Page 10 of Two Hearts' Subterfuge

“Sure. I’ll take some,” she answered. “Is there anymore soup inside the fridge? Maybe I’ll have another bowl.”

“There is,” he answered, pulling out the pot from inside to rest it on the stovetop before grabbing his bottled water. “Give me your bowl and I’ll scoop some more out for you.”

Standing, she handed it over. “As long as you’re driving us over, let me go grab the clothing bag that I was supposed to take over to the boutique this morning. Mom finally remembered toclean out her closet yesterday, but we’re probably a little late for anyone who might have needed a formal gown to wear to the event today. There’s always next year, I guess.”

“Sure. Go grab everything you need, including your coat, and I’ll heat up another bowl of soup for you,” Ben said.

“Thanks, Ben,” she said, staring into his eyes, looking indecisive.

He paused. “Is everything okay, Lara?”

She bit her lip. “Yes. Thanks for waiting for me.”

Pretending he wasn’t concerned, he scooped more soup into her bowl and slid it into the microwave. “You’re welcome.”

Another twenty minutes later, Ben was behind the wheel of Dad’s truck while Lara sat in the passenger seat.

She was painfully thin, so he could understand why Mom and Dad were both worried. She probably hadn’t eaten a thing the day before. As much as Mom and Dad tried to keep an eye on her, they were both so busy with work, especially at this time of year.

“You know that you can come to me anytime you have a problem, Lara—alright? Just because I’m not around much anymore doesn’t mean that I don’t worry about you. I couldn’t stand it if something happened to you,” he said quietly.

When he gave her a side glance, there were tears in her eyes.

“Okay,” she answered softly, clearing her throat. “It might be easier if you dropped me off at the lobby so that I can stop by the boutique to hand over these clothes to Rene first.”

“I can do that,” he answered agreeably. “What’s on your list for this afternoon?”

“Mom didn’t give me too much to do, but I’m supposed to help hand out the costumes in the dressing rooms starting in a couple hours. Also, I’ll need to text reminders to everyone who’s performing to let them know what time they’re supposed toarrive for hair and makeup. Only for the afternoon performances though.”

“That sounds like plenty to do,” Ben replied. “I’m supposed to make sure that the auction items are in order before they’re displayed to the audience.”

“Then we’re both expected to sit with Mom and Dad at dinner.”

“I don’t mind. How about you?”

“Not really. Besides, Eve and Harry are going to be there too.”

“That’ll be nice, won’t it?” he asked.

“Yes. I’m glad we’re going to spend Christmas together. I’ve only gotten to spend a little time with their baby,” Lara said.

There was something about the way she talked about the baby that made Ben realize that something was up with that too. He wondered if Eve might have been keeping her distance because of Lara’s obvious troubles.

That could very well be. Even though it might not have been a conscious decision, Eve could have been concerned about Cam’s safety.

Which would have put Lara even more on the defensive, feeling like she didn’t fit in.

Well, everything couldn’t be solved today, but Ben was determined to find a way to help. He’d been way too wrapped up in thinking about the future while Lara had obviously been going through some kind of crisis.

Pulling up to the Dragonfly Pointe Inn lobby entrance, Ben stepped out from the driver’s seat, walking around the truck to open the passenger door for Lara as she reached for the clothing bag she’d hung over the door in the back seat.

Looking taken aback, Lara stepped out from the truck with the clothing bag in her hands.

“See you in a little while,” Ben said softly. “I love you, sis.”

She blinked, as tears came back to her eyes.

“I love you too, Ben,” she said gruffly, rushing to the double doors leading into the breezeway of the lobby.

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