Free Say Nothing... (The Speak Series Book 2) by T.A. Roth

to hurt him."
    "You can't worry about things that haven't happened yet. Without sounding like your AA sponsor, just take it one day at a time." That gets me a laugh.
    "Now, stop worrying and just have a little fun."
    "Ugh . . . fine. You're right. So what's going on with you? I saw your boss on the news."
    "Yeah, I think they're still in shock. We just jumped right into the next case. Those two never rest."
    "So is Ben excited about tomorrow?" she asks.
    "I think he's just excited to start his internship. Being at home doing nothing is driving him insane. I caught him the other day organizing my medicine cabinet." We both laugh.
    "Aww . . . poor guy. So is this shacking up thing going to be permanent or . . . ?" she asks waggling her eyebrows.
    "We haven't talked about it. He's waiting until after graduation to figure things out. The house is tied up in a trust account, and he can't make any decisions without his uncle. So we'll see what happens."
    "What's up with him? He seemed to take off pretty quick on Sunday. I mean he didn't even wait around to see if you were okay. That's weird."
    I tense at her question. "I don't know. Supposedly, he got a call from work and needed to get back to the hotel for something."
    "Hmm . . . I don't know. Something’s strange about him. I can't put my finger on it. Alba thought so too. Is he going to be there tomorrow?" No, thank God,  is how I want to respond.
    "No, he had to get back to work. Did I tell you he's touring with the band Memory Eraser?" I say trying to distract her. She's a huge fan.
    "Holy shit. No, you didn't tell me that."
    "Yeah, I guess he worked with them when they were just starting out, and they asked him to do the sound for their tour."
    "So will we get to meet Jalen Jeffrey?" she asks looking hopeful.
    "Easy there, stalker. I'm not even sure Ben likes his uncle, let alone has a relationship where he can ask for favors."
    "Well, what's the point of having a boyfriend who has a hookup to a rock god when you can't use it? BOO," she says sticking her tongue out at me.
    We finish our appointments without any more talk of Amos. We're both starved after our hour of pampering and decide to hit up our favorite hole-in-the-wall burger joint we frequented as kids. With our bellies full and hours of catching up behind us, we decide to call it a night.
    "All right, lady, I'm gonna head out. I'll see you tomorrow," I say reaching out for a hug.
    "Okay. I'll be the one with the cap and gown," she says laughing.
    "I'll make sure to look for you." Damn smartass.
    "I'll text you tomorrow to let you know where we're going for dinner."
    "Sounds like a plan," she says before getting into her car.
    I send Ben a quick text and head home.

I LOOK OUT TO THE group of thousands currently filling Founders Park. The day I've worked years to achieve is finally here. I sit with the other hundred-plus students and scan the crowd for Ari. She was a nervous wreck this morning. The thought of having to sit through my ceremony with my mother had her completely rattled. My only hope is that Eli and Andrew do a good job playing interference.
    We shouldn't be too long; this is the shorter of the two ceremonies. I was only allowed two tickets to the larger one held this morning. It was an easy decision because I wasn’t going to exclude Ari so my mom could bring Andrew. I'm sure that didn't help my mother's mood, but she'll just have to deal. This one is for pre-law students only.
    Vonne's name is called first and a small roar from the crowd erupts to my left. Glittery poster boards are being held up and a loud foghorn sounds. I smile as she beams toward the crowd. She shakes a few hands, accepts her diploma, and heads off the stage. We go through this at least a hundred times until they finally reach the letter R.
    "Benjamin Rodriguez.” My name is called over the loudspeaker, and the feeling is so surreal. I hear the loud cheers, and although I'm happy for this day, the feeling is bittersweet knowing