Started with a chat 10

~Chapter ten~

Ben arrived at LAX at the same time as Meg’s flight landed. He was lucky to find a parking spot not too far away from the entrance. He went inside and looked at the monitors to get the information what gate Meg was coming from. When he came closer to the closed doors he looked again at the monitors and to his happiness he saw the symbol for the baggage band running, which meant Meg wouldn’t be too long as long as her things came quickly. Two weeks was long enough. He sighed, it was not like they were going to live together at once, but at least they were going to be in the same town.

Meg thought the baggage band took forever; she had already brought a baggage cart as she wasn’t going to manage all her bags otherwise ‘Maybe mom was right anyway’ she thought. She looked around for her bags again she was starting to feel a bit nervous. What if Ben didn’t come and pick her up? What if he had changed his mind? ‘So stupid I am’ she thought and took out her phone and texted Ben “Just landed, waiting for my bags, hope to see you soon” she sent the message and it didn’t take many seconds before she got her answer “Looking forward to have you in my arms, please hurry I’m waiting” Meg’s bags finally came and she could get out to see Ben. She spotted him almost at once and called his name “Meg” he took long steps towards her, finally close he pulled her in for a long kiss “I’ve missed you” “I’ve missed you too” Meg said breathlessly and smiled at him “I’m so happy to be back” Ben put an arm around her shoulders “Come on, let’s get back to Sunset Beach” they went outside and over to Ben’s car “I’ve forgotten it was this warm” Meg said and took her jacket off and put it in the backseat of the car. Ben walked over to open the front door for her, but before he did he couldn’t help but kiss her again.
When they arrived in Sunset Beach Ben dropped Meg off on the backside of the Waffle Shop, they both wanted what they had to be private for a little bit more. Meg put her bags to the side and walked around to see Elaine to get the key. It was pretty calm so Elaine helped Meg upstairs with the bags “It’s great to have you back Meg, I guess you will work for Ben again” “Yes, he said to look him up if I got back” Elaine laughed and unlocked the door “You don’t have to pretend with me Meg, I know. And believe me I’ve never seen Ben this happy“ “How?” Meg asked “Well romance is my specialty” she handed Meg the key “I don’t have any rules here, as long as you keep the room nice and tidy and do your share of cleaning the bathroom, just ask me or the girls if you have any questions” ‘The girls’ were Gaby and Paula. Paula was Elaine’s daughter and Gaby was Paula’s sister on her father’s side. “I will. Thanks for everything Elaine, let me know when you need the rent money” Meg went inside and Elaine returned downstairs. Meg put her suitcases just to the side of the door and walked over to the window, she felt lucky, and she could see the ocean from it. Smiling she turned around and first then noticed a big bouquet with white roses on the table. She took the card and read it. It was from Ben of course. She picked up her phone and called him “Thank you for the lovely roses” She said “You’re welcome. I’m happy you like them” “It’s my favorite” Meg said “Oh, I didn’t know that” Ben said on his end “Meg, I’m sorry I thought I’d have all day to spend with you but I need to take care of a problem at the Java Web, but why don’t you come to the Deep later for a drink. I know everyone will be happy to see you” Meg yawned “Sure, a short while I could managed, I’ve missed everyone” she said “Not as much as me I hope” Ben flirted over the phone “No, not as much as you” Meg said with a smile and they hung up.

