Ten Minutes Ago // Ben Tyler Cook

Part Three / Chapter Six

Unfortunately, the only open seat is across from me. Ben takes it, and I can tell he's on edge as much as I am. He easily joins in the conversation, making the group laugh several times. After everyone gets their food, the group conversation dies down as smaller ones begin.
I'm staring down at my plate when Ben speaks the first words he's said to me in over a year.

"Hey, Marlee."

I look up, meeting his eyes. "Hey, Ben."

He rubs the back of his neck. "Congratulations on getting the part of Gretchen. Your career on the West End must've done a lot."

"Thanks." I nod. "Um, congratulations to you, too. It's not everyday that you're part of an original cast."

He lets out a quiet laugh, a sound that I've craved ever since I left. "Yeah, you're right." He nods, some of the tension in the air disappearing.

I smile slightly and look down at my food. "Look, Ben, about what happened-"

He cuts me off with a seemingly sad shake of his head. "Later. Now's not the time, Marlee." He glances at the rest of the cast members at the table, who are all engrossed in their own conversations. Ben's right. We'll have to save that for another time. Part of me is relieved.

Once everyone is done eating, one by one, they start to get up and go home. I stand up when I decide I should go. Everyone says goodbye, and I walk outside the restaurant. I walk back to my apartment, not necessarily looking forward to it. I've found that I don't like living alone, but it's something I'll have to get used to. I unlock the door and step inside, flipping on the lights.
I settle on the couch and sigh. After ignoring my phone buzzing repeatedly, I finally pick it up to see I've been added to a group chat.

(not so) mean girls

taytay
ladies!!! what a day this
has been! everyone did so
good at rehearsal

kateeee
We need to get together soon

erik
omg guys what if we had a
sleepover like everyone had
in middle school

kateeee
Ooo yes I'm down

taytay
marleeeeeeee where are you

Marlee Granger
I'm here
thx for blowing up my phone

taytay has changed Marlee Granger's name to disco ball

disco ball
what

taytay
you know
"if regina is the sun then
i'm a disco ball"

erik
very creative

taytay has changed erik's name to africa
taytay has changed kateeee's name to orandge

orandge
You're very creative taylor
That was sarcasm btw

disco ball has changed taytay's name to queen b

disco ball
there
now it's perfect

africa
so marlee what do u think
ab the sleepover idea

disco ball
i'm down
name a time and a place and
i'll be there

queen b
friday after rehearsal? my place?

africa
done

orandge
That works

disco ball
works for me

queen b
be prepared to spill some tea ladies ☕💅

~~~~~
yeah this is kinda a filler chapter but whatever
thanks for reading!