Page 107 of Just a Plot Twist
“Oh, no. And you miss her! I can see it in your eyes.”
“I don’t miss the whole drinking water issue and the medications and the special diet and the—”
“Stop. You missher.”
He doesn’t respond, so I keep going. “I’m sorry you couldn’t keep her. Do you think there’s any chance you could get her back?”
“I would like to get her back.” But his tone of voice and the way he’s looking at me tell me he’s not just talking about Cinnamon anymore. My heart flip flops, but I’m here, on the job, and we’re not alone. There’s nothing I can do.
But suddenly, I just know. Thereissomething I can do for Benson. I have to at least try.
“Claire, believe me when I say—”
In the distance, one of the crew members starts a chainsaw, so I don’t hear the last part of his sentence.
Ugh. Maybe I should tell the crew they can go home. We have far more important things happening up in here.
“What?” I cup a hand behind my ear.
He motions like he’s trying to sign something to me. And then mouths, “I’ll tell you later.”
Later. Maybe there really will be a “later “with Benson after all.
Will there be an “always” with him, too?
Chapter 34
Benson
Claire and I are down at the trailhead after getting the trucks loaded up with the garbage bags and landscaping tools. The trucks are driven away by city maintenance workers, and she and I share a look.
Working for hours on trail cleanup was grimy and hot, but she still wants to hug me, so I consider that a win. Having her in my arms again is just right.
“Can you come to the resort with us?” I ask, softly trailing my hands up and down her back, not wanting to let go. “The kids are there with Stella, waiting for us. I told my family if they came to help, I’d feed them. But I want to feed you, too. I’m having food brought in.” I pull away enough to see her face. “I got you burgers, baby.”
She shivers, her mouth dropping open. “Burgers? I want all the burgers, but I can’t.”
“What? Why? I love feeding you burgers.”
“I know you do.” Her smile is coy. “And you’re good at it. But I have a flight to Indianapolis in a couple of hours. I barely have time to run home and shower before zooming over to Denver.”
“Indianapolis?”
“For work. Because, you know, I’m a city manager and there’s a conference for city managers there.” She shrugs. “It’s cool. No big whoop.”
She’s acting like it’s not a big deal. But it is, and when I lift her off the ground in a bear hug, she squeals and laughs.
“It’s a big deal,” I say once I’ve set her back on the ground.
Her laughter sends her head back. “I’m irrationally excited to go.” Then her smile fades. “But I hate leaving you. Wanna come on a last-minute vacay?” Her eyes light up.
I groan, crossing my arms over my chest. I’m pretty sure she’s kidding, though, it would be amazing to drop everything for a vacation with her anywhere.
“I know, I know. The kids and all.” She beams. “And it’s fine! One of these days, though, we should be spontaneous.”
I gather her close, resting my chin on her head. “When will you be back?”
“Tuesday afternoon.” She plants a swift kiss on my cheek that I’m sure is covered in dirt. “Thanks a bazillion times over for coming today and working so hard. Can I see you when I get back?”