Meg unpacked most of her stuff and then took a shower and got ready to go to the Deep. When she arrived it was already full of people but again it was Friday night. As she made her way to the bar she was greeted with ‘welcome back’s from people who were customers. She stopped a few yards away from the table where most of her Sunset Beach friends sat. Gaby was the first one who spotted her “Meg’s back” she rushed up to hug her “Welcome back Meg, you’ve been missed” everyone wanted a hug “You don’t know what this means to me” Meg said with tears in her eyes “What do you want to drink?” Casey asked “Just a glass of white wine, it’s been quite a long day” “I’ll be right back” he said and gathered some empty glasses on the table to bring to the bar. Ben was behind the bar at the moment “I thought you weren’t working tonight” Casey said “That was the plan, but Roger called in sick so I had to help out a bit” Ben told him “Oh, bummer… well maybe you can spend some time with Meg later” he winked an eye at his friend “Shall I buy some earplugs or shall I not expect you home” he teased “Case” Ben pretended to hit him, it wasn’t like that he’s not thought about spending the night with Meg, but again he didn’t want to push her.
The club was full and Meg had a lovely time catching up with everyone and every chance she got she glanced over at Ben hoping that no one noticed. “Earth to Meg” Casey said and Meg looked surprised at him “You were behind the bar weren’t you” Casey said and stood up holding out his hand “Come on and dance with me, Rae got called away and I want to dance” as Meg loved to dance she got up and went over to the dance floor. Just as they started to dance the song ended and the next song was a slow one. Casey knew Mark’s routine in mixing slow and fast songs, he had wanted to talk to Meg without taking her away from the club. He looked at Meg “You know Ben’s crazy about you don’t you?” he asked “What do you mean?” Meg tried to sound innocent “You don’t have to pretend, Ben’s my best friend and we’ve talked a bit” Casey said and Meg smiled at him “What do you think he thinks about us dancing like this then?” Casey looked over at the bar and saw Ben laughing so he turned around to show Meg “He trust us so much” when they song ended they went back to the table. Meg yawned, it had been a long day so she told everyone that they had to catch up more over the weekend but now she was going back to her room. Before she left she walked over to the bar “Do you have a schedule Ben?” she asked and looked where it usually was laying “I do, but you’re not on it until Monday, I thought you wanted the weekend off” he smiled at her. “I don’t mind, but it will be nice to spend some time on the beach and with the girls” their hands touched when Meg handed Ben back the clipboard “I will leave now” she said “Ok, if not before I’ll see you Monday” Ben said casually although he much rather pull her close and give her a big kiss, he hated this situation.

About an hour later soon after 11 Mark put the computer on random to play for the rest of the evening, his DJ-shift was over and now he headed towards the bar. Ben was busy mixing some drinks so he helped the next customer. When everyone was served for this round he looked at Ben “You go” he said “But Roger’s not here and…” Ben had a hard time convincing both himself and Mark that he HAD to be there, that he didn’t want to run over and see Meg. “Go on Ben, you know I’ll have tomorrow off for the radio station” Mark reminded him.

Meg was lying in her bed, she was tired but she couldn’t seem to fall asleep. She was thinking about the big step she had taken, moving far away from home. Thinking about how she was looking forward to spend a long time, hopefully a lifetime, with Ben. She hoped they hadn’t done anything today to ruin Ben’s divorce. She jumped when someone knocked on her door, who could it be this time in the night; probably Gaby she thought and got up. She didn’t bother with her robe so all she had on was a short negligée. She opened the door and so her surprise and happiness it was Ben. Without a word he pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Meg pulled him inside and closed the door. “Meg” Ben moaned to her lips “I’ve wanted to do this all evening” Meg kissed him again feather light small kisses “Me too” they broke apart and Meg became aware of what she was having on, she walked over to the corner where her bed was and picked her robe up “Can I get you anything, not that I have much but there’s some water, juice and I guess I can fix coffee” suddenly she was nervous. “Coffee is fine if it’s not too much trouble” Ben said and sat down at the table she had in the kitchen area, he looked her up and down ‘God she looks good’ he thought. Her robe didn’t cover much and she was barefoot. Meg started the machine and took out two cups from the cupboard, it was her favorite cups she had brought with her from Kansas “I thought you were busy at the Deep” she said and looked over at Ben “Well it quiet down a bit and Mark took over at the bar” Ben said “By the way, Mark’s doing a show in the radio tomorrow evening” Meg smiled “That’s great, I bet he’ll do just fine” she opened another cupboard “I’m sorry Ben, I don’t have anything but coffee, not even crackers” Ben walked over and put his arms around her from the back “I don’t need anything” he nuzzled her neck and Meg moaned when he kissed her behind the ear “So you like that” Ben said and did the same to the other side. Meg turned around in his arms and reached up to kiss him. As Meg was a big shorter Ben lifted her up so she sat on the edge of the counter. Meg tugged on Ben’s shirt until she got it loose from his trousers. Still kissing him she started to unbutton his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. She ran her hands down his chest and up again, Ben couldn’t help but moan, he loved her hands on his body. He untied the belt of Meg’s robe and pulled it off her shoulders before he leant forward and slowly pulled a strap away to kiss her shoulder it was now Meg’s turn to moan. She put her hands on his face so she could get a proper kiss. Ben moved in on her and she locked her legs behind his back so he couldn’t get away. Looking Meg in the eyes he carried her over to the bed and laid her down before he laid himself down next to her. Kissing and touching each other soon they both were undressed making love. They hadn’t said a thing with words, just with their eyes and touches. Ben pulled Meg close into his arms afterwards and kissed her softly “That was truly amazing” he said “Mmm, it was” Meg agreed tracing a finger on his chest “I… I just, oh Meg I hope it wasn’t too soon” Ben started “I mean, my intentions was to wait, but…” Meg put a finger to his lips “I didn’t think it would happen this fast either, but I wanted it just as much as you” Ben pulled her close and it didn’t take Meg many minutes before she fell asleep on his shoulder. Ben sighed happily and when he noticed that Meg was deeper in her sleep he got up to turn the coffee machine off. He looked at the cups these weren’t something that Elaine had put in the cupboard as it had a Kansas highschool flag on them. Not to waste all of the coffee he poured himself a cup and sat down at the table. He looked at Meg, she was so beautiful how lucky wasn’t he to have found her. Few minutes later he went back to bed and fell asleep too.
___________________________________________________________________________
All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.
©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 09

