Page 86 of Until the Last Star Fades

“Carry it up. I’ll buzz you.” She swerved around her mom’s feet and a primping Piper then buzzed him in, leaving her door ajar.

“I forgot to tell him the buzzer’s fixed.” Riley doubled back, picking up the chalky hearts from the floor.

“Ben’s got a bike?” Piper grimaced. “Ew.”

“I finally get to meet your British friend!” Maggie’s hand passed over her head scarf, ensuring it was straight. “It’s great he could use the spare ticket.”

“He’s fun and totally delish.” Piper sucked on her lollipop. “Wait until you hear his accent, Maggie—you’ll LOVE it. He’s such a Benjamuffin!”

“Pip!” Riley left the candy on her counter. “Stop calling him that!”

The hallway creaked under approaching footsteps. A front tire entered first, followed by Ben’s playful whisker-free smile and pink cheeks, flushed from his ride over. “Hey, you look amaz—!” His eyes landed on Maggie then darted to Riley, his mischievous expression sinking fast. “Oh.”

“Oooh, Benjamuffin.” The sucker popped from Piper’s lips. “That bike helmet is très sexy!”

He removed it and leaned into Riley’s ear, lowering his voice, but the small room made privacy impossible. “Sorry, if I knew—I wouldn’t have thrown…” The knuckles on his right hand turned white as he squeezed the handlebar.

“It’s okay. She’s early,” she whispered behind her hair, taking him in. And you’re handsome. Her hand pressed the middle of his back. Firm, warm muscle… She swallowed thickly. Underneath her fingers, his white long-sleeved dress shirt stuck to his skin—the humidity and his exertion to blame—but the cotton also felt stiff. Her eyes crawled up his skinny black tie, inch by inch, her smile growing wider and wider. New purchases? You did this for me? “Come say hi.”

He leaned his bike against the counter and sink, its frame filling most of her space. Ben’s tense brows peaked into an ‘I’m sorry if I embarrassed you’ wince, but Riley replied with a quick, reassuring squeeze of his elbow. “You look really nice.”

“Cheers,” he whispered back. “So do you.”

They slipped past the bike and Piper, but Ben’s usually wide, carefree stride was short and stiff as he clutched the helmet to his abdomen like a shield. Riley cleared her throat. “Mom, this is Ben.”

Maggie stood with a smile. “Hello, Ben! Riley’s told me so much about you.”

He extended his hand. “Same here, Ms. Hope.”

“Maggie, please.” She clasped his hand, giving it a welcoming squeeze. “How was the bike ride?”

“Good. Quick. It was my first time, but won’t be my last…” He let go of Maggie’s hand and glanced at Riley. “I’m joining Hunter’s courier business.”

“Oh, that’s great!” She bumped him with her shoulder. “You said you wanted a second job.”

“How will you find time for auditions?” asked Piper.

He shrugged. “Gotta earn, otherwise…”

“Good things come to those who try.” Maggie nodded.

“I hope so.” His eyes found Riley again and he pulled the gift bag from his wrist. “I got you a graduation something.”

Riley blinked. “Oh!” He can’t afford this.

Piper leaned in, tapping the sucker against her lips. “Sweet!”

“That’s so kind.” Maggie sat down.

Riley pulled out a small box and lifted its lid. Nestled in pale blue tissue, her fingers traced a saddle brown luggage tag with a quote—If you have a dream, chase it. You might end up with a fairy tale.—burnt into the leather. It’s lovely. Riley stared at it, her heart warm and full. He sees me. He gets me.

Ben hugged his bike helmet. “I broke Riley’s luggage tag when we first met, so…least I could do.” His gaze danced between Maggie and Piper.

“Yeah, but it was a cheap one, not like this…” Riley flipped the gift over. Ben had customized the back with her name and phone number. “This is gorgeous!” Practical and pretty—too pretty to use!

He broke into a smile. “I saw it online and thought with your LA dream—”

“I love it!” She threw her arms around his shoulders, barely giving him time to shift his helmet out of the way. “Thank you,” she whispered in his ear.