Be With Me

Chapter Four

Rey spent all day at the shop having maintenance done on Unkar's car. Her heart almost dropped to her feet when she saw the bill. There was way more damage than just the wheel bearing. She paid up and knew Unkar most likely wouldn't reimburse her. His go-to excuse was 'she lived under his roof, therefore she had to help out where it was necessary'. When she got home she hurried to finish the rest of her chores so she could go to the party.

As usual, her friends were on call while they were getting ready. When Rose was done, she took off in order to pick Rey up on time. Finn and Poe stayed on call while Rey quickly finished her makeup, packed her things and then hung up before running out. Unkar was fast asleep on his recliner when she dashed out of the door. Rose pulled up in her yellow buggy and Rey hopped in. They drove about half an hour to their destination. The lake house was a large estate in a log-home style build adjoining a private beach with direct access to the lake. Party lights were hung all around the roof and throughout the backyard where there were already people enjoying their Saturday night. The Lake House was sold to the city after the former owners had left under mysterious circumstances and it became a local watering hole for high school and college students. The mayor claimed the city needed a safe event space for kids, so the Lake House was bought and revamped for party purposes and other events.

Kaydell, Finn, and Poe hadn't gotten there yet, so they decided to wait. While they did so, Rey looked around to see if Ben's motorcycle was parked anywhere. She couldn't find it but was still getting a bit nervous thinking about seeing him. It was more excitement than anxiety. Their friends arrived around ten minutes later and they all went inside. Poe wore his favorite brown leather jacket with a black loose-fit shirt underneath. Finn had on a black hoodie and was clearly amused at Poe's choice of outfit.

With his finger Finn reached over to Poe's v-neck and tugged at the fabric. "What's this? What's happening here?"

"Poe has a deeper neckline than all of us put together," Rose teased.

"Jealous?" Poe grinned back clearly not bothered by the teasing.

"Actually, yeah a little bit," Kaydell giggled.

Poe bent over a bit shaking his shoulders back and fourth. "If you got it, flaunt it."

Rey laughed and covered her stomach while Finn put his hands to his knees shaking his head and wheezing from laughter. They all walked inside and Rey recognized a lot of kids from school and was excited to have a nice evening out.

Two hours had gone by and Ben was still nowhere to be found. She knew he hadn't arrived yet because she checked the entrance every time someone entered. Maybe something came up or he changed his mind. She walked over to the couch where Kaydell and Finn were sitting deep in conversation with some kids from school. She took out her phone and opened Instagram.

'Hey, I can't find my pouting buddy 🥺,' she texted him. She noticed he was active and a second later he answered.

'I think I found him... look behind you 😋'

Rey looked up and over her shoulder to see Ben Solo standing in the door frame of the back entrance with two of his friends. They were all dressed similarly: all-black shirts and pants and dark jeans jackets with patches of a red and black symbol she couldn't quite recognize. His wavy, raven hair was pushed back but a few strands rebelled. Some kids near them cleared the way and seemed uneasy about the trio that had just walked in. His two friends walked over to where the beer and other alcoholic beverages were being handed out in red Solo cups, but Ben walked straight to where she was sitting. She smiled at him and subtly waved. He leaned down, resting his elbows on the backrest of the couch and held out his hand. She put her hand in his and shook gently. His large hands were calloused yet soft and warm and engulfed her own hand completely.