~Chapter nine~

All time Ben had free he was in the house tearing down old wallpapers and paint; he had also started tearing out the kitchen and bathroom that was joined to the master bedroom. The days when Casey was able too he was there to help out and this Wednesday was no different. Both guys were covered in dust from knocking down the tiles in the bathroom “How could anyone at any time think this was beautiful” Casey said “Beats me” Ben laughed “All I can think of that the person that put it up must have gotten it very cheap at the shop” he reached for his water bottle and took a sip and looked around “Just that wall too and we’re done” Casey nodded “Great, that means I’ll be home fairly early tonight” “Oh Case, I hope I’ve not kept you away from Rae with all this work” Ben said “Not at all, you know Rae, work comes first… well not first but it’s important and she’s been busy” “Great, I’ll have the two of you over as my first guests when it’s done” Ben promised “Oh, I thought Meg would be your first” Casey grinned “I plan on having convinced her to live here with me by then so she won’t be a guest per say” “I thought you said you wouldn’t rush it” Casey asked and Ben looked around “I don’t think I will, this won’t be finished in a hurry” “So when is Meg coming back?” “Friday” Ben answered with a smile “I’ll go down to L.A. and pick her up at noon” Meg had called the evening before with her flight information.

In another part of town Annie was trying to convince Maria that she wouldn’t get a better deal on her divorce from Ben “But what if the rumors are true, that he’s seeing this woman?” Maria asked her “Maria, Maria” Annie said in her own special way “She left town almost two weeks ago there’s nothing to worry about. Go ahead and sign the papers and let’s get out of here. SBPD is having their annual obstacle course day at the beach” Annie had always been crazy about men in uniform and it made Maria laugh “Ok, let’s go” she said and signed the papers and put it back in the envelope “I can mail these on the way” All since Ben had moved out Annie had lived with Maria in the house, it was fairly big, one bedroom each for them and the third that always had been Maria’s studio was so still. They hooked arms as they came outside and happily walked towards the beach. At the mailbox they stopped and Maria put the envelope into the slot “I guess this is it then” she looked at Annie who nodded and Maria pushed it in, as she did the sun caught the ring on her finger “I guess I should take these off, too bad Ben didn’t have as much money back when we got married or they’d been worth a fortune” Annie laughed “Maria my friend, with your talent you’ll earn a lot of money on your own so don’t you worry” the went on towards the beach.

