“No, you have my daughter subjected to filth between that River bastard and this guy. She needs stability, and Lord knows that ain’t you. We’re done talking.”

He stomped off, but his wife stayed behind, embarrassment all over her face. She looked to her husband and then back to Lucy. Leaning in, she said, “I’m so sorry, Lucy. I’ll talk to him.”

Lucy’s lip trembled as she shook her head. “It’s whatever. Did he tell you about dance?”

“Yeah, I pulled her.”

“Thank you,” she said, looking to Nina. “Hey, Nina.”

“Hi, Miss Lucy,” the little girl said in a small voice.

“Okay, well, sorry. See you guys later,” Heidi said, walking away with Nina.

He could feel the anger and the embarrassment pouring off Lucy. When he looked over at her, she was fighting back tears as she slowly shook her head. Clearing his throat, he reached for her, but she put her hands up. His stomach dropped.

“Lucy?”

“No, I need a minute,” she said, sucking in a deep breath and letting it back out. When a tear slowly slid down her face, he wiped it away and ignored her flinching, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her temple.

“It’s okay. He’s scum, baby, calm down,” he said because she was shaking so badly.

“No, you shouldn’t have done that,” she breathed against his chest, her body shaking. “Damn it, Benji.”

“He won’t talk to you like that,” he choked out as she pressed her nose into his chest. “I won’t stand for it.”

Slamming her fist into his chest, she shook her head before pulling out of his arms. “Yeah, well, thanks.”

She turned on her heel, but he was right behind her. “What, you want me to stand by and not stand up for you?”

“I don’t need anyone to stand up for me,” she snapped back at him. “I’ve got this. I can deal with him. Just, shit!”

She opened the door but he pushed it closed, pulling her to the side. “No, don’t walk away from me.”

“I have to get to my daughter,” she bit out, her eyes flooding with tears. “Before my family makes this even worse.”

“Lucy, look at me,” he demanded, but she shook her head.

“I can’t. I just can’t, okay?” she said, pulling out of his grip. He didn’t want to let her go, but when he looked in the direction of her gaze, Angie was watching, her brows together. “I need some time.”

“Time?” he bit out, his heart pounding in his chest.

“Yes, just…please,” she said, moving out of his hold and walking to the door. She opened it and headed to where her family stood with Angie. Rick was nowhere to be seen, but Benji was frozen in place, unable to understand what he had done wrong.

He just wanted to be there for her.

How was that wrong?

No one should be able to talk to her like that. Maybe he had overreacted, but, no, that dick wasn’t going to treat her like that. He did nothing wrong. Did he? Shit.

Turning, he reached for the door, pulling it open and walking through before running his hands through his hair, frustrated. He wasn’t sure if he should leave or go to where everyone was acting like Rick didn’t matter and was gushing over Angie.

He knew he couldn’t leave without saying good-bye.

Walking to the group, he came between Autumn and Jayden, watching as Lucy helped Angie put on the clothes she had brought. When her mother’s hand came to rest on his arm, he looked down to see her smiling at him.

“Thank you,” she mouthed, her eyes full of appreciation. He nodded slowly, unable to speak as Angie rambled happily.

“I want Texas Roadhouse, River,” she said and River grinned.

“Anything for the superstar.”

She grinned and then looked to Benji. “You’ll come to lunch, right, Benji? Or are you busy?”

Lucy’s gaze cut to his, but then she went back to fixing Angie’s jacket.

Shit.

“Of course he’ll go,” Autumn said, rubbing his back with a big smile on her face. “He’s a big guy, he needs food. Right, hon?”

But Benji was looking to Lucy, waiting for any sign as to what he should say, but apparently that jacket was really important. Or the buttons were giving her a hard time. He wasn’t sure, and he didn’t know what to do. He didn’t even know where he stood with her, but before he could even decide, Angie was practically begging.

“Come on, Benji, please!”

Swallowing hard, he smiled down at her and nodded. “How can I say no to the glittery butterfly princess?”

“You can’t!” she cheered, wrapping her arms around Lucy’s neck. “I’m so happy!”

Lucy smiled as she kissed Angie’s cheek. “That’s all that matters, baby.”

But what about Lucy?

What about her fucking happiness?

“Benji, can I ride with you?”

Looking over at Lucy, he found she wasn’t looking at him or even at Angie, for that matter. She was carrying Angie’s bag, her lips pressed together, her eyes on the door. God, he hated this. He didn’t want her to be upset, and he really didn’t like that he wasn’t sure if she was mad at him or not. He just wanted her to talk. Tell him something.

When he looked down at Angie, her eyes were wide and hopeful, and Benji couldn’t say no.

He was wrapped around her finger.