Say Nothing... (The Speak Series Book 2) by T.A. Roth Read Free Book Online Page B

want."
    "Yeah, well don't cheer me on just yet. He went back to being weird. I'm not proposing marriage here. You know me, I can handle casual and I told him that, but he's spooked, I think."
    "Why? Did he tell you something, or was it just awkward the next day?"
    "No, he was fine, but then I screwed up and invited him to my graduation. I didn't think it was a big deal because I figured he was gonna go anyway. He got sketchy after that. He couldn't get his clothes on and out of my apartment fast enough."
    "Well, according to Ben, he hasn't had a girlfriend for a while and isn't really looking for one. For what it's worth, I think he feels bad for how he acted."
    She releases a heavy sigh. "This whole situation sucks, it's just bad timing. With both of us leaving . . . it's just. I don't know. I . . .”
    She has it worse than I suspected. Poor girl can't even complete a thought. "Hey, don't sound so defeated. If it's meant to be, it'll work itself out. Right?"
    I say this to reassure her but can't help but think of my own situation.
    "Yeah, I guess you’re right. Okay, I'm done with this pity party. On to more important business. I need a fricken mani-pedi. My nails look like shit. When are we meeting up?"
    "There she is," I say laughing. "I was wondering where you went."
    "Oh, shut it. So? You're the one with the crazy schedule right now. I'm just trying to pack and, believe me, I can easily be persuaded to stop doing that."
    A pang of sadness hits me. She's leaving. I know we don't see each other that often but knowing that she's only a thirty-minute drive away has always given me solace.
    "Hello, earth to Ari!"
    "How's next Wednesday? That way they're nice and fresh, and you don't run the risk of chipping them while packing."
    "I like that idea. Sounds like a plan."
    "Cool. Okay, traffic is finally moving. We'll talk later."
    "Okay, drive carefully. Talk to you later."
    "Oh, and next time you keep something from me, I'm gonna kick your ass."
    She snickers. "Noted. Lates."

IT'S FINALLY THE WEEK OF my graduation. I've been so damn bored because sitting idle has never been my thing. I've always had something to occupy my time—practice, school, homework, the fraternity, girls. My internship cannot start soon enough.
    Ari and I hadn't had a night together since last week when I convinced her to come home early. The memory has me shifting in my seat. Is it possible to miss someone you sleep next to every night? The poor thing has been exhausted and can barely keep her eyes open long enough to eat.
    I take the freeway exit toward her office. I decided, after waking up to an empty bed and a note saying she had to go in early and didn't want to wake me, that I would surprise her with some lunch. She mentioned she's been practically chained to her desk the last few days.
    I park the car in the structure and take the elevator to the lobby. Shit! A frisson of self-doubt plagues me. What if I interrupt her? What if I get her in trouble? She has to eat, right? My mind is racing as I look for the office directory. I mentally slap myself. When in the hell did I turn into a chick? Man up, dude. I jump into the elevator, and head up to the ninth floor.
    I reach the large wooden doors and walk into a small waiting area. A blond woman with a large smile and hair to match greets me. "Hello, can I help you?"
    I can't ignore the way she looks at me appreciatively and the thought makes me laugh. "I hope so. I'm looking for Ari Muñoz."
    Her eyes widen. "Are you Ben?"
    I furrow my brow. "Yes. I'm sorry, but you have me at a disadvantage." Should I know who she is?
    "I'm sorry. I'm Hilda." She offers me her hand. I walk closer to the counter that separates us and take it.
    "Nice to meet you."
    "Likewise, sugar." Her Southern drawl makes an appearance.
    "Ari stepped out to the ladies’ room. She'll be right back."
    As if on cue, the door I just came through opens up behind me and in walks my girl. She's rubbing at a small pen mark on her shirt