Meg was having lunch with her friend Susan “I can’t believe this is the last time” she said “It’s not Susan” Meg reassured “Each time I’ll come home to visit there will be a lunch with you in my plans and you have to come out to Sunset Beach and visit” “I guess it have to wait until the baby’s born, oh Meg you will come for the Christening won’t you?” she looked pleadingly at her “Of course I will, I can’t wait for my first God child to be born” they had talked about this a long time ago “And I for mine, although you might not want me now when you get to California and get a lot of new friends, and besides you need a man don’t you?” she said inquiringly “Oh you do have someone in mind” She grinned “Why haven’t you told me” Meg looked up from her dessert plate “I have, haven’t I?” Meg tried to be secretive “The internet guy, the one who turned out to be your boss?” Susan exclaimed “Shh, all of Ludlow don’t have to hear you” Meg couldn’t hid her happy smile “Oh Susan, I can’t wait for you to meet Ben” “Well if you’re in a hurry you have to come back here with him, why don’t you come for Thanksgiving?” Meg shrugged her shoulders “I have to see, I don’t know how work will be and such, the plane tickets aren’t that cheap but I will certainly try” as Meg had to get back to work they girls hugged and said bye not noticing the guy who had been sitting the be booth behind them. As they walked out of the restaurant he got up and followed Meg back to her workplace. Meg just got in and sat down when he entered “What are you doing here Tim?” she asked when she saw him “I’m here for answers and for you to apologize” “Me apologize?!?!” Meg was furious “Tim I’m not the least bit sorry for not going thru with the wedding, you cheated on me and had plans on going on doing it, what I do with my life now is none of your business” Tim leant on her desk to get closer to her “Of course it’s my business” he said “Everything you do is my business, I love you Meg” it was first now Meg realized he wasn’t sober “Tim, just leave me alone and while you’re at it stop drinking too or you’ll end up like your father” Meg got up from behind her desk and followed Tim to the door “I know I can’t avoid you here in town but I will sure try, I don’t know if you ever will understand what your betrayal did to me” she closed the door behind him and went back to work. Her boss appeared in the door “I didn’t mean to listen in on your conversation, but I just wanted to say that you did a good job getting rid of him, had he carried on I would have come out and thrown him out and it wouldn’t have been as polite as you did”

Maria and Annie sat in two beach chairs close to a cooler bag and enjoyed the sun and looking at the police men, most of them had thrown their shirts in the heat “What about Ruiz then” Annie asked and Maria shook her head “He’s too close to Ricardo, and I wouldn’t hear the end of it, but you could give it a try” Annie raised her eyebrows “Ruiz, hmm” “Oh come on Annie, I know you fancy him” Maria pushed “Look he’s coming over” Officer Ruiz made his way towards the cooler for a bottle of water. He smiled at the two very familiar faces “You’re not getting into any trouble today ladies?” “Have we ever?” Annie asked innocently and got just a raised eyebrow for answer “I’ll see you in the Deep tonight I hope” he said and went back to the exercises. “See, he wants you Annie” Maria nudged her in the side “Yeah, all me want me, but do they want me?” she asked.

After having showered and shaved Ben went to the Deep, he knew today was a busy day all the policemen who was off duty usually came to the Deep this day. He loved the crowd and they business was good. The best of all was that there weren’t any troubles ever this evening, not any fights or even arguments happened. Sunset Beach wasn’t that big of a city, but the police department had some smaller societies in the outskirts in the jurisdiction. Ben stood behind the bar when Gaby and Vanessa came over “So Ben is it true Meg’s coming back on Friday?” he raised his eyes at them “Didn’t she text you herself to tell?” “Sure, but we thought you’d know better” they couldn’t help but giggle and that caught Annie’s attention. She walked towards the bar but kept a distance so she could hear but not be seen. “Ok, ok” he held up his hands in surrender “Yes she’s coming back on Friday, sometime in the afternoon” he added as he didn’t want to tell them he was picking her up himself. The matter of the divorce being on his terms made him careful about what he said and to whom. Annie lent on a pillar and sighed, she loved her friend but what she had done towards Ben wasn’t a nice thing and she loved Ben too much to see him hurt. The glow in his eyes when he talked to Gaby and Vanessa was just what she needed to know that he was happy again. She was glad she had pushed Maria to sign the papers and mail them today. “Why are you hiding here?” someone said and made Annie quickly turn around and bump into the person “Ruiz?” she said as she looked up “I…I…I wasn’t hiding” she stammered as he leant towards her and put his free hand over her head, Annie was pretty tall, but still she had to look up to see his face leaning over her. “Want a beer?” he held up his bottle as he asked “Sure” Annie tried to sound casual “Wait here and I’ll go get one” she looked after him as he made his way towards the bar. Ben had seen the scenario so when Ruiz came up to the bar he put out a bottle of Heineken for Ruiz and a Corona for Annie “Sorry Ben, but I asked for two Heineken’s” Ruiz protested “Yeah” Ben said “But Annie’s favorite is Corona” he looked over and smiled at Annie. Somehow they had become good friends and he didn’t want to lose that friendship even though it would be awkward now that he were divorcing Maria. When Ruiz came back Annie played along “Oh, you got my favorite, nothing better than a cold Corona” the clinked their bottles in a cheer. “Wanna dance?” Ruiz asked and nodded towards the dance floor. Annie nodded and led him out. ‘Maybe Annie finally has found happiness’ Ben thought.

