizona to move on. Answering the call would go against that.

  Buzz!

  Ben swiped his thumb across the screen and pushed off the wall. “Hello?” He sounded nervous, even to himself. His voice echoed in the silent hallway, so he headed outside. The cool December breeze bit at his face, and he shoved one hand into his pocket to try and keep it warm.

  “Hi, Ben.” Barbara’s voice was soft and compassionate, worry laced underneath.

  “What can I do for you?” His heart twisted at her voice. He loved the Stephensons almost as much as he’d loved Whitney. Knowing they’d never truly be family hurt like the devil.

  “I’m worried about Whitney.” The words were soft, almost apologetic. “She finally called us last night, so we know she’s safe. She’s in Las Vegas with a friend.”

  Ben sagged against the rough brick exterior of the school in relief. She’s safe. Four weeks of not knowing had been agony. But he’d refused to go looking. Not this time. Ben knew what Barbara wasn’t saying. He’d known it for weeks before Whitney left. They’d fought about it on numerous occasions.

  She wasn’t taking her medication again. He’d noticed when her moods grew darker. Begged her to continue taking the pills. Been sick with worry. But Whitney refused.

  “Whitney is an adult,” Ben said gently. “Claire will look out for her.” He assumed that’s who Whitney was with. The sorority sister from Arizona State worked as a dancer in one of the casinos.

  “I thought maybe if you talked to Whitney, she’d come home.”

  Ben raised a hand to his eyes and squeezed his lids shut tight. “Whitney and I are over.”

  “She’s not herself.” Barbara tripped over her words. “She’ll regret leaving once she’s past this relapse.”

  Ben knew that too. He’d gone through the cycle more times than he could count in the four years they’d been together. Whitney felt great, so she’d go off her medication. And for a while, things would be fine. Better than fine. Whitney would be the life of the party. She’d be affectionate, thoughtful, and a joy to be around.

  But what went up must come down, and soon she’d spiral into depression.