118

118
Emily’s POV

I sat across from Ben, the silence between us heavy and unyielding. His piercing gaze met mine, unwavering, like we were locked in some kind of staring contest. My fingers idly traced the rim of my water glass as I tried to think of something—anything—to say.

I glanced around the restaurant, hoping for a distraction. The low hum of conversations from nearby tables, the clinking of glasses, and the soft jazz playing overhead all seemed louder than they should. I suggested we come here instead of my apartment. I couldn’t risk Ben meeting Gretchen, not yet. Not ever, if I could help it.

“Nice place,” Ben said finally, leaning back in his chair, his tone casual but his eyes still sharp.

“Yeah,” I replied, forcing a smile. “I come here sometimes. It’s quiet.”

Too quiet, I thought as the awkwardness settled back in.

The silence stretched again until a server appeared, breaking the awkward moment.

“Have you decided what you’d like to order?” she asked, her notepad poised.

“Yes,” I said quickly, glancing down at the menu I’d barely read. “I’ll have the grilled chicken salad.”

Ben nodded toward the menu without looking at it. “I’ll take the steak, medium rare.”

The server smiled and left, leaving us alone again. I fidgeted with the edge of my napkin as the seconds crawled by. Finally, our food arrived, and we began eating in silence.

Ben cut into his steak with precise movements, his fork clinking against the plate. I focused on my salad, pretending not to notice how his gaze flicked to me every few bites.

“So,” he said suddenly, breaking the silence. “Tell me about your roommate.”

I froze for a split second, spearing a piece of lettuce with my fork. “She’s fine,” I said, keeping my tone light. “Just… busy most of the time.”

He raised an eyebrow, not buying my vague response. “What’s her name?”

I hesitated, debating whether to lie, but before I could answer, my phone buzzed on the table. A video call from Chase.

I ignored it, sliding my finger across the screen to decline. But as soon as I set my phone down, it buzzed again.

“Who’s that?” Ben asked, his tone neutral but his eyes narrowing slightly.

“No one important,” I said quickly, silencing the call again.

Ben’s gaze lingered on me for a moment before he nodded toward the phone. “You should answer it. Whoever it is seems persistent.”

The phone buzzed a third time, and I sighed, finally swiping to answer. Chase’s face filled the screen, his expression equal parts annoyed and concerned.

“Emily,” he said, his voice sharp. “Why haven’t you been answering my calls?”

“I’m busy,” I replied, glancing at Ben, who was watching me intently.

Ben stiffened at the sound of Chase’s voice, his jaw tightening. “Is that Chase?” he asked, his tone sharp.

“Busy with him?” Chase’s eyes narrowed.

I nodded reluctantly, feeling trapped between the two of them.

“Emily,” Chase said, his tone hardening, “have you been ignoring me because of Ben?”

“No, I was just busy I don’t mean to ignore your calls,” I tried to explain but his face was unyielding.

“But yes right there in front of you while you keep rejecting my call?” His voice held a hint of jealousy.

“Listen let me….” The rest of my words went in as Chase ended the call.

The screen went black, and I set the phone down, letting out a frustrated sigh.

Ben leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “So, what’s up with him.”

“He’s just worried,” I said quickly, though I knew how flimsy that excuse sounded.

“Worried,” Ben repeated, his voice flat.

I didn’t know what to say. Chase’s calls had been incessant lately, but I hadn’t told Ben the full story. I wasn’t sure he’d understand, and honestly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to explain.

“I don’t want to talk about Chase,” I said finally, picking at my salad even though I wasn’t hungry anymore.

I let go of the spoon with a heavy breath, chase must have been feeling jealous by now.

“I think I have to go home now,” I said picking up my phone