Page 44 of Beni

If only because Camilla’s excitement and desire to have August live in Chicago would overwhelm her understanding that this would be a huge life change. And not just moving, but her career … everything. Alessa, thankfully, agreed to keep the meeting just between them for now, so that August could make rational, smart decisions about her life, and what she wanted to do with it. That wasn’t asking for much, right?

She didn’t think so.

“No, I just thought … well, you’d appreciate what they’re trying to do with the center,” Camilla said, “and you know how kids are—they’re way more in tune with what’s happening in media, and with their icons. The center even let some of the popular graffiti artists come in to paint murals on the outside wall, which did not please the city, but there wasn’t much they could do about it. Private property, all the permits were in place. The kids got to help.”

August did love that.

“Okay, that’s pretty cool.”

Camilla nodded. “Right? So yeah, I just thought you might like to see it. And since we’re in the area, you know …”

“Fine, wear me down.”

“Except I didn’t really have to wear you down, huh?”

Yeah, not at all.

No shame.

“And if it does make you want to ask Alessa if that job offer is still on the table for Manic Media,” Camilla said, staring anywhere but at August, “then I am just going to consider that a win, and go on with my happy little life.”

Smartass.

“You’re lucky I love you.”

Cam smiled brightly. “You’re right, I am.”

Despite the fact that August’s mind was now on visiting the center, and her upcoming interview … her thoughts still drifted back to Beni, and what he might be up to currently. He hadn’t called or texted her throughout the week, but to be fair, she didn’t mind.

After all, she told him she would call.

The two reached Camilla’s car parked at the top of the ravine when August decided to pull out her phone—she might be busy today, and tomorrow was set for her secret meeting with Alessa that she needed to get done under Cam’s radar … but after?

Possibilities.

“Who are you texting?” Camilla asked as she pulled open the driver’s door.

“Who do you think?”

“Ohhhh.”

“You are literally the worst.”

Camilla wagged her eyebrows. “I’m just saying … it makes me very happy to see you enjoying your time in Chicago, that’s all. Don’t judge me.”

“Oh, I judge you. Often.”

Her friend stuck out her tongue before getting into the car. August stayed outside of the vehicle, so that she could at least send the text off to Beni without Cam cooing over her shoulder while she did it. God, she loved her friend.

Truly.

Do you have Sunday free?I was thinking we could meet up, maybe.

That was all August typed out.

Beni’s response was almost instant, like he had been waiting for her text. Again, she wasn’t a liar, so she wouldn’t pretend like that didn’t appeal to her a lot.

Name the time and place, he wrote back.