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Ben nodded. "And I have Noam and Xander's numbers should I think he's falling apart. I even have Katie's office number programmed into my phone. I won't let him sink into a depression or go to some dark place. I promise."
Trenton reached over and touched Ben's arm. "Thanks." He turned to Faith, keeping his hand on Ben's arm. "I know you want to be here, but right now, I just need someone who is going to let me work through this. I know you've seen the worst of the world too, but even knowing that, I can't talk about this with you, Faith. I wouldn't."
"I'm not a little—"
"It has nothing to do with you being young or you being a woman. I wouldn't talk to Xander or Matt about this. I won't talk to anyone other than Ben right now because he was there. He was part of it all. I don't have to explain things to him because he was there. In time, maybe I'll talk to Katie, but as for anyone else on the team, I just can't. They know all they are going to know." He saw the hurt his words caused in her eyes, but he wouldn't apologize or take them back. He didn't want to share his personal hell with anyone. It was bad enough it played back and forth in his head every night. He didn't need others knowing about it too. "I love you, and you know how much the guys mean to me, but I just need time."
She nodded. "I understand. I really do. It's just hard. I want to help."
"You know there is nothing that will help but time."
Ben covered Trenton's hand with his own, reminding him that he still had it resting on Ben's arm. "There are so many layers to the things we've both been through. This isn't just about the rape or kidnapping. It goes deeper. Stuff only someone that was there could understand." He looked at Faith. "I promise I'll call if he needs you guys. And I'm sure he's not saying don't come over at all. You can still check on him. Just don't expect the same guy that he was to show back up right away."
Faith nodded and took a deep breath. "Okay then, but I still might bring you some meals. I'll drop them off and go. You don't have to entertain me. I just know you. If someone doesn't cook, you'll live off pizza and frozen dinners."
"I'll agree to that for a bit, but you really need to go back and get ready for school to start. You don't need to be wasting your time here. We can Facetime and stuff so you know I'm okay. My life was disrupted, but yours shouldn't have to be." He took a bite of his meatballs, trying to get things back on track. "I feel guilty enough for things, don't make me feel guilty you got off to a slow start at school this year."
"You know better. I won't mess up school." She picked her own fork back up. "In fact, I talked to my roommate earlier and things are good to go. I got all the classes I wanted, and we're volunteering at a clinic off-campus."
"Trenton told me you're pre-med?" Ben asked.
She nodded. "I've been training with Beau for years, but I have to make things official. If I want hospital privileges, I sorta have to have the degree too." She rolled her eyes.
"Beau spoiled you," Trenton commented before shoving another meatball into his mouth.
Faith jabbed her fork toward him. "You all spoiled me."
Ben laughed. "I haven't had the chance to meet Beau. I'm assuming he's a doctor?"
"Oh, sorry. I thought you knew about the team and everything." She looked worriedly at Trenton. "Did I say too much?"
"No, he does know about the team, but he hasn't met everyone and we haven't discussed what role everyone plays." He glanced at Ben. "Beau is our team doctor. He handles all the unexpected injuries. We have a small clinic at the main house where he can do minor surgeries and stuff."
"Wow, you guys have a plan for everything." Ben looked impressed.
"We have to. We never know when a sting will go bad." Trenton shrugged.
Faith leaned in as if she was telling a secret. "Most of the injuries are because these guys are so competitive. Sprained ankles from a game of basketball in the driveway, or what was your last one, Trenton? Oh yeah, a broken wrist after a racquetball hit your arm just right."
Trenton shrugged. "That wasn't my fault. Becca distracted me."
Faith laughed. "You're really blaming Becca."
"Damn straight." He reached for his drink. "Seriously, Faith, dinner is amazing. Thank you for bringing it over."
Ben nodded. "I have to admit, I didn't think meatballs could be that good. I see why they are Trenton's favorite."
"Next time I'll make his favorite roasted chicken, but I think I'll have to borrow his kitchen for that. If I try to make it at home, Xander will eat it all before I get it here." She took a bite of the green bean casserole she'd brought with. "Was that a cake I saw in the kitchen?"
"Ben brought it." Trenton smiled over at him. He was so glad he was here to help ease the tension. It was probably a tension only he felt, but it was there.
"Chocolate?" Faith asked.
"Is there any other kind worth having?" Ben raised a brow.
"You know, I think I like you." Faith stood. "Everyone want a slice of it?"
"Please," they both answered in unison.
