Discovering Truths by B. Benfield (chrysanthemum read aloud .TXT) 📕

with you for expressing your opinion.”

“I couldn’t disown you. You’re my best friend, Abby.”

She pulled me in for a hug and at that moment, I truly believed in our friendship. She expressed her opinion because she loved me, I understood that.

“You ready to get the heck out of here?” I asked.

“Yeah. Let’s just go up to the front desk and see what this guy says about my car.”

We walked to the front desk and waited a few minutes before a familiar voice caught my attention. When Gage walked up to the desk, I thought I might die right there. What are the chances?

When his eyes met mine, I felt that initial explosion all over again.

“Abby,” he said, smiling. “What are you doing here?”

“Just came to pick up my friend,” I said, motioning to Melinda.

I thought I was nervous when I first met him, but nothing compared to this moment. Melinda was standing there, a look of confusion on her face. How would I ever cover this one up?

“It’s good to see you.” He said, sporting that cute smirk on his face. He looked just as he did yesterday in his work clothes, and I wanted to jump across the counter and devour him. Every inch of the man was glory.

“You too,” I smiled.

He turned his attention to Melinda. “Mrs. Johnson, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s looking like the car is probably totaled. Of course, an insurance adjustor will be out here shortly to make that determination.”

She slumped down on the counter and groaned. “This is my luck.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What do I do with the car? Can you do something with it?” she asked.

“We can haul it off…there’s usually a fee…but since you’re Abby’s friend, we’ll take care of it at no charge.”

“Oh my. Are you sure? You don’t have to do that. I’ll pay whatever I have to pay. I just don’t want to have to deal with it.”

“We’ll take care of it…after the insurance adjustor has been here of course.”

“Well, thank you. I appreciate.”

“Sure thing.”

“Alright, I guess I’ll be in touch.” She grabbed a business card from the holder on the counter and headed for the door.

“Bye.” I said softly.

“Bye, gorgeous.” He whispered with a wink.

I turned around and walked quickly to catch up with Melinda. When we got in my car, she wasted no time in her interrogation.

“Who was that?”

“Just a guy I know…” I trailed off. I was at a loss. What was I supposed to say?

“How do you know him?”

“What is this? Twenty questions?”

It was like a light bulb went off in her head and her eyes grew wide.

“That’s him, isn’t it?”

I was quiet.

“That’s the guy. You guys were flirty with each other and I could just tell there was something different about the whole exchange.”

“Flirty? We said like two words.”

“Abby…”

What was the point in trying to hide it? She knew. I let out a deep breath. “Yeah…that was him.”

I continued driving, not wanting to say anything else about it considering I knew her opinion on the whole situation.

It wasn’t long before she spoke again. “Well…he’s hot…I’ll give you that.”

“Yeah. He is, isn’t he?”

I was prepared for another lecture, but it never came. I dropped Melinda off at her house, and we continued on just like we always did.

***

Gage: So glad I got to see you today…even if only for a few minutes.

 

I had just gotten out of the shower and curled up in my bed, warm and content.

Me: Small world isn’t it? I almost had a mini heart attack…and I looked absolutely disgusting today, so sorry you had to see that.

Gage: You’re out of your mind. You’re beautiful. But why did you almost have a mini heart attack?

Me: Well just because things between us are…secret…and seeing you there, and having my friend with me…it was all a little nerve wracking.

Gage: Understand. Does she know?

Me: She figured it out.

Gage: Uh-oh. Umm…

Me: Don’t worry. It’s all good. She doesn’t approve, but it’s all good. Trust me.

Gage: Okay. Whatever you say. So, listen…I want to see you tomorrow, but I don’t have much time. Are you opposed to meeting early? Like seven?

Me: That’s fine with me. I’ll do anything to see you. Not like I have much of a life anyway.

Gage: You’re such a sweetheart.

 

I replied with a long line of flirty emojis.

Gage: Coffee date?

Me: That works. I’ll come to you because I know you need to get to work. Send me the details in the morning.

Gage: Will do. Sweet dreams, babe.

Me: Night, handsome.

 

The more we talked, the more I began to feel for this man. What do you do when you know something is wrong, but you can’t stop the urge of wanting more? My brain knew this was a bad idea, but my heart gravitated toward this thing with Gage. Even though it was twisted, I couldn’t stop the flow. In my mind, things could only go up from here.

Chapter Eleven

 

Excitement and nervousness consumed me entirely as I was up early the next morning to prepare for my visit with Gage. I barely got a wink of sleep. Maybe five was a little early, but I wanted to make sure I was fresh and looking my best, even if I only got to see him briefly.

He texted me the details of the meeting place and asked what I’d like to drink. He offered to get the coffee and suggested that we sit in his truck and talk, offering more privacy. I thought that would be more comfortable anyway, so I was totally down with the plan. I was now driving across the city as