The Arrangement

Chapter Nineteen

"Oh god no, I can't take anymore" I all but cry as I slump back against the pillows and rub my belly.

Lennox wasn't joking when he said that he'd ordered practically the whole menu, he also didn't let me finish when I'd insisted that I'd had enough food. Insisting that I have more.

"Come on, just one more bite!" he teases, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He holds up a forkful of something that looks delicious but also feels like it might just tip me over the edge. "You can't let it go to waste!"

I can't help but smile at his persistence, even as I protest, "I really can't, Lennox. I'll burst!" But there's a softness in his gaze, a genuine care that makes me feel safe, like I can let my guard down just a little bit more.

His laughter is comforting and I have to admit he's been so good at distracting my thoughts away from Ashton and Carter with his lighthearted chat.

He sets the fork down and leans back, his expression shifting from playful to serious for a moment. "I know it's a lot to handle right now. But you've been through a lot today. Just let me take care of you for a bit, okay?" His voice is gentle, and I can see the sincerity in his eyes.

His phone starts buzzing on the coffee table and I catch a glimpse of Carter's name before he answers it.

"Hey bud" he says rather lightheartedly and I'm quickly gathering that this is what Lennox does.

He's a comforter, someone that can make you feel at ease amongst any type of chaos.

"Yeah we're all good" he says, his eyes flickering over to me briefly. "What about you guys?" He then asks and I wait with bated breath as he listens to whatever he's being told.

Sighing he nods as if Carter can see him, "yeah I get it, I'll explain and we'll see you in a few days" he then says.

"A few days?" I ask as soon as I see him hit the red end call button.

Sighing he scrubs his hand down his face clearly not wanting to have this conversation. "Carter thinks it's best if he and Ash take a couple of days," he says slowly, each word carefully chosen.

My heart races as I process his words. "Take a couple of days? What does that even mean? Maybe this whole thing isn't a good idea" Panic creeps into my voice, and I can see Lennox's eyes soften with empathy. "I can go back home, honestly it's no bother"

"Honestly Blair, if you leave I think that will only make things worse" he replies quickly in a clear attempt to reassure me. "you have to understand that this isn't about you," Lennox says, his tone softening. He leans closer, his intensity piercing through my haze of panic. "Like I said earlier the relationship between Carter and Ash is complicated. They've been through some heavy stuff, and sometimes Ash just needs some time out. Trust me, me and Henley have dealt with our fair share of this"

There's a beat of silence between us before Lennox huffs out a breath and stands. "Why don't we do something tonight instead of just being stuck here, I'll call Henley and he can join us"

It's only now that Henley really occurs to me and I realise that there's so many people to always have to consider with this. I already felt that I was way out of my depth but now that feeling has only intensified.

"Where is he?" I ask sheepishly.

"Something to do with new systems" Lennox replies waving a dismissive hand in the air, "honestly I have no idea what he does half the time, probably playing Tetris for all I know"

I chuckle at the absurdity of that thought, picturing Henley hunched over a screen, trying to fit colorful blocks together instead of attending to whatever serious work he was supposed to be doing. Still, the laugh does little to dispel the knot in my stomach. "Do you think he'll be up for it? I mean, if he's really busy...."

Lennox pauses, glancing at me with a knowing expression. "Look, Henley's a workaholic, but he also knows when to take a break. He needs this as much as we do. Trust me, he'll be excited to get out of the office. Plus, he hates missing out on anything fun."

"Only if it involves lots of alcohol" I sigh rolling my eyes and there's a broad smile that spreads across his face.

"Oh yeah, that's a done deal" he chuckles.

———

After somehow managing to squeeze into a pair of fitting jeans and a cute top, me and Lennox head into the city to meet Henley.

By the time we get to the bar and make it inside, I can feel the atmosphere seep into me straight away. The bar is vibrant, filled with laughter and chatter, the clinking of glasses creating a symphony of indulgence. The dim lighting casts a warm glow over the wooden tables, and the air is thick with the scent of booze and bar snacks. I take a moment to soak it all in, the energy buzzing around me as I feel the weight of the day finally begin to lift.

As we approach the table, I spot Henley sitting there, a vision of effortless cool. He's dressed in a fitted shirt that hugs his frame just right, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing toned forearms. His dark hair is slightly tousled, and his eyes light up as soon as he sees us. But instead of the warm greeting I expect, he greets me with a devilish grin that puts me on alert.

"Whilst Carter's away we play" he announces, thrusting a shot glass into my hand.

"Something tells me this is a terrible idea" I say sarcastically causing both he and Lennox to laugh.

"Oh princess you have no idea," Lennox laughs taking a shot from Henley too. "Strap in cause it'll be quite the ride" he then says before slamming back his shot with no hesitation whatsoever.

I follow his doing exactly the same but not being as collected as the liquid burns my throat and forces me to cough through it.

"Yeah this is a bad idea" I practically splutter each word punctuated by a cough as I fight against the heat rising in my chest. The two of them erupt into laughter, their carefree spirits infectious yet mocking. Henley leans back in his chair, shaking his head in amusement.

"You've got to work on your shot-taking skills, especially if you're going to keep up with me" His tone is light, and his grin is disarming, but there's an edge of challenge in his expression.

After the rollercoaster that today has been I find myself getting swept up in the laid back atmosphere that they both exude so well.

They're without a doubt polar opposites of Ashton and Carter. Where they're all serious and brooding, Henley and Lennox are like a wave of care free enjoyment and before I know it one shot turns in numerous.

As the alcohol takes effect I find myself easing into the lighthearted vibe that they bring. We drink and sing and dance without a care in the world.