Page 47 of Love, Rekindled

“Not ringing any bells.”

She wouldn’t remember him anyway, he definitely wasn’t running in her crowd.

Ben was bullied, and his parents moved after it got really bad. But that isn’t what has my heart pounding right now. I loved Ben. I really loved him and it took me almost all of high school to get over him. I waited for his letters, for him to come back to me like he promised. I thought if I loved him so much, that he could feel it wherever he was.

I was stupid.

I’ve always wondered if he was okay...I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

CHAPTER 3

Gretchen

“Natalie!”I smile with my arms open as I walk toward her.

I love this girl. She’s funny, smart, sweet as can be, and despite having a shit sandwich handed to her, she smiles a lot. Then again, if I got to look at her husband all day, I’d smile too.

“Ahh!” She squeals as she gets out of her chair. “I heard you were coming to join this...group of idiots. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too, I needed it. How are you? How is Liam and the kids?”

“They’re good, you’ll have to come by and see them.”

“Once I get settled, I’d love that. For now, I’m just trying to get a hold on my life and new job here.”

She touches my arm. “We’re happy to have you. Mark needs all the help he can get. Plus, another girl in the office of testosterone will be much welcomed.”

“How is our favorite minister?”

Mark Dixon is one of the best people on the planet and got himself ordained over the internet. He continues to claim he’s a man of the cloth and we go with it because it’s easier. He’s insane. Basically, he’s the penis-attached version of Ashton. They’re both sarcastic and he’ll keep me feeling like I’m home.

“He’s fine. I love his wife, Charlie, and she beats him up when he acts like an ass—which means every day.”

“She really is the best. I met her at Catherine’s wedding and we talked a lot.”

“Oh! I forgot about that. She’s the best. Truly. She’s probably the only woman alive who could deal with that man.”

We both giggle.

“If it isn’t Jilted.”

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

“You are not going to call me that, asshat.”

“Oh, now that I know it bothers you, I totally am.”

Great. It’s like giving a dog a bone with these guys.

“Whatever you say, Twinkle Toes or was it Teeny Peenie? I can never remember your call sign.”

His eyes widen and Natalie bursts out laughing.

“I can kill you, remember that,” Mark warns.

“You could try, but your wife likes me and she’d kill you.”

He grumbles about women under his breath.

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