More than Enough (Book Two in the Enough Series)

Bennett

"Fuck!" I heard the voice, but it didn't register as I stood in the parking lot watching Gemma leave with Los. Taking my heart with her. I knew it was for the best though. I finally turned around and saw Tate. The look on his face was anything but happy. "You fucked up again didn't you?"

"I didn't fuck up. I did what was best, just at the worst possible time." I tried to rush past him, wanting to head straight to the bar and get drunk on Reed's dime. Tate reached out, grabbing my arm. He gave me a look, silently pleading with me not to fuck up the day for Reed and Eden too. I wouldn't do that, I couldn't do that to them. I downed a beer and then plastered on a fake smile for the rest of the evening. I toasted my best friend like I'd planned, danced around with the group, and sent them off with everyone else. I got a ride home with Hugh and went straight to bed, crashing in my own self-made misery.

*

The next few days were kind of a blur. Not that I was extremely busy, just that I was a bit lost. My best friend was off on his honeymoon and while I was incredibly happy for him, I kind of needed his kick-in-the-ass pep talk about now. I was also working with my Dad on the restaurant investment I made and of course, he had a lot of questions about Gemma. Things I didn't want to answer of course.

"I don't understand." His brows were pinched together as he held his drink midair after I told him I broke things off with Gem. "You were definitely a fool in love at that wedding." I nearly choked on my own drink when he said the word, love.

"I do care about her, a lot. That's why I broke things off. She's had a rough start and I don't want to be a reason she puts off all of the things she needs to accomplish on her own." I attempted to explain. I hadn't really gotten into all the details of Gemma's past with him.

"I think you're making a mistake, for what that's worth. You obviously know her better than I, but I could see you two and it was, it was quite clear there was something there. Something more than enough to overcome any obstacle you believe there to be." He sat back in his seat, looking smug as ever. I appreciated his life advice, but fuck, he and my Mother had split years ago, and while it was mostly amicable, who was he to talk about overcoming obstacles when he had just given up? I kept those thoughts to myself though and simply nodded, waiting for more advice. I was surprised when none came and he began talking business again.

My Dad typically bought and sold corporations that were struggling. He'd purchase them, assist in a restructuring of sorts then sell them off. He'd done it the majority of my life, but lately, he found himself focusing on small businesses. Instead of buying them up and selling them off, he was offering his knowledge. He'd help them restructure for a fee so that they could continue to operate as a small business. Mainly something to fill his time, but not nearly as demanding as his previous work.

A small Italian restaurant that he and his current wife frequented was not doing so well and my father offered up his services. The next thing I knew he was bringing an idea to me, to invest in the restaurant. I happily did so, knowing I could trust him and that I was helping a local small business keep its doors open. I had intended to be a silent partner per se, but Dad was so happy with how everything was going, that it seemed to be the hot topic of conversation most of the time these days.

"We need some fresh marketing ideas. I have the usual firms I work with, but I feel like the ideas are stale anymore and we need to change it up." He mused while we continued the business talk. "Word of mouth is great but in a city this size, we need a little more." I let him continue while I scrolled through my phone. Tate had sent me an email with some real estate listings. Looking for a new apartment was annoying. I didn't care too much about fancy things, I just needed the basics.

"Son?" I looked up, realizing my Dad had been waiting for my attention to return to him. "I'm sorry, I was just reading through an email." I placed my phone screen down on the table, feeling guilty for being so rude.

"No problem. I've rambled enough for one afternoon. I should head home. You have any plans for the weekend?"

"For the first time in a while, I'll spend the weekend alone. I'll probably start organizing all my shit since I've gotta get moved out sooner rather than later."

"You're always welcome at home."

"No way." I laughed. I felt pretty pathetic at the moment, but moving home with my Dad, I'd for sure lose my mind.

*

"Welcome home." Reed had a permanent smile plastered over his face as I greeted him before entering the gym. He'd been home a few days from the honeymoon and this was our first chance to hang out. "How's married life?"

"So far, amazing. Still not used to saying, My wife." I shook my head at his giddy laugh before getting myself situated on the treadmill. "How's single life?" The pointed look Reed gave me told me he knew everything that had gone down at the wedding, despite my best efforts to keep it under wraps.

"It's life." I punched the screen, getting the speed and incline I wanted, starting my workout. "Mmmhmm." He hummed, and I waited for him to press on, knowing my friend who was now the self-professed guru of all things love. Love. That word again!

"You're scared, so basically you decided to break it off before she could hurt you again. I get it. You're both so damn scared that you're letting a good thing go. Pretty sad if you ask me."

"I didn't."

"What's the worst that could happen? You both give in and attempt a relationship and wow, you actually succeed."

"There's more to it than that and may I reiterate I did not ask you." I gritted out. "How did you find out any of this anyway? I kept it to myself, letting you go off and enjoy your honeymoon. Who spilled?"

"You really think that Eden went three weeks without speaking to Brynn?" He deadpanned. I shook my head with a laugh. I should've known. In those three weeks of their honeymoon, I think we exchanged a handful of texts, usually random memes or sports stats. Of course, the ladies would have full-on conversations about others' relationships, or lack of.