More than Enough (Book Two in the Enough Series)

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When Gemma turned toward me, her face was in a full smile. She looked brighter, healthier, happier and my heart soared. I was so glad that she was thriving despite all of the hardships life had thrown at her. Her green eyes were full of life, her hair was long and styled perfectly. I was speechless. It had only been a month since seeing her in person and fuck, I didn't realize just how badly I was missing her.

"Hi, Bennett." Her voice floats over me as I take in her floral scent.

"Hi." Feeling awkward, I shove my hands into my pockets, shuffling on my feet. Yet again, the server appears with Los's to-go bag. Los begins to feign some sort of issue he needs to attend to, leaving Gemma and me alone. I motion for her to take a seat and once she does, I take mine across from her just as the appetizer is delivered.

"Sorry, I was under the impression Los was eating with me and we agreed on this." The plate of pita, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce sat in front of us.

"It looks amazing, actually." She smiled. Two smiles already. "I want to start with an apology though. I'm so sorry, Bennett."

"You don't have anything to apologize for, Gem." I interrupt her and notice the smile when I use her nickname.

"I do. I haven't been good to you. I know it's only been about a month since we've seen each other, but even everything before that. I tried to tell you, I knew I wasn't in a good place. Everything has been so, just out of sorts. When Los suggested we have lunch together, I was nervous about reaching out, so he arranged this little bait and switch." She laughed.

"It's fine. Really. We can..." I took a deep breath. "We can move forward, however you want that to be." Of course, as we're finally diving into this conversation, the main course is served. The server offers to take an order for Gemma, but there's plenty enough to share and when I encourage her to do so, she happily obliges.

"How have you been?" She asks quietly as I slide the plate further in front of her.

"Oh, well... I'm good." words, Bennett. Words. "I've been well. Busy, getting prepared for the season, some investments with my Dad." I grabbed some vegetables. I shoveled some in, took a drink, and washed it down. "How are you? How's...everything?"

"It's okay." She sat back, letting out a breath. "I'm settling into everything. I'm finishing school, I've got my own place and I feel... lighter." I stared into her stunningly green eyes. "I should feel really guilty for that, huh?" She looked down at the plate. "I have a therapist. I'm seeing a therapist I mean, and we're working on that." Gemma chuckled.

"You shouldn't feel guilty for anything, Gem. You've done nothing wrong. From everything I've seen, you've gone above and beyond for your family, your friends, for everyone but yourself." She sat back, giving me a look of disbelief, softly shaking her head.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" I asked, before taking a bite of food.

"No." She sighed with a smirk. "Not at all."

Despite the fact that I was sitting across from the woman who consumed my thoughts, I checked my phone when it started to buzz in my pocket. Reed. Fuck! I declined his call and sent him a quick text asking him to give me thirty more minutes and I'd be there. I didn't want to bail on my friend, but I didn't want to give up this time with her either.

"I, erm... I have to head out in a minute."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I took over this lunch date and didn't even consider you may have had other plans or something..." She started to ramble nervously, it was adorable. Cute. Sexy. It was killing me.

"Don't be sorry, I'm really glad you came. I have plans with Reed. We haven't really been spending a lot of time together, so he's trying to make it up to me." I rolled my eyes, trying not to seem as pathetic as I felt. "I'd really like to stay longer, maybe, I mean.. Do you think we could do this again?" In my head, I chanted for her to please say yes.

She smiled up at me, through those thick lashes. Beautiful. "Of course, I was hoping we could maybe, start over as friends. I think I know I'd like that."

"I would love that." I fought against my body which wanted to remain seated and got to my feet. "I really am glad you came here, I guess I owe Los again." I laughed, signaling for the server. Once he made his way over, I handed over my card to pay for the food. "The season opener is coming up, maybe you'd like to come along with the girls?" I tried to hide the nervousness I felt when around her, at the thought of her at my game, watching me.

"That sounds fun, I'll check with them. Bennett?"

"Yes?"

"Text me. We can hang out again before that if you're free." Gemma stood, pulling her jacket on as she smiled over at me.

"For you, always."