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Side stories may reveal events, characters, or developments that appear later in the story. Viewing content this way can present information out of the intended reading order and may affect the original narrative experience.
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Part 4 Chapter 24: Epilogue
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The Coach is In
Lucy knew these chances didn’t come often. She waited for the right moment, and with Ben finally relaxed and no one else around, she went for it.
“So. How’s it going with Josh?”
“Fine.”
“Just fine?”
“What do you want me to say?”
“I want to know what you actually like about him. Aside from his questionable taste in you.”
That got him to snort, but he didn’t rise to the bait. “He’s… reliable, I guess. If he says he’ll show up, he shows up. Doesn’t bail, doesn’t flake. Not everyone’s like that.”
“Okay.” Lucy kept her face straight. “What else?”
“He notices things,” he said. “Even though he’s younger, he’s the one making sure I don’t forget to eat or miss stuff. Honestly, I’m probably the one getting managed half the time.”
Ben, still unaware, went on.
“And he gets the jokes. Most people don’t, or pretend to. He actually does. Sometimes he’s funnier than me. Not that I’ll admit it.”
She watched him, amused. Ben had a type, whether he realized it or not.
“Yeah, Josh does seem like good company.”
“He says what he’s actually thinking,” he added. “Even if it’s uncomfortable. You always know where you stand with him.”
So familiar, yet not a copy. Josh brought his own energy, his own bite. Messier, less filtered, and Ben was lighter for it.
“Well, as long as you’re not bored.”
“Why do I feel like you’re laughing at me?”
“I’d never.” She smiled.
Oblivious as he was, he always did have good taste.
“So what’s really the holdup with you getting a new place? It’s not the rent, and it’s definitely not him.”
“It’s… complicated.”
“You know, for someone who pretends to have it together, you’re the one dragging your feet. Josh is twice as ready to do the grown-up thing.”
“Yeah, well. It’s a big step.”
“Most things worth doing are. You’re not going to break the universe by growing up a little, Ben.”
He didn’t answer, but she could see the gears turning.
“Just don’t make the kid outpace you,” she said, grinning. “It’s undignified.”
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The Partners in Crime