“You will. I know it. Until then, you have all of us. In fact, you should stay tonight. Let’s shoot pool, watch movies, and drink. I know Benji would love to spend time with you, too. Say yes, then I’ll have Benji make sure it’s fine with Marilyn and Michael. I’m sure it is. Please.” I stuck my lip out and turned on the puppy dog eyes.
“It would be a lot of fun. I miss you guys so much.”
“Yes!” I hopped off the bed, grabbed my phone from my back pocket, and texted Benji. Seconds later, the parental approval came through.
“The guys are going to grab some pizza, so why don’t we see what’s on Redbox on Demand?” I reached my hand out to her, and she placed hers in mine. “Let’s go to the family room.” I smiled sweetly and led her down the hall.
“Thanks, Ten.” Avery entered the room and immediately grabbed a pool stick. “Winner plays one of the guys. We can have our own tournament, but for alcohol instead of money.”
“Ha ha! I know Benji’s parents have plenty, but let’s not clean out their cabinet. Maybe just some shots.”
A mischievous grin eased across her face. “I’ll replace it tomorrow.”
“You got it. Game on, muthafucka.” I barked out a laugh.
Forty minutes later, I’d kicked her ass in the pool game, and Layne and Benji had made it back with pizza. We joined everyone in the kitchen, and our laughter floated through the house. Benji joined his parents at the table while Avery, Layne, and I sat at the bar. Although I was terrified of Jack, this was what my heart needed: my family.
I licked the sauce off my fingers and caught Layne staring at me. “What? Do I have food on my face?” I grabbed a napkin and wiped my mouth.
“No.” He leaned over until his breath was tickling my ear. “I love you. I was just thinking about how strong you are.”
My eyes found his, and my fear subsided momentarily. He was calmer, and I suspected he had figured something out.
Marilyn stood, dabbed the corners of her lips with a paper towel, and collected our plates. “If you all want to watch movies and play video games until you fall asleep, we can help Benji get situated.”
“I’m in,” Benji replied. “The couch will be fine for me tonight. That just means everyone else will be on the floor.”
We all agreed the sleeping arrangements would be fun, and within the next hour, everyone was settled. A mound of blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows were stacked to the side of the couch. Avery propped her feet up on the ottoman while Layne and I snuggled up in the opposite corner of the sectional.
“Did everyone get enough covers?” Marilyn asked, entering the room.
Avery gave Marilyn a sweet smile. “We did. Thank you so much for allowing me to stay. I really needed this.”
“Anytime. We have plenty of space.” Marilyn’s focus bounced from Avery to me. “Tensley, can I have a word, please?”
My brows knitted together as I stood and made my way to her.
She took my hand and guided me into the hall. “Everything is fine, honey. I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay and wondered if there was anything I could do to help. Tensley, I don’t think you realize how special you are to this family. The circumstances are terrible, but Michael and I are elated that you’re here. You’ve brought laughter back into my home. And although Benji is doing fine and committed to getting better, his spark has come back with you here. He needs you near. I’ve never seen two better friends.” Kindness filled her eyes as she finished and squeezed my hand.
Overwhelmed with emotion, I threw my arms around her. “Thank you. I love you all so much.”
Marilyn hugged me back, then pulled away. “I’ll let you get back to your fun, but come get me if any of you need anything.” She patted my cheek then turned to leave.
Tears pricked the backs of my eyes as I watched her gracefully descend the stairs. How did I get so lucky?
“What did I miss?” I asked, joining my friends again.
Benji wheeled around the couch, his intense stare never leaving me as he handed us all a beer. “Did you get the test results? Is that what Mom wanted to talk to you about?”
Dryness seized my throat, and I attempted to swallow. My eyes cut to Avery.
She sat up straight, and her mouth hung open. “If you got her pregnant, Layne Garrison, I will beat you senseless.”
“Avery!” I choked out. “I know you’re trying to take care of me, but that’s not what Benji is referring to.”
“Thank God.” She smacked a hand over her face. “Sorry, Layne, but I hope you keep that in mind.”
Benji quirked an eyebrow. “You didn’t tell her?”
Avery’s attention bounced between us. “Tell me what?”
A burning sensation filled my chest. “I … I took a DNA test to find out who my bio father is.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell me?” Avery slouched in her seat. Her feelings were obviously hurt.
“I’m sorry,” Benji said, his eyes pleading for forgiveness. “I thought you’d talked to her about it.”
Layne’s arm tightened around me protectively.
“The reason I didn’t say anything was because I just got the results last night while we were all at Barney’s. Justin was being a douche canoe, and you needed me. Plus, I had to process the information.” My gaze drifted to Benji as silence descended over the room. There was no need to say anything. I was sure Benji knew the results by the look on my face.
“Fuck.” Benji shook his head. “Are you sure? Is Franklin sure? Can you retest?”
“Fifty percent, which means I’m his daughter.” My voice hitched as fear and guilt gnawed at me. “Avery, I wasn’t going to tell you because it could put you in danger.”
“I don’t understand. What are you talking about? Please, someone, fill me in,” she said with a hint of exasperation.
“The guy the FBI is looking for … His name is Jack Flannery, and he’s a serial killer. And he’s my father.”
Avery’s mouth gaped open. “You’re fucking with me, right?”
“I wish I was. Franklin told me last night, but I’ve not even talked to Benji yet, so please don’t feel like I shut you out.” I pulled away from Layne and joined Avery on her end of the sectional. “I love you. You, Benji, and Layne are the people I love most in this world, and I’m terrified Jack will hurt one or all of you. He’s evil. A murderer. I’m trying to protect everyone.”
Avery leaned her head on my shoulder and peeked up at me. “I love you too. I get it. I don’t like it, but I understand why you weren’t forthcoming with the information, especially since you just found out less than twenty-four hours ago. But why was he at our house?” Fear flickered in her eyes.
“I think …” My attention landed on Layne then Benji. “I think he wants me.”
Benji’s face drained of color. “Jesus Christ. You’re never going back to that house, Tensley.” He wheeled over to me and took my hand. “I’ll talk to Mom and Dad, and we’ll beef up security. I know Franklin will do everything he can to get the FBI off your back, but we have to keep you safe. If you think he’s after you—”