It's Always Been You

Chapter 13

He tried again on Thursday. "Flores. Friday night."

She walked past him. "Nope."

Friday morning before school started. "Flores. Tonight."

"Nope. Busy."

He sat down at his desk deflated. He didn't want to force her. He'd only take her if she genuinely wanted to go.

Regina popped into his classroom. "Don't forget. Tonight on Mill Avenue."

He gave her a thumbs up. "I'll see you there."

She grinned and left.

Great. Just great. He began to lock up too. Might as well head home and get ready to be the third wheel on Regina's not-really double date. He hoped she wouldn't get mad.

# # #

He stepped out of the shower and walked back into his bedroom. His phone was vibrating on the dresser. He rushed over and answered. "Yes?"

"Benjamin, could you pick up some pastries from Dessert Sweets? I left an order."

"Mom, I'm a little busy." He grabbed his shirt and started buttoning it up.

"With what? You don't do anything and that's not a problem, honey, really. Be here by six, please." She hung up.

He arrived at his mother's house around 5:30. He set the pastry box on the kitchen counter. His mother was setting up the finishing touches for her Avon demo party.

"Thank you, Benjamin. You -" She stopped short in the doorway to the kitchen. "Don't you look nice? What's the occasion?" Valerie gripped his shoulder and rested a hand on his cheek. "My handsome boy. The new glasses look good on you."

"Thanks."

They walked into the living room and Ben took his time looking at the home decor and household items his mom had set out.

"Do you have a date?" She asked.

He had hoped she'd forgotten her earlier question. "No. Not really."

She paused in setting out the pastries. "Not really? What does that mean?"

He picked up a copper cup and looked it over. "A friend asked me to go on a double date with them. That's what I'm doing tonight."

She gasped. "And you have a date? Benjamin that's great."

"No." He set the cup down. "I don't have a date."

"Wait, you're going on a double date without a date of your own?"

"Right."

She scoffed. "Really, Benjamin? Isn't that a little, odd?"

He shrugged.

She slowly walked up to him. "I know your last relationship wasn't," she paused looking for the right words, "the best."

He stiffened against her. "Mom."

"But that doesn't mean all of them are like that. I understand if you're not ready and I'll understand if you'd rather not do it again. But don't close yourself off from having a close relationship." She gave him a peck on the cheek. "I'm glad you're going out with friends."

"Thanks, mom."

She squeezed his chin and walked away to finish her preparations.

# # #

Ben stared at the food, trying his best not to cave in and grab a plate.

"Suzuki, if you don't step back you'll drool all over the food."