Page 69 of Finally Found You

“Ben,” I begin. “I’ve known you for a long time. You’re usually easygoing, but lately, you’ve been acting as if there’s a chip on your shoulder and you hate the entire world. It’s like you have a death wish.”

“A death wish?”

“You’re upsetting everyone.”

He looks away, his fingers absently tracing the back of his neck. “Then maybe moving to Seattle isn’t such a bad idea.”

“Is that what you want?”

“I can’t see her with him,” he mumbles.

“Who?” I ask, feigning ignorance, even though I know he’s talking about Cory.

His hand slides up, fingers kneading at the nape of his neck, a physical manifestation of his emotional torment. “I never thought this through,” he says in a raw and ragged whisper. “You’re young and fall in love with a girl who’s too young, too innocent, and your best friend’s baby sister. She’s obviously off-limits.”

His palm thumps against his chest, an echo of the ache resonating within. “You convince yourself it’ll fade, but it doesn’t leave. In the meantime, you fuck around in an attempt to smother your emotions… and now… what am I supposed to do?”

I wish I could tell him that he should fight for who he loves and try to make amends. But my sister deserves a guy who’s not broken like him. I’m not sure about the guy she’s dating. She keeps him away from us, safeguarding him from her brothers’ judgment.

However, I’ve noticed she seems happier than she’s been in years. She’s finally moving on from Benedict.

“Be patient. Time has a way of healing wounds, even the deepest ones,” I assure him gently, my gaze meeting his. “There’s someone out there for you.” Not my sister, I don’t add.

He glares at me. “You don’t understand. She’s the love of my life, and I lost her because I’m a fucking idiot—or maybe I never had her because life is too fucking unfair.”

I cast a glance at Bernie, then turn back to him. “Focus on her. She should be your entire life. Everything else is secondary.”

He nods, pulling out his tablet and wireless headphones. Once settled, he looks at me, his eyes almost pleading and holding a world of unspoken pain. “Your sister will never be secondary. But you’re right. I need to make peace with the hand fate dealt me. I should let her be happy. That’s all I ever wanted for her.” His voice wavers on the last word, a raw reminder of the love he still harbors for Cory.

It also reminds me that he’s always been there for my sister. Always. Not long ago, he bought her the inn so she could remodel it and run it. He went with her to prom after her date stood her up, and… he has stayed away, but also close enough to come to her rescue when he thinks she needs him.

But what am I supposed to say? I hate that they both hurt and then there’s Bernie. He should just focus on his daughter and let my sister be happy. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I nod, confirming to myself that the advice I gave him is the best for everyone.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Lysander

By nine o’clock, we’re in front of the apartment building where Cami and JJ live. The sleek, modern structure stands tall against the awakening cityscape, its exterior adorned with reflective glass panels. The cool morning breeze carries the scent of fall, mingling with the refreshing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from nearby cafés.

“This is pretty,” Kenzy says in awe, her gaze traveling upward. “Do you think you can see the city from the top of the building?”

“Probably. We’ll have to investigate,” I respond, straining slightly as I try to suppress the nerves gnawing at my gut.

We step through the building’s entrance. The light in the lobby filters through the windows, illuminating the space with a sense of serenity. The muted colors of dawn’s palette reflect off the walls, casting a warm, tranquil ambiance.

“Fancy,” Kenzy mumbles. “It reminds me a little of the Dragos’ home.”

I’ve never been there. In fact, as of today, I’ve never met them, but I’m thankful for all the help they’ve given us since Kenzy ran away. Making our way to the elevator, I press the button, and as the doors slide open with a hushed whisper, we step inside.

As the elevator reaches the tenth floor, the doors part, revealing a peaceful corridor bathed in the early morning light. Underneath my shoes, the plush charcoal-gray carpet muffles our footsteps as we approach the familiar apartment door.

Before I can utter a single word, Kenzy wastes no time and presses the doorbell. The sound resonates through the air, echoing with a sense of urgency. Within moments, the door swings open, revealing Cami standing on the other side. My heart flutters in my chest as her familiar face comes into view, a neatly braided cascade of hair framing it.

Her features light up with a radiant smile as she spots Kenzy. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she breathes out, wrapping my daughter in a warm, tender embrace. Yet, beneath the joy, I detect a glint of worry in her eyes, like she’s been holding her breath for this moment.

Kenzy, however, is quick to playfully protest, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Too tight,” she teases, with a twinkle of humor. “You’re squeezing the life out of me.”

Cami pulls back, laughing. “Sorry, I’m just so excited to see you. It’s been…” The sparkle in her eyes fights back a wave of tears. “I have so many ideas of what we can do, but come inside first.”

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