Falling for Bentley (Part One) by Shawnte Borris Page B

this is just what happens when you mix a box of wine, four shots of vodka, and one courageous shot of Grams’ moonshine,” laughed Carleigh.
    I could do nothing but moan some more.
    Bentley walked over and started rubbing my shoulders, “Is there anything I can do?”
    I just moved my head back and forth, “No.”
    Carleigh brought me over a glass of orange juice and a few Advil. I lifted my head and took them, “Thanks.”
    “What’s the plan today?” asked Carleigh.
    I groaned again.
    “Don’t you groan at me, young lady, I only have today to chill with you before I head back tomorrow.”
    I stood up from the kitchen table, “I’m going to go shower.” I announced.
    “What some help…scrubbing your back?” Bentley offered.
    “I think I got it,” I said climbing the stairs.
     
     
    AFTER USING UP all the hot water, I was finally starting to feel human again. Brushing my teeth for the second time, I braided my hair before heading back downstairs. I rounded the corner to the kitchen when I heard Bentley and Carleigh talking outside on the porch.
    “Bentley, I’m serious, she’s my best friend. I will not let you hurt her.”
    “I won’t.”
    “I don’t think you understand…”
    Bentley cut her off , “I get it, I was an asshole. I’m not that person anymore.”
    “Really?” I could hear the sarcasm in Carleigh’s voice.
    “I’m not. I would never intentionally hurt her.”
    “I guess time will tell, but be warned if you hurt her, I will not hesitate to drive down here and break your face. Are we clear, Bentley?”
    I walked onto the porch before Bentley had time to respond, “Hey, what are you guys talking about?”
    “I was just telling Bentley how I plan to come back to visit, before we go back to school.”
    I smiled as I sat in between them on the porch swing. “Great, then we can hit up the blueberry festival with Grams when you come back.”
    Bentley put his coffee cup on the floor and stood, “Thanks for the coffee, but I better go and check on the boys. They should be done painting by the end of the day.”
    “Wow, I can’t believe how much those boys can get done. It feels like every time I give them a job, I need to have another one ready.”
    Carleigh laughed, “Well, hon, you have like fifteen of them.”
    “I guess.”
    “What do you want us to do with the leftover paint?” asked Bentley.
    “You can put it in the shop for now. Papa can move it where he wants when he comes back.”
    “Carleigh, it was nice to meet you.” Bentley shook her hand.
    “Like wise. I hope to see you again, maybe when I come back out?” she suggested.
    “Sure, maybe we can all go for drinks, or something.”
    I got up and walked over to Bentley before he hit the last step. “Bentley?”
    He turned around, “Yeah?”
    “Is everything okay? I mean, I know that sometimes Carleigh can come off as...”
    He cupped my face, “Everything is fine, baby. I’ll catch you later?”
    “Okay.” I watched him walk away before I turned to my best friend.
    “What was that?” I demanded.
    “What was what?”
    “Don’t be coy with me, Ms. Carleigh-May. I heard you two talking while I was in the kitchen.” I threatened.
    “Hasn’t Grams ever told you it’s rude to eavesdrop?”
    “Carleigh…”
    “Don’t use your teacher voice on me.”
    I leaned against the rail, my arms folded across my chest, waiting for her to answer the question.
    “Fine,” she puffed, “I was just explaining the reservations I have about Bentley.”
    “That’s not your place.”
    “Really? Because after watching you for the past six years, I beg to differ. You have never let anyone close to you, and by that, I mean a man.”
    “I’m not a virgin,” I seethed.
    “You may as well be. Have you ever been in love? Like true love where you feel comfortable running around naked, or texting dirty pictures?”
    “What does that have to do with anything?” I voiced.
    “Everything.” Carleigh got up and threw her