“Are you sure you want to bring all those things to California?” Joan asked as Meg closed the second suite case and started to pack in a third “Well I did some research online and it would cost as much to have it shipped so I figured I’d take it now” Meg smiled at her mother “You know there are a few photo albums in there” Meg pointed “I’m bringing you all in the best way possible” Joan wiped a tear away “Will you have room where you’ll stay?” Meg laughed “Actually it’s pretty big the room I’ll be renting above Elaine’s Waffle Shop” “That sounds great” Joan said and sat down on the end of Meg’s bed, she sighed “I can’t believe it was only a month ago I sat here talking to you the evening before what would be your wedding day, so much have happened since then” Meg walked over and sat down beside her “It sure has” Meg sighed too “It’s still a bit hard to understand that Tim who I’ve always known turned out to be a cheating bastard” “I might not use the same words, but I have to say I’m very disappointed in him” Joan said. Meg looked at her mom “I hope he’s not coming here to make trouble for you, he followed me from the lunch restaurant to the office today” Joan put a reassuring hand on Meg’s “I don’t think he dare to, you’re father’s wrath isn’t to play with” “That’s true” Meg got up and looked around “You know what, I’ve got all day tomorrow too, shall we see if dad wants to play a game of cards or something?” it was a thing they’ve always done in the Cummings’ family in evenings when they’ve had time. “Sure, it will be a long time until the next”
___________________________________________________________________________
All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.
©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 08

~Chapter eight~

Back home in Kansas Meg was busy, but not busier than she had time to call Ben in the evening. She had texted him when she landed because she didn’t want him to talk on the phone if he still was in the car. Her first order of business, after she had arrived at the farm, was to see the priest and apologize, she had made a long list of what to do on the plane. After she got back to the farm again she went thru all the presents to send back with a note again apologizing. Sunday morning after church and farm chores she decided to clean out her closet, the clothes there wasn’t anything she’d want to take back to California and for visits on the farm it was enough to have some spare jeans and working shirts. She gathered it all up in boxes and bags to take to the annual church sale/swap thing that was to be the next weekend. She had stupidly signed up for helping out so she knew she wouldn’t get out of it, which meant that it would take at least a week before she could go back to Sunset Beach. In the middle of the cleaning out she sat down to see if Ben was online but he wasn’t.

First thing Monday morning she went into the boss’ office and handed in her notice “I hate to see you go Meg, you’ve been very valuable to me” Meg smiled “I’ve loved working here, but with all that’s happened I really want to make a new start in California” “Can I at least persuade you to stay this week and maybe next” He looked a bit desperate and Meg had a hard time to say no “This week definitely, I was actually thinking of taking my last week of vacation the next week, but if you need me I’ll stay” the boss smiled “As I said valuable and very loyal, I’ll write you up some nice references as I don’t think you can live in California without working” “That will be nice, thanks. I have a job as a waitress on hold there, but maybe I’d like to do something else so it can be needed”

