Started with a chat 11

~Chapter eleven~

Meg woke up first the next morning, she couldn’t stop smiling. She felt relaxed and safe in Ben’s arms; they had woken up during the night and made love again. Happily she prepared to get up, but was pulled back by Ben “You’re trying to sneak away?” he teased and kissed the way up her spine. Meg turned around and kissed him “No, but I thought that you maybe wanted the sleep” she smiled sheepishly at him. Ben pulled her down and rolled over so he was on top “Are you suggesting that I ‘worked’ harder than you last night” he grinned “because as I recall it you were pretty active yourself” he lowered his head for a long deep kiss. Ben moved his kisses down her neck and Meg moaned “Oh please don’t stop” she said when he stopped and Ben placed a light kiss on her lips “I better or we won’t get out of bed today” he paused “and I’ve got something I want to show you so we better get going” he got out of bed and put his trousers on. With his shirt open he went out of Meg’s room and over to the shared bathroom. Meg sat up in bed and laughed, gosh she was happy. She put on her robe as she got out and walked over to make some coffee, that was when she remembered they’d never had had coffee in the evening, but still there was a cup missing. She turned around to look for it and found it on the table “I had a cup just not waste it all” Ben said leaning against the doorframe. He had pulled his wet hands thru his hair and Meg thought that she’d never seen anything sexier in her life “That’s good then, I’ve made some new” she nodded towards the machine “I’ll just go take a quick shower” Ben put a hand out and stopped her “Not before I get a kiss” he bent his head down.

As Meg went to the bathroom Ben put his shoes on and went downstairs to get some take away from Elaine’s or they wouldn’t get anything to eat this morning. It was Elaine herself that was behind the counter “Good morning Ben, you’re out and about early this Saturday, can it be a visit to my new lodger that brings you by?” Ben grinned he knew that without telling Elaine knew everything when it came to love and romance “Can be” he put in his order “No coffee?” Ben shook his head and sat down on a stool to wait “So Ben, did you have a good police evening?” Elaine asked “Yeah, always a good evening, I take it you had your share during the day” Elaine’s waffle shop was close to the beach while the Deep and the Java Web was a bit more inside the town. “Yeah, one of the best days of the year” Ben and Elaine had always had a good business relationship, helping each other out when needed. Ben paid for the breakfast and walked back upstairs and had just gotten inside when Meg got back “I’ve fixed us some breakfast” he started to unpack the bag. “You really are amazing” Meg smiled and put on a t-shirt and jeans “How nice it is not to have to tend to the animals on a Saturday morning” Meg said mostly to herself “No, but I bet you will miss it in a few weeks” Ben answered and Meg laughed “I said that out loud didn’t I?” Ben nodded “Come on and eat now, I want to take you over to the house and show the progress” he said “Have you done much?” Meg asked as she sat down “Well you can say that, Casey’s helped out some too, the only thing that needs tearing out now is the kitchen” Ben said “I hope to get that done this weekend as I’ve got plumbers coming on Tuesday” Meg laughed “You’re going to get ruined renovating that house” Ben didn’t comment but went on “Then I’ve got lots of samples for everything laying around” “You really want to move in fast don’t you?” Meg asked “Yes, I can’t kip at Casey’s forever” Meg looked at him “Kip?” “Yes, sleep?!” Ben answered her and Meg rolled her eyes “So are you good with a paint brush?” Ben asked “Well I’ve done the fences a few times at home” Meg shrugged her shoulders “Great, maybe you can help out with some paint job in the house then”

After a quick visit at Surf Central where Ben changed into his working clothes they got over to the house. Meg was amazed on the progress “Have you done all this in just two weeks?” Ben nodded “With help from Casey, Rae’s been working a lot so he’s had time to help out” “Wow, you could almost move in tomorrow” Meg said and Ben laughed “I doubt it, as I said the plumber will come Tuesday and you remember how old the kitchen is, that has to get torn out” “Let’s get to it then” Meg said.
A couple of hours later Ben and Meg took a break on the terrace. With a water bottle each to drink from, they rested against the railing with their backs towards the ocean. Meg had her hair up in a high ponytail and Ben couldn’t resist the urge to kiss her neck, Meg tilted her head a bit more to give Ben access. Instead he pulled her into his arms for a real kiss. What they didn’t know was that most people from the beach could see them and some of them were Annie and Maria.

