When Our Worlds Stand Still (Our Worlds #3)(43)

After loading the car, everyone gathers on the sidewalk. With the inevitable bearing down on us, Mark breaks the weird silence by hugging each of us and pulling Bea behind the car to engage in a hot and heavy make-out session. Violet and Amanda hug Graham before piling into the car. After a few bro-like high fives, Dan jumps behind the steering wheel.

Graham scuffs his feet on the cement, his eyes on the leaves blowing across the ground. I wrap my arms around his waist and take in a deep breath, memorizing his heady scent.

“I’m not going to say goodbye,” I whisper into his chest.

Graham cups my cheeks between his hands and delivers a life-altering kiss. My knees buckle, and my leg pops up as if I’m in a romantic movie in the sixties.

“Good, because neither am I.” He helps me into the backseat. “Call me as soon as you get home?”

I nod and roll down the window as he closes the door behind me. We holler our goodbyes, and Dan pulls onto the road. My head presses against the cool glass and tears fill my eyes. Houses swish past the window, but I don’t recognize where we are until we turn the corner and travel a few blocks. A young boy walking down the road catches my attention. The brown, curly mop on his head reminds me of Ben. It’s too cold for a little boy to be walking around without a coat.

“Slow down,” I yell. “Dan, I need you to slow down.”

As he does, we pass the boy. It’s Ben’s familiar face, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Stop the car, Dan. Let me out. NOW,” I shout, frantic to get to him.

Despite Violet’s protests, Dan does as I say.

“Ben,” I shout. He searches the area until his eyes fall on me. “What are you doing out here?”

“I … umm …” he whispers. A whimper escapes as he brushes his hands up and down his arms.

“Ben, get in the car. It’s too cold to be walking without a coat. Does Betty know where you’re at?” He climbs into the backseat, and my friends stare at me with questions in their eyes. “Were you going to find Graham?” He nods, and I wrap my arm around him, rubbing his chilled arms to warm him. “Dan, turn around and take us back.” I look down at Ben. “It’s okay. We’ll go to Graham.”

When we pull up in front of the house, I instruct Dan to head back to the city. Something tells me to stay, even when Amanda argues. Bea offers to cover my shift if I don’t make it back by morning. I hug each of them and usher Ben into the house.

Rick greets us at the door, his eyes wide when he takes in the little boy in front of me. “Aren’t you supposed to be on the road or something?”

“I found a hitchhiker. Now, where’s Graham?” My eyes scan the open space for Graham.

“Graham!” Rick shouts up the stairs. “Who’s he?” he mouths, indicating Ben.

Graham jogs down the stairs, his eyes full of worry when they reach Ben and me. “What the hell is going on?”

“I found Ben walking on the sidewalk without a coat. He’s been crying.” My eyes implore Graham to remember to be gentle.

Ben tugs at the hem of his shirt, his eyes focused on the tiled entryway. “Why’d ya have to tell him I was crying.” He glares up at me, rolling his red eyes.

Graham drops down in front of us, dipping his chin to get Ben’s full attention. “Only real men are comfortable with crying, remember?” Ben nods. “You know I have to call Betty, right?”

Rick’s mouth falls slack at the tenderness Graham displays with Ben as he leads him into the living room. “I’ll leave you three to it.” Rick walks backward, practically vanishing into thin air.

“You going to explain this to me, kiddo?” Graham asks, shifting his leg up on the couch. The sweet way he interacts with Ben is endearing and only makes me love him more.

“Andrew cornered me in the bathroom.”

“Did he hurt you?” Graham snarls. True fear radiates from him.

“Maybe you should let him finish, babe.” I stroke his arm to bring him back down to earth.

“He didn’t hurt me. He said no one loved me. Even my own momma and daddy, because if they did, I wouldn’t be living there. And … and …” His breath catches and the hurt on Ben’s face makes my heart ache.

“And what?” Graham’s eyes water.

“He says the only reason you spend time with me is because you feel sorry for me.”

“Bud, Andrew’s an asshole.” Graham ruffles Ben’s hair.

“Graham,” I scold. “Watch your language.” I drop my forehead to the top of Ben’s head.

“Don’t listen to what he says, okay? I come around because I love you,” Graham explains as he pulls the trembling boy into his arms.

At his admission, I gasp, and Graham’s eyes focus on me as he holds Ben. The sight melts my heart. We exchange knowing glances before he reaches for his cell phone and calls Betty as I head to the kitchen in search of comfort food.

I search the kitchen cupboards but don’t find what I’m looking for. “What the hell! You have Havarti cheese, but no hot cocoa?”

“I can make hot cocoa.” Rick props his hip against the counter and stares at me.

“I just said you don’t have any.”

“From scratch, for the kid.” His eyes soften, a side of him not many witness behind the broody, sex-on-a-stick facade.