After having been released by Mark Ben went to the store to get color and wallpaper samples, he really wanted Meg to be in his life so when she came back he wanted to have everything ready for them to choose together. The rest of the afternoon he spent upstairs in the house tearing down old wallpaper and preparing other stuff. It felt refreshing to work with his hands like this. Suddenly he heard the doorbell and wondered who it could be, not many people knew he had bought the house. He ran down the stairs and opened the door “Hey buddy, want some help?” It was Casey who was dressed in faded jeans and an old t-shirt “I’ve got some beer too” he held up a six-pack. Ben just laughed “You know me too well, you don’t happen to have any food too, I’m starving” he hadn’t noticed it before “Nah” Casey shook his head “But we can call for Chinese” “Sounds great” Ben agreed and took out his cell phone to call “So, is this therapy?” Casey asked and Ben shook his head “Nope, this is a fresh start, I’ll let Maria have the old house and I don’t want to bulk with you forever” “Well we’ve got a full house and so far we don’t mind, but it’s up to you of course” Ben nodded towards the stairs “Come on, let me show you around” After walking around the house they came back downstairs just in time as the delivery guy rang the doorbell. “So where shall we sit, do you have anything here at all?” Casey teased and was surprised when Ben took out two folding chairs and a folding table “Hey!” Casey looked at Ben “What’s going on buddy, you’ve got something going on?” as the picnic basket was still on the floor next to where the chairs and table had been. Ben shrugged his shoulders “I thought I’d see you mope around for years, come on tell me” Casey pushed “Well I don’t know what will happen yet” was all Ben said “Ben you seem to have forgotten that besides yourself I’m the one that knows you the best. I can see there’s something going on and… wait, it’s MEG!” Ben couldn’t help but smile “Have you convinced her to come back?” “Well it didn’t take much convincing” Ben nodded towards a suitcase “She left that one in my car” Meg had decided that she shouldn’t bring her new clothes home, she wouldn’t have any need for them anyways. “In your car?” Casey was surprised “Yep, I drove her down to L.A last night” Ben said “And I never thought it would be anyone but you and Maria” Casey said “Well that was the plan wasn’t it?”

The week ran fast and just before lunch Meg was called into the office by her boss “I just wanted to ask if you could stay on at least a few days next week, I’ve found a new girl for your position, but I want her to get the hang of our office” Meg was impatient to get back to Sunset Beach but she couldn’t say no “Sure, is it ok with Wednesday being my last day?” her boss nodded “Great” Meg couldn’t help but smile broadly “I guess you don’t just have a job to get back to, do you?” he asked “No, some new great friends as well” Meg started to walk out but turned in the door “Anything else or I can go for lunch?” she had made plans with an old friend from school who she saw from time to time for lunch. “No Meg, you go on” she checked so the computer wasn’t on and picked her purse up and then rushed out. She was actually running a bit late. She arrived at the restaurant 10 minutes later than planned “Sorry Susan” she hugged her friend who got up as she came over to the table “Wow” Meg said “You’re starting to show now” her friend was pregnant with her first baby “Yeah” she said and patted her stomach “Since you ran late I ordered our usual, is that ok?” Susan said “Of course it is” she sipped her water “I will miss these get-togethers” “But Meg, there will be plenty more times before I have the baby” Susan said “Oh sorry” Meg started “I’ve not yet told you, I’m going back to California next weekend, probably for keeps” “That’s great, I guess after Tim you do deserve to get away” “I certainly do” Meg said “So, time to spill the gossip, what was it like in California and what is it that makes you go back?” Meg told Susan everything up to the fact that Ben had given her the ride to the airport “By the sound of it he will be there to pick you up too” Meg smiled “I guess, although it can be he’s busy, I’ve never met anyone that has so many businesses that as equally successful” her friend laughed teasingly “Sounds like a good catch” They finished off their meal and decided to meet up on Wednesday again. Meg went back to the office and she was happy it was weekend.