Annie was still talking, but she didn’t get any response from her friend “Earth to Maria” she said and finally patted her on the shoulder which made Maria jump “What?” “Have you heard anything at all?” she had been telling about the date she had had the previous evening with Ruiz. “Didn’t you tell me that that girl, Meg or what’s her name went back to wherever she came from?” Maria asked Annie “Yes she did, so what?” “Who is it Ben’s kissing over there at that house?” Maria pointed towards a house that Annie never had noticed before. They weren’t far away and Annie saw clearly that it was Meg in Ben’s arms. “Maria, you have to get to terms with it. It was you that cheated on Ben so you can’t blame him” “If Ben’s just given me a chance he’d know I’d cut that off” Maria said “Maria, you’re my friend and I love you, but you did cheat on Ben once before and he took you back” Annie started “Yes, he did, he could have done it again” Maria shrugged her shoulders “Maria, you’re not listening to me, and apparently you didn’t listen to Ben either. The first time he said that would it happen again it was over for you and you did get to sign the divorce papers last week, remember?” Annie tried to get her friend to understand and she pulled her last card “If you don’t let it go I’m going to take Ben’s side in this divorce” “You can’t do that, you’re my friend Annie” Maria looked at her “But I’m also Ben’s friend Maria, I guess I can just not talk to any of you if it comes to that”

Meg took a sip of her water bottle and looked out over the beach “I believe you will be very happy here Ben” she glanced up at him and then back out. Ben stood behind her and she rested back against his chest. After placing a soft kiss on the top of her head he said “I think so too, there’s really only one thing I need to make it perfect” Meg turned around and looked at him “The renovation done?” she asked. Ben shook his head “No Meg” he looked her deep in the eyes “I want you to move it with me” Meg was taken aback a bit “I was going to wait and ask you, but well the topic came up and I don’t want to waste any time with you” Meg snuggled close to Ben “I don’t want to waste any time either, I spent years dating Tim when I grew up and see what that got me” she looked back up at Ben “I’d love to live here with you” Ben kissed her “Good, now I don’t have to feel bad when I ask you to help me chose colors, wallpapers, decorating” He reached for his water bottle and took a sip “Maybe you got things in Kansas you want to have shipped over here” Meg laughed “I don’t think so” “Are you sure?” Ben teased “Knick knack, coffee mugs and so on?” Meg hit him playfully “Don’t you knock back my coffee mugs” they both laughed and went back inside to finish the last things in the kitchen.

Maria packed her things up “Where are you going?” Annie asked “Home, I need to call the lawyers to see if I can get that divorce canceled. I’m not giving him up to some country girl from Kansas” Annie grabbed her arm “Maria, you have to move on he’s not taking you back” “Oh yes Annie, he sure is” Annie took a deep breath “Can you honestly tell me you and Ben were truly happy together? I don’t think you were” Maria looked at Annie “The thing I saw in Ben’s eyes last night at the Deep I’ve never seen before. Maria, you hurt him and now he’s….” she didn’t finish the sentence because she saw the tears in Maria’s eyes, this was the first time since it all started Maria hadn’t full control of her feelings. Annie hugged her tightly “Maria, it will be fine, you will be fine” she quickly gathered her things “Let’s go home and have a nice glass of wine”
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All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.
©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

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.
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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”
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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”

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

Started with a chat 06

~Chapter six~

Sunday evening after closing up Ben asked Meg to come to the office “I need some personal information so I can pay you” Ben said and Meg sat down opposite him at the desk. “And of course I have to ask you if you want to continue working. I know you’re on your vacation, but I’m really in need of a waitress” “And I’ve really loved working here this week so if it was a question I’d really like to work next week too. I’ve got a flight home from LA on Saturday afternoon” Ben looked up from some papers “I will hate to see you go, but I’m very happy you’ll stay on this week” Meg got up to get ready to leave “Can I ask you a favor Meg?” “Sure, you name it” she said “Could you fill in for Mark at the Java Web on Tuesday?” she was surprised “Sure” “Good, someone told him to take a chance on an adventure so he’s asked for an audition with my aunt at the radio station” Meg blushed “I guess I owe you it then” she picked her purse up “Meg, there’s another thing I’d like to ask you” but just as usual he was cut off, this time by the phone “Can we talk tomorrow? I’m quite tired” Ben nodded and concentrated on the phone call. It was -someone who had lost something.

The week rushed by and before she knew it, it was Friday afternoon. Meg had been needed at the Java web again so Ben had given her the evening off since it was her last day in Sunset Beach. Ben had felt a connection between them and he was now pretty sure that she was Dorothy from Kansas. When he checked his mails that afternoon there was a new message from her “S.B I’m sorry we never got around to meet and now I have to go back home, but who knows maybe someday I’ll come back again” Ben felt a sadness and made a rush decision “Dorothy” he started the mail “I’d really like to meet you and show you the spectacular sunset from a bit above. Could you come to 1303 Ocean Drive just before sunset tonight? Don’t be scared that the house looks a bit run down but I’m about to start renovating it.” He sent it and hoped that Meg was getting it. His backup-plan was to ask her out for dinner to say thanks for helping out these weeks, if she said no he’d know she’d gotten the mail.

