back at her, but she had a swift answer.
"I do."
My laugh was watery, but it stemmed the flow of tears and snot. What? Crying isn't pretty like in the movies. Just like sex. If you do it right, it's kinda gross.
"When will you be back?" she asked.
I closed my eyes because she sounded excited. Beneath my exterior emotionally charged state, I was excited, too.
"Probably at the end of the week. I've got some things I need to take care of, but I should be able to stay for a few weeks before I have to come back to Dallas." I would tell her about quitting my job when I got there. We could celebrate. I hoped.
"Good. Good. Take your time. Lee and I are getting along great, so we'll be able to make it until you get back."
"Have you seen—" I didn't finish the question. I wasn't sure I wanted to know.
"Ben?" Cam supplied. "No, I haven't seen him, but Brody said he's been grumpier than usual the past couple of days."
I swallowed hard. Despite his bad boy appearance, Ben Murphy was one of the most laid-back men I knew. I chalked it up to all the endorphins he released with those brutal early morning workouts.
"How are things with Brody?" I asked. "Y'all still jumping each other's bones every chance you get?"
Cam sighed. "Brody and I are getting along well. But I can't say the same about he and his ex."
"Whoa, they're fighting?" I asked. I knew they didn't have the best relationship, but Cam said they remained civil even if the air between them was so cold that icicles formed.
"Yeah. It's not good."
Crap. This was the worst time for me to leave Cam in the lurch. Maybe I could go back early.
"I know what the town gossips say," Cam stated, changing the subject. "But Ben isn't the type to go from woman to woman. Just tell him what your plan is and see what he says."
"Think a text would work?" I asked, only half-joking.
"Sierra."
"Cam."
"Call him," she ordered.
I took a deep breath. In for a penny, in for a pound. Besides, she'd already heard me cry today. What was left to do but bare my goddamn soul? "I don't think I can. What if he tells me that I'm not worth the effort? That I fucked up too badly?"
"Then, he's a fucking idiot," she answered. "But, that being said, I've known him for most of my life and I'm pretty sure he won't say that."
"I'll remind you of this moment if you're wrong. And you'll dry my tears with a silk hanky and soothe my broken heart with floats made with alcoholic root beer and ice cream. Homemade ice cream."
Cam laughed. "I've already told you that's the only kind I keep in my house."
"Do you really think it'll be okay?"
"No matter what happens between you and Ben, you will be okay. I promise."
I scoffed. "Way to give me a pep talk there."
"I'll always tell you the truth. That's what friends do," Cam replied. "You know that what he says or does is out of your control. His decision is out of your control. But you can pick up the pieces if it all falls apart and you can decide how to put them back together."
She was right. I knew she was right. But the idea that Ben might not be in my life anymore terrified the absolute shit out of me.
I really was in love.
"I gotta get back to cleaning the shop baseboards, but keep me in the loop on what's happening with the move. And with Ben. I'm here any time you need me, even if I have to close the shop for a day or two."
Whoa. Cam never closed the shop on days it should be open. Never. She was definitely serious, but I didn't want her to do that.
"I'll be okay, no matter what happens," I said, repeating her words.
"I know," she said. "Call Ben."
I sighed. "I will. You know I love your bossy ass, right?"
Cam made a choking sound. "Oh, God. You cried and you said you love me. The apocalypse is nigh."
"Hardy-har-har."
"I love your stubborn ass, too. Talk to you later."
We disconnected and I stared at my phone, smiling. Before I could figure out what to do next, it buzzed. It was a text from Cam.
CALL. BEN.
I shook my head and laughed quietly. My heart beat faster at the thought of calling him, but she was right. I had to do it. It was the