Ben sat in his office at the Deep with the paper work, he really hated this side of the business, but again he wanted full control so he didn’t want anyone else doing it for him. He picked up his cellphone and looked Megs number up, they hadn’t really spoken this past week, mostly e-mailed and chatted a couple of times. Ben hadn’t known he could feel this way, he was really missing her and now he just had to hear her voice. On the fifth signal Meg finally reached her phone, she had just gotten out of the shower “It’s Meg” she said out of breath “Did I catch you at a bad time?” Ben asked and Meg smiled “Not at all, I just came from the shower” “So, how have you been?” “Busy” Meg answered “I did tell you about the church sale tomorrow that I need to help out at, well I’ve been there all evenings preparing but now we’re finally done” “That sounds nice” Ben said “Would be nicer to be in Sunset Beach” Meg said back “Oh yeah! I agree on that” “So how are things in Sunset Beach, besides warm and sunny?” Meg asked “It’s ok, I miss you though” the tone of Ben’s voice made Meg all warm inside “I miss you too, I hope I can be back next weekend” she said “Are you sure?” Ben asked “I finish work on Wednesday and then I want to spend a day at least with my parents but I’ll try and get a flight out on Friday” Ben smiled to himself “Just let me know what time you come and I’ll be there to pick you up” “You don’t have to Ben, I can take the shuttle” and Ben sighed “Don’t you think I know that, I’m coming because I want to” “Well to be honest, I much rather spend the trip to Sunset Beach with you than with strangers on a shuttle” There was a knock on Ben’s door and when he saw it was Mark he waved for him to come inside “Mark just turned up Meg, I’ll talk to you later ok?” Meg felt a bit sad, but it wasn’t cheap with long distance calls “Of course, I might even be online late tonight” she said and went on “I miss you” “I miss you too” Ben said not bothering Mark heard him and hung up “Good evening Mark, can I help you with something” “Good evening, I just wanted to let you know I was here and then check if I can have next Saturday evening off, Olivia’s offered me to do a program on the radio” Ben checked the calendar on his desk and picked a pen up “Sure you can, but I need a favor in return” “You name it” Mark said “I need you to cover for me on Friday, I will probably go to L.A. and pick Meg up” Mark grinned “So there is something between you two, I tried to pry it out of Casey, but he wouldn’t tell” Ben shook his head “I hope you do the same, my divorce isn’t final and I want it to go forward on my terms” Mark nodded “Sure Ben, my lips are sealed. I better get back downstairs” he said “I’ll be down when I’m done with some paperwork” Ben said as Mark left the office.

Meg got dressed and went downstairs where she found her parents in the living room “There’s some dinner on a plate in the fridge for you” Joan said “Thanks mom, I’m starving” Joan looked worried at her daughter “No mom, I didn’t skip lunch, it was just a lot of work in the city hall” Meg went back to the kitchen to reheat her dinner. As the news had ended Joan also came into the kitchen and sat down with Meg “That sale has certainly kept you busy, I’ve not had much time to talk to you since you got back” she said “I want to know about California, was it the adventure you thought it would be?” Meg smiled “It was so much more mom. As I let you know I ended up in this small town called Sunset Beach, I’ve never been anywhere more beautiful than that. It was amazing, the sun was warm and nice, the beach lovely and the people just amazing” “It does sound lovely, but are you really sure you want to start a new life all the way out there” “Yes mom, I’ve never been more sure about anything” Meg looked at her mother “I know it sounds unbelievable, but I’ve got friends and a job there already” “Do you have a place to stay, you can’t afford that hotel for long” Joan asked worried “Gaby and her sister Paula both offered to put me up so I think it will sort itself out” Joan got up and started the coffee machine “And that young man, what was his name?” “Ben” Meg filled in all too quickly “Ben yes, what can you tell me about him?” Meg told the story about them chatting and then just the evening before she left had been the first time they both known about each other “You never knew?” Joan asked surprised “Nope, not a clue, but Ben did figure it out, but was cut off from telling me at a few times” a bit worried Joan looked at Meg “Will you move in with him?” she asked “No” Meg shook her head “I did tell you he’s divorcing his wife and besides I don’t want to hurry anything” she finished her dinner “I’ll miss your cooking mom” she said “Well you’re welcome back anytime, just get on that plane and come home if you need to” as Meg had gotten up to wash her glass and plate she went over and hugged her mother “I know mom although I don’t think I will have to”

___________________________________________________________________________
All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.
©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 07

~Chapter seven~

When the song ended Ben and Meg parted. Someone came to talk to Ben so Meg went back to the bar “What’s up?” Roger asked “I’m not so sure anymore that I want to go back to Kansas” Meg said “Well why don’t you stay then?” “Well to start with, I need to get home and sort the “mess” I left behind up and then I’m due back at work on Monday” Roger gave her half a smile “I’ve loved working with you and so does the others so I think you’re more than welcome back” he walked around the bar to hug her. Gabi and Vanessa saw it and came up to Meg “You’re not leaving just yet are you?” they asked “Yes I think I am, I’ve got some last minute packing to do and then I want to get some sleep before the shuttle leaves early tomorrow” “Are you coming back?” Gabi was the first to ask “You can’t not come back” Vanessa filled in “I believe I am” Meg glanced over to where Ben stood talking to some guys “Anything going on there?” Vanessa was curious “Nah” Meg said “I think there is” Gabi teased “Come on Meg spill…” Meg just shook her head and hugged them again “Can you both tell the others bye, I don’t think I can do it” they promised and as they had exchanged phone numbers and e-mails before they would keep in touch “Thanks for taking me in, I’ve had a lovely time” Meg turned around and took her purse on the bar before she walked up the stairs.

