Page 82 of Need Him
Andy gave a sad smile. “It wasn’t as bad as you’re probably thinking, but he had a very low opinion of me, and it filtered into our lives until I believed every word he said. Panic attacks, anxiety, nerves and every other word associated with those are just some of what I deal with now. But it hasn’t stopped me from trying to find the right person for me.”
It hadn’t gone unnoticed by Ben that Andy’s words were clearer and had less uncertainty the more he spoke.
“I’m glad, and that just goes to show how much confidence you already have inside you. You need to let it out.”
Andy blew out a long breath. “I try, but I get intimidated by people easily. When people meet me, they assume I’m a big, brash, overbearing, larger-than-life person, and when they find out I’m not, their opinions go completely one-eighty.”
“We can help you find the right person, Andy. It is now my personal mission.”
Andy’s eyes widened. “Oh! No, you don’t have to do that! I wasn’t asking to make you do some work. I just wanted some advice.”
Ben chuckled and patted his hands. “I know, Andy. I know, but I’ve now decided you are my friend, and I want to help.” He glanced around. “Have you seen any Daddies here you like the look or sound of?”
Andy’s cheeks flushed, and Ben hid a smile. “There was one guy, but I didn’t catch his name. He’s taller than me, has jet black hair and was wearing purple Dr Martens.” Andy bit his lip, trying to stop his smile if Ben was right.
“Purple Dr Martens. Well, that should narrow the scope. Let me talk to Lindsay and find out. Are you okay here for a minute, or do you want to come with me?”
“I’m okay here.” Andy cupped his drink and smiled. “I need some time to get up my courage.”
Ben patted his shoulder and weaved through the crowd to where he thought Lindsay’s table was. “Hey, Lindsay. I have a strange request.”
“Doesn’t that sum you up lately,” she murmured with a small smile.
“Hey!” He frowned, but she laughed at him. “Anyway, do you know a Daddy who is wearing purple Dr Martens?”
She blinked at him. “No,” she said slowly, “because we did not request a mention of footwear on the forms.”
“Damn. I had hoped you’d maybe noticed him or something. I need to find him.”
“We could do an announcement?”
Ben shook his head immediately. “No, that’ll just cause embarrassment.” He studied the occupants. “It can’t be that hard. I’ll have to go around and check everyone.”
“Why is it important?”
“You know you introduced me to Andy? Well, he struggles to meet people, and I’ve decided to help. He mentioned liking the look of the guy, and I wanted to find and talk to him.”
“That’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
“It’s only fifty-ish people. It can’t be that hard.”
Lindsay sighed. “You start looking. I’ll go around the staff and see if anyone knows who he is and ask them to keep an eye out for him.”
“Thanks, Lins. You’re the best.”
“That’s why you bribed me to leave Market Foods.” She grinned and disappeared before Ben could reply.
He went right through the middle of the crowd, looking at the floor—or rather people’s feet—as he went. He found someone wearing purple trainers but nothing else. He changed directions when he reached the other side of the room, ending up bumping into someone.
“Oh, sorry!” he said, then grinned and slid his arms around Gareth’s neck. “Hey, Daddy. I missed you.”
“Missed you, too, sweetheart. You’re on a mission, I’m told.”
Ben nodded. “To find a guy with purple Dr Martens.”
“We’ve done more with less, so let’s go.”
Gareth kissed him and threaded their fingers together, but before they moved off, someone tapped Ben on the shoulder.
