Chapter 65

My house is silent until the doorbell rings, and I look at the time. I'm not expecting anyone, and it's almost lunchtime yet. As I make my way toward the door, I peek through the peephole and see Ben standing there, shifting on his feet, holding a large bouquet of lilies and a small bag.

Taking a deep breath, I hesitate, weighing whether or not to open the door. I'm not sure if I'm prepared for this conversation anymore after everything that transpired between us. At last, though, I unlock the door and cautiously pull it open.

"Ben," I say in a neutral tone.

He smiles sheepishly as he lifts the bouquet. "Peace offering?"

I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow. "That depends."

"On?"

"Are you going to give an explanation?" He almost trips over the threshold, obviously anxious, so I gesture him inside while trying not to seem too pleased. Sophie, who is brewing tea in the kitchen, glances around the corner and her eyes enlarge at seeing Ben.

"Hello," she begins, her face lighting up with a smile. She glances at me to introduce herself and slips a wayward hair behind her ear.

"Sophie, this is Ben, Ethan's best friend," I continue, casting a doubtful glance at Ben. "Ben, this is Sophie, my best friend."

Ben smiles courteously and replies, "Nice to meet you, Sophie."

With a stutter, Sophie says, "Hello," her cheeks blushing slightly. Her eyes light up with curiosity as she looks at Ben and then at me.

Sophie is right behind me as I usher him into the living room, obviously eager to meet this new visitor. She sets a tea tray on the coffee table and sits next to me while glancing at Ben.

Sophie breaks the silence by saying, "So, Ben. You've known Emily for how long?"

A little flustered, Ben smiles. "Really, not too long. I mostly know her through Ethan." He looks at Sophie, then back at me. "But it feels like I've known her a lot longer."

"Interesting," Sophie responds in an unduly informal tone. She's attempting to hide her curiosity, and I can tell. "What do you do?"

He clears his throat and says, "I work in finance. But, uh it's been a bit chaotic recently. Lots of, uh, challenges."

"Chaotic, huh?" In an obvious attempt to continue the conversation, Sophie leans forward. "It sounds stressful to be in finance."

"It is," he says, and turns to face me. "But I'm here to talk about something a bit more personal."

Sophie tries not to show her disappointment as she picks up her tea. She gives me a cheeky wink and adds, "I'll let you two talk," before making her way to the kitchen. I can't help but roll my eyes.

I look back to Ben, who is examining his hands with a serious expression on his face, after Sophie has left my line of sight. "So, what is it you came to say?"

Ben rubs the back of his neck and groans. "Emily... I'm sorry. for the way things have been. for not telling you the truth sooner. Ethan's my best friend, and I've always tried to protect him, even when he's well, made questionable choices."

I respond, my voice lower now, "I know that. But that doesn't mean I'm okay with being left in the dark. Isn't everyone in this together?"

He looks at the floor and nods. "That's the reason I'm here. Because Ethan is deeply involved. deeper than you most likely think. He won't acknowledge it, and he won't ask for help, but Emily, I'm concerned about him. He's too far gone with this whole mess, and he's shutting out everyone who could help him."

My heart contracts, but I make an effort to maintain a calm face. "What do you mean, 'too far gone'?"

Ben looks directly into my eyes. "Ethan's made some connections that aren't safe. He's calling in favors from people who have power, people he shouldn't be getting involved with. It will also be more difficult to bring him back the farther he travels. I understand that he believes he can do things alone, but if he continues in this manner, he may find himself in a lot of difficulty."

I swallow, absorbing what he said. "What are you suggesting?"

He puts down the tea Sophie had poured for him but hadn't touched, and takes a big breath. "I know you care about Ethan, and that he cares about you, too. I'm asking you to help me watch over him, to keep an eye out. Make sure he doesn't act carelessly."

My lips form a little, unsure smile. "You're actually worried about him, aren't you?"

He gives a little laugh. "It's a full-time job. Ethan is obstinate and has a propensity to push people away when he believes he is defending them. But this time he's in over his head."

I put a comforting hand on his shoulder as I reach over. "I understand, Ben. I'm also concerned. Both of us will watch out for him. Whatever it takes."

His shoulders become less tense as he clearly relaxes. "Thank you, Emily. I didn't know who else I could trust to understand."

Just then, Sophie peeks around the corner again, pretending to be absorbed in some magazine but clearly watching us. She smiles shyly and returns to the room with a nonchalant demeanor after I give her a knowing glance.

She looks between us and asks, "So, Ben, did you get a chance to try Emily's famous tea?"

He picks up his cup and takes a sip while laughing. "Well, famous?"

I shrug my eyes and remark, "She's exaggerating," but Sophie merely laughs.

"Oh, come on, Em. It's actually good-she's just too modest to admit it."

Ben looks at me and lifts an eyebrow. "Well, I suppose I am honored in that case."

After a quick burst of laughing, the tension subsides and we start talking more casually. Sophie, however, keeps inserting comments here and there, clearly trying to keep Ben's attention on her.

Sophie asks, her eyes sparkling with interest, "So, Ben, do you live around here?"

"Not too far," he smiles in response. "I try to stay close to the action because I work downtown."

She leans forward and murmurs, "Interesting. Maybe we'll run into each other again."

Ben responds, "Maybe," in a courteous but slightly amused tone. I stifle a laugh, watching Sophie's subtle attempts to charm him.

Ben looks at the clock, puts down his empty cup, and gets up as the talk becomes quiet. "I should leave now. Thanks for everything. And I sincerely appreciate your understanding, Emily."

As I lead Ben to the door, I respond, "Anytime, Ben."

He nods courteously to Sophie as he walks away, and she gives him a warm grin in return. She turns around as the door closes, her cheeks flushed.

She nudges me with her elbow and jokes, "You have hot friends."

I can't help but chuckle as the tension starts to release. "Oh, come on. He's not that..."

She smiles and interrupts, "Please. He's totally charming. You can't tell me you didn't notice."

I giggle and shake my head as I return to the couch. "You're too much, you know that?"

Sophie simply chuckles and throws a pillow at me. And for the first time in what feels like forever, I find myself truly laughing, forgetting the weight of the day's events, if only for a moment.