With quick steps she started her way back to the motel, she heard some steps behind her and picked up her pace, suddenly she felt a hand on her arm “Let me go” she called out and started to struggle “Not if I can help it” it was Ben “Did you really think you could leave without saying bye?” Meg had tears in her eyes and it hurt him. He pulled her close “Meg, I didn’t mean to scare you” she looked up at him “It’s not that Ben, it’s because I can’t say bye I left” “Then just stay” it was so simple to Ben “I can’t, I need to get back home” Meg started to walk “Let me walk you back to the motel at least” Ben walked by her side “What is it that’s calling you to go home?” “I just need to get back and talk to some people, then I’ve got work on Monday” “You know you can work here, I mean if you’re worried about money” Meg smiled “I know and believe me, it’s not easy going back” “Why don’t you just call then and stay” She shook her head “I just can’t do that Ben, I need to face these people and I better get on with it so I can move on” they had reached her door “Meg” Ben said “Why don’t I drive you down to L.A?” Meg shook her head “I hate airport goodbyes, and besides the shuttle is free” Ben pulled her around so they stood face to face “I don’t care about the money I just want to spend a little more time with you now that I know for sure that you are you” Ben did his best to persuade Meg and won her over in the end, so while she finished packing and checking out he went back to the Deep to talk to Mark and then to Surf Central to pick his car up. They had decided to drive off to miss the heavy morning traffic.

Closing in on L.A a road sign made them take the next exit to an all-night open diner to have some breakfast. It was one of those ordinary places but for Ben and Meg it would always be special. They had talked a lot in the car and when they sat down Meg persuaded Ben to tell her about Maria “I can’t believe that we’ve both been treated that badly by the ones we loved” Meg said when Ben finished “I don’t think we shall blame ourselves Meg” she smiled at him “Well I don’t blame anyone for my mess but Tim, if it wasn’t that I was so sure he wouldn’t do the right thing I’d let him send all presents and sort other things out” she sighed “What about you then, are you filing for divorce?” she asked Ben “Of course I am, it’s already been filed, luckily since I was just to start up the business when we got married Gregory convinced me to write a ‘prenup’ so she don’t get a penny of it and as I don’t really care about it I’m leaving her the house we’ve lived in” Meg held his hand “You’re a kind man Ben Evans” Ben lifted her hand and kissed it “Too kind for my own good I’ve noticed lately” “I’m happy I got to know you at least” Ben looked at her “And I’m happy I got to start to get to know you, because I don’t want it to end here. I want you to come back” Meg felt a warmth spread thru her body “I want to get to know you more too and I will come back as soon as possible” she looked up at a wall clock “But to come back I have to leave, maybe we should get going?” Ben got up and paid their bill “Let’s go” he took Meg’s hand as they left the diner.

At the airport it was busy, but Ben found a parking spot so he could follow Meg inside. When she came to the counter the check-in went quickly. Ben was standing by the side with two cups of coffee in his hand “I thought we’d share a last cup” Meg was silent as they stood by a table “You know I can buy a ticket and come with you” Ben suggested “As much as I’d love to show you around Ben I don’t think it’s a good idea. But thinking that it’s less than two months until Thanksgiving I bet my mom would love for me to come back” “It would be a pleasure to accompany you” Ben smiled at her and Meg sighed “I’d better go thru security so I’m not stuck there when the plane’s about to leave” Ben pulled her close and lowered his head for a kiss. A kiss that took both their breaths away “Call me when you land Meg” Ben kissed her on the forehead and Meg started to walk away. She couldn’t say anything or she’d burst into tears, but as she turned around and looked at Ben she knew she had to run back for one more kiss “I’ll hurry back” was the only thing she whispered and didn’t look back this time she walked away.

Ben got back to the car and drove back to Sunset Beach, he knew he would start tearing down wallpapers and so in the house, but he wanted Meg to decorate it with him.

When Meg hand landed and gotten her bags and packed them into her parents’ car she texted Ben “Heels clicked together three times, Dorothy”
___________________________________________________________________________
All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.
©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-