Page 23 of For the Love of Scott
They stare at each other, the silence growing thick. How does he segue into the rest? Shit. He should’ve thought things out a little better.
“Is that a Strawberry Banana Fudge Delight from Carla’s Deli?” Ben finally asks, gaze straying to the large white Styrofoam cup with its clear plastic domed lid showing off a plump strawberry in a bed of whipped cream.
Scott glances down and another rush of relief flows through him. Right. His peace offering. Scott nods and holds it out.
“You drove all the way into Snyder to get that?”
The question seems like a good sign. A quick breath escapes him. “I did.”
“For me?”
“For you.”
Ben jams his fingers into his front pockets. “Tell me why I shouldn’t throw that in your face?”
And just like that, Scott’s hopes crash into a jagged boulder and sink into the roiling seas. He deserves that and then some. He’s been on the receiving end of ass chewings by any number of high-ranking officers during his stint in the Army. Why is this so much worse?
‘Cause you hurt the one who seems to care about you more than anyone else in the world, you moron.
Scott could’ve studied the workmanship on the front of Ben’s desk for hours, but he’s never been one to shy away from an ass chewing that is rightfully his. He meets Ben’s gaze. While an apology might not be accepted, it is the place to start. He opens his mouth to speak, but Ben beats him to the punch.
“For crying out loud, Scott. What you said…that hurt. I didn’t think I could feel that awful again. But the last few days have been hell. I don’t know what happened; I don’t know what I did. We were okay and then we weren’t, and I…” He rolls his shoulders, takes a deep breath, and lets it out again.
Scott hangs his head and then scans Ben’s office walls, noting his degree, as well the family photos and drawings from Misty. “I’m so very sorry. I really am. Your family must hate me.”
“No, Scott, they don’t hate you. They’re all a little miffed with you, sure, but they’re worried about you too.”
The words hit Scott like a blow to the head. His gaze snaps to Ben’s. “Really?”
This being cared about is a new feeling. He can’t remember when someone last gave two shits about him. His mother hadn’t even cared enough to take him with her. These people that he’s known for all of two, three weeks are worried about him. Have taken him into their home and their affections. He pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Really.” And, as if sensing Scott’s imminent breakdown, Ben asks, “Now what are you doing here with that thing? That Strawberry Banana Fudge Delight.
“From Carla’s Deli.
“In Snyder.”
Scott snorts and coughs. He holds it out again. “Apology and peace offering. I owe you an explanation when you’re ready.”
Scott follows Ben’s glance at the clock on the mantel of the old fireplace. Four twenty.
“I’m ready. Do you mind if we walk?”
Scott shakes his head. “You realize the temperature’s barely above freezing outside, right?”
“You’re the one who brought a shake,” Ben says, putting his coat on and zipping it up before taking the treat from Scott.
“I didn’t know what else to get. Flowers and chocolate didn’t really seem appropriate, although I did consider them.”
Ben’s fleeting smile buoys Scott’s hope that he’s going to be forgiven at least.
“I’m done for the day, Patty,” says Ben on his way past. “Shut ‘er down and go on home.”
“Have a good evening, Ben…Scott.”
“Night, Patty, and thanks,” says Scott. He shoves his hands in his coat pockets and walks beside Ben as they head eastward. Long shadows from the setting sun leave them more in brisk shade than waning sunlight. Ben has popped off the plastic lid and devoured the strawberry already.
“So?” Ben says. He’s eased the tension, but Scott is still going to have to earn back any semblance of the easy camaraderie they’d been establishing.
