The Moment Before You Fall

Thirty-four: Catching Up

*** Six months later ***

***Abigail's POV***

"Well lookie who finally is able to grace us with her presence again!" Laura teases me as I slip into a seat where our ladies' night crew sits.

We established weekly ladies' nights and I held constant for the first month of work, but as the show at the high school neared its run and things picked up at the park I was hit or miss. I hadn't made it at all in the last month. But the show at the school had ended and we were through the Halloween Crypt Tales so I had a few weeks to breathe.

I glanced around the table, happy to see my friends and hear about how life was treating them. I knew the most about Whitney, of course. Her and Jamar had unfortunately broken up, but it was amicable. They burned fast and furious and then sort of just fizzled.

Desiree and I had also gotten close. We started inviting her to ladies' night after they all met at the orientation week gatherings and connected at the parties. But I saw Desiree more now because Benjamin and I regularly hung out with her and Kit, usually heading to their place for backyard barbecue and games on Friday or Saturday nights when I was able. Benjamin flew solo when I was working.

"It's been a moment, sis." Jade teases. She tried out for the part as Bree and after some arm-twisting in interpreting the story line, Max relented and hired her. It's the perfect environment for her to grow in a safe environment, and the family has accepted her, and Jamar when he tags along, with open arms.

Funny story. Jamar thought he was going to try and hook up with Meg after his break-up with Whitney. Only Meg was already hooking up with Jade. I shouldn't laugh, but Jamar's poor ego took a hit.

"Yeah, Benjamin and I should be at dinner this Sunday." I inform her. While we still stayed on an every other week cycle with Benji's parents, I had skipped out on my dinner theater family's outings lately, opting to catch up on laundry or Netflix because every other day was so hectic. I missed them dearly and was excited to get caught up properly.

Chantelle and Sanne waved at me from their seats. "Hi ladies." I waved back.

"Ladies? Who the heck is she talking about?" Chantelle quipped. Sanne rolled her pretty eyes.

"How's Duncan?" I ask.

"He's on a quest. He wants to plan a roadtrip to visit more towns like the place Benjamin and you suggested." She replies.

"So you two liked it?" I guess.

"He would have bought property if it wouldn't be such an awful commute." She indicates with a laugh.

"Did you have fun?"

"US history is so peculiar, but I enjoyed watching him geek out and the people were quite nice." She shares.

The conversation eventually turns to me and my life updates. I sigh. "I don't even know where to start."

"Look at that face! Girlfriend is in love!" Laura calls me out. "And trust me, I see the other half and he's just as smitten."

I know I'm turning pink. The truth is I am in love with Benjamin. I have been since our first date. But I can't bring myself to say it because I don't know if he's ready. He was with Rebecca for so long and loved her...loves her still. Does he have room in his heart? Is he willing to let himself love again?

"Oh yeah. I keep teasing Kit that Benjamin's bound to propose to her soon so if Kit doesn't want to be shown up, he better get going with me!" Desiree giggles.