Ben Affleck | The Square Affair

(to) escape reality

Savannah's streets were busy. The drive to Ben's house nearly took an hour, leaving Ben, Henry and (YN) solely enough time to fetch Henry's luggage before hitting the road again so that Henry wouldn't miss his flight.

Driving off Hampton Island wasn't more time-consuming than usual given the private location of the community, and fortunately the interstate had cleared so the three of them reached the airport in time without being held up by another traffic jam. Before finding a parking spot, Ben let (YN) and Henry hop out of the car in front of the entrance so that Henry didn't have to drag his suitcase through the car lot.

(YN) spontaneously used the moment alone with Henry to ask him a question that was on her mind, nagging her, ever since they had left the hotel downtown.

"Henry, there's something I wanted to ask you," she started, looking behind her shoulder to make sure it was still just the two of them.

"What's up?"

"Why did you make me hold your hand earlier?" (YN) didn't expect the words to sound so repulsive coming out of her mouth, like it had been a terrible experience to hold hands with him.

"Um..." Henry laughed nervously, "I kind of acted on impulse there, not gonna lie. I did it to protect Ben, I guess." His confession made her frown. "Protect him from what?" (YN) asked.

"You know he's getting a divorce, right?" He waited for her to nod before continuing, "So, he has to deal with a lot of crap lately. I just thought it'd be easier if the tabloids made us out to be dating than you two. I'm sorry, (YN), I shouldn't have done it without your consent." He sent her an apologetic smile.

"Oh. Okay. I thought maybe Ben had come up with the idea," (YN) admitted which led to Henry giving her a confused look. "No, it was mine. Why? Did he say something to you?" She saw Ben walk through the sliding door and decided to drop the subject. "No, he didn't. Never mind," (YN) smiled at Henry to show him there was no greater meaning behind her curiosity.

"Ready to go home?" Ben asked. "Absolutely," Henry laughed as they made their way over to the baggage check-in. The lady at the shelter obviously recognized him as he heaved his suitcase onto the belt. (YN) couldn't blame her for her flustered state. He looked even better from close up than on camera.

"(YN), it was lovely meeting you," Henry said as they stood in front of the Security Screening. "You, too," (YN) answered and let him pull her in for a hug. "Don't fall for him," Henry whispered into her ear while squeezing her lightly. She tensed up unwillingly, wanting to ask what he meant by that. "Don't fall for him" as in "He's going to break your heart" or as in "Watch out, he's using you."

"You take care of yourself," Henry said for Ben to hear when he pulled away. "I will. Have a good flight," (YN) quickly tried to hide her racing thoughts and watched the two men exchange goodbyes as well. "Thanks for having me, mate."

"Anytime. Gimme a call when you land and say hi to your mom for me, yeah?"

"You got it. See ya in a couple of weeks. All right... I had a great time with you two. (YN), thanks for hanging with us and... you know," Henry said, blushing, and the three of them broke into laughter. "Thanks for inviting me," she answered and waved at Henry while he disappeared in the line of people waiting to go through airport security.

"So, alone at last." Ben draped his right arm across (YN)'s shoulders and her left arm curved around his waist instinctively. "Are you going to spend another night?" he asked as they headed for the car lot. She wanted to and even though Henry's words wouldn't leave her thoughts, she agreed. (YN) wanted to stay in her Ben-bubble. She could sleep with him without falling in love. No reason to unnecessarily worry about developing feelings. At least that's what she kept telling herself.