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There was a brief pause.
"A café? Sure. 'Two Sugars'? In an hour? Alright, see you then."
She hung up, turning to face me, her features betraying a mix of determination and anxiety.
"I'm coming with you," I declared, pushing back the covers and swinging my legs off the bed.
Paisley opened her mouth, possibly to protest, but I held up a hand. "No arguments. You're not facing him alone."
She let out a breath, gratitude evident in her eyes. "Thank you."
The café was a quaint little spot, its brick walls adorned with paintings from local artists, and the aroma of freshly ground coffee filled the air. As we approached, I spotted Benjamin sitting outside, his frame rigid, his expression taut.
He had some nerve.
"Benjamin," Paisley greeted, her voice unwavering.
He looked up, his eyes darting between Paisley and me, anger flashing in them. "You brought him?" he spat.
Paisley raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "I did. Problem?"
Benjamin gritted his teeth. "This is between us."
"And it still can be," I interjected, taking a seat beside Paisley. "I'm just here for support."
Benjamin glared at me, but I met his gaze evenly. He wasn't going to intimidate me. Not here, not now, not ever.
As a waiter approached, Paisley ordered a cappuccino, and I opted for black coffee. Benjamin merely waved the waiter away, his focus fixed on Paisley.
"So, why are you here, Pais?" His tone dripped with bitterness.
"I wanted to clear the air," she began. "To explain?—"
"You left me at the altar, Paisley!" he interrupted, his voice rising.
Paisley took a deep breath. "I know. And I'm sorry for that. But I couldn't marry you, Ben."
There was a pregnant pause, the tension palpable.
"Why him?" Benjamin's voice was low, filled with barely restrained anger.
"Because he makes me feel alive," Paisley replied softly. "With Austin, I feel loved, cherished, understood. I never felt that with you."
Benjamin's face reddened, his fists clenched. "So, this is my fault? I wasn't good enough for you?"
"No," Paisley replied. "It's not about fault or blame. We just weren't right for each other."
He scoffed. "And he is?"
Paisley nodded. "Yes."
The conversation continued, emotions running high, but throughout it all, I remained a silent pillar of support for Paisley. Benjamin's repeated attempts to belittle or provoke me fell on deaf ears.
The intense stare-down between Benjamin and me was broken by the waiter placing our drinks on the table. The steaming aroma of coffee filled the air, doing little to ease the tension.
"You seriously think bringing him along is going to make this any easier?" Benjamin sneered, nodding in my direction.
Paisley's voice remained calm, despite the anger behind her eyes. "Austin's here because he wants to be. Because he supports me. Can we just talk like adults?"
