Page 85 of Until the Ink Dries

“A city girl like me would never survive the small town life.”

I playfully rolled my eyes as I opened the door wider to let her in. “Whatever, Lyndie. Come on and get this stuff. If you see anything else you want, feel free to take it, too.”

“Girl, don’t tell me that. You know you have some nice shit.”

She waved her dad and uncle in and made herself busy looking around my place for what else she could take. I headed back into the kitchen to finish packing the non-perishables to take to the mission downtown. I had to get there before seven and it was already five thirty. Since I had to wait for Lyndie to get off work, I might not make it.

About ten minutes of moving furniture went by before Lyndie came into the kitchen.

“Hey, there’s somebody out front. I don’t recognize the car.”

I sighed as I finished closing the box. I headed back through the living room and slipped my feet into my slippers before walking outside. Sure enough, there was a black car parked in front of the townhouse. I squinted, trying to see who it was, but the tint was dark. Giving up, I started for the car, but stopped when the door opened and someone stepped out.

When the man turned around and I saw it was Benny, my heart dropped. We’d spoken on the phone, but the last time I saw him was when he took me to the airport. I held it together long enough to make it into the airport bathroom, where I broke into tears. I didn’t realize how bad I was going to miss him until he was out of my sight.

“Benny!”

My feet had a mind of their own as they carried me to him. Tears streamed down my face as I ran into his arms.

He chuckled in my ears. “I take it you missed me?” he asked.

“So fucking much.”

“I missed you, too, baby.”

I pulled back and cupped his face. “How did you get here? When did you get here? How did you even know where to find me?”

“So many questions. I flew in today and I got your address from Shirah.”

“Wait! She knew, and she didn’t tell me!”

“It wouldn’t have been a surprise if she told you, woman.”

I smiled as I stroked his cheek. “I’m so happy to see you,” I said, my voice cracking. “Where’s Charlie?”

“With my parents. She demanded I call her as soon as I see you.”

I giggled. “Well, let’s go inside.”

I grabbed his hand and led him up the driveway to the front steps. Lyndie stepped out of the house, almost running into us.

“Ooop! My bad.” Her eyes landed on Benny. “Well, who is this handsome young man?”

“Lyndie, this is Benny. Benny, this is my friend, Lyndie.”

Benny extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, Lyndie.”

“Nice to meet you.” She turned to me. “I see why you’re moving back. I don’t blame you, girl. Now this… this is an upgrade. I’ve got everything, so we’re gonna get out of your hair.” She pulled me into a tight embrace. “Please take care of yourself, Willow.”

“I will.”

We hugged for a moment longer before she headed down the steps and out to her car. I led Benny inside to the kitchen, where the only seating now was. We sat at the table, and he pulled out his phone and called his mother. After about four rings, the call was answered and Charlie’s cute self populated on the screen.

“Ms. Willow!” she exclaimed. “I missed you!”

“I missed you more!”

Benny kissed his teeth. “What about daddy?”

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