Even though Meg wasn’t going to work she was at the Deep already at 6 pm. She was restless and confused, was she going to meet S.B or not, and especially since he had told her about the house. Well the sun wasn’t about to set just yet so she had a bit of time to decide. She sat down at the bar and was surprised when she saw Ben there and not Roger “You’re working yourself tonight?” she asked “Well I’m starting up at least, Roger’s coming in later on” he put a glass of wine in front of her “Think this was what you had your first evening here” Meg smiled at him “It sure was, not had any since” she sipped it “So, have you made any dinner plans?” Ben asked “I thought otherwise if I maybe could take you out to say thank you for your hard work” that was when Meg decided “It would be nice, but I’m actually meeting someone that I’ve been trying to track down since I came here” Ben tried his best to look disappointed “Oh, that’s nice for you” inside he was happy, he really liked Meg and hated to see her go. Of course his divorce was far from final but with Meg going back he didn’t know when he could persuade her to come back. Meg finished her wine “I’ll come back later on to say bye to everyone” she told Ben and walked up the stairs.

Ben quickly gathered the picnic basket he had ordered and went to his new house. He wanted to be there before Meg came and he wanted to have set the picnic up on the upstairs balcony too. The house didn’t look much to the world, it was dusty and the wallpaper wasn’t much to show either but still he wanted Meg to see it before she left.

Meg walked down the beach side until she came to the house, it did look nice enough, but it was in need of renovating. She was a bit nervous and still not sure if she was going to go around the house and ring the doorbell. But she was curious so she soon stood in front of the door. She rang the bell and got the biggest surprise in her life when she saw who opened the door.

“You? Ben, what are you doing here?” Meg was confused “Please Meg, let me explain” he took her hand and lead her inside “First sorry for the mess, it’s true the house is mine and I am going to start renovating it” he closed the door behind her “It took me some time, but then I had my suspicions. Remember all those times I’ve tried to talk to you and we’ve been interrupted” Meg thought back to when Annie came into the Java Web and just the last Sunday “I wanted to ask you to be sure” Ben held onto her hands and looked her straight into her eyes “Meg, are you ‘Dorothy from Kansas’?” She was in shock and couldn’t answer but she nodded her head “I’m so happy you are, if you’ve not figured it, I’m the one that’s S.B” “But how?” Meg asked “Well it was the little things, you being from Kansas, the way you love strawberries and how you talked about the sunset. And of course your mails” “But why didn’t you…” Meg started “Oh, Maria of course, that’s why you didn’t want me to come” Ben shook his head “Not at all, I’m all done with her, well not all done we still need the divorce to be final, but she hurt me Meg, that’s why I didn’t want you to come, I couldn’t stand being hurt again” “But why now, you know I’m going home tomorrow” Meg was getting furious “What’s the use of us meeting like Dorothy and S.B when I’m leaving?” “Shh” Ben put a finger to her lips “We can talk later, but I want to show you something first” He took her hand and led her up the stairs, thru a corridor and a big room out onto the balcony. They stepped out just in time to see one of the most spectacular sunsets. It was first after that Meg noticed the big bowl with strawberries in the middle of the table “Do you know you’re incredible” Meg turned around and looked at him. Ben shrugged his shoulders “I guess this is just me being me” he pulled out a chair for her “Sorry that it’s all so simple, the deal just went thru Monday and I’ve not had so much time to fix things. And besides I wasn’t even sure you would show up” “Ben, it’s fantastic” Meg smiled at him “I mean the food looks delicious and the strawberries, well what can I say” she looked out over the ocean “And the view is breathtaking, it can’t be much better”

Ben and Meg spent most of the evening there on the balcony talking about everything, when it got a bit chilly Ben took Meg on a tour of the house “This” he said as they walked off the balcony “I’m planning on using as master bedroom” Meg smiled “With this view and the sunset just outside it can’t be better really, how many rooms is there in the house?” she asked “Well this and three more here upstairs” he took her out thru the corridor and showed her the other rooms “Then downstairs there’s the big living room and a smaller one that I thought I’d use as a home office and of course the kitchen” “Show me” Meg said and started to walk down the stairs “Now, this is a room that really needs a makeover” Ben said as he stopped outside the kitchen door “Come on Ben, let me see it” Meg pushed passed him “Don’t say I didn’t warn you” Ben was just a step behind and bumped into Meg as she had stopped the second she stepped into the kitchen, it was true it needed renovating “Ben, what a kitchen this is I can really see the potential” she turned around “Do you have any plans drawn up?” Meg was excited “Not really. I got some architect’s plans that the previous owner had made up, but I doubt I’ll stick to them” they walked back into the living room where he showed her the plans. Meg took out a pen from her purse and with Ben’s permission started to move things around “Sorry, I got a bit excited there” Meg said “It’s your house not mine” Ben stood beside her “But you know what, I agree on most of the things, you got a great eye for design Meg” Meg blushed “It’s true, have you studied design in college?” “I majored in Economics, but I took interior design one term” “It shows on these” Ben pointed to the plans.

Meg got a glance of Ben’s wrist watch “Is that the time?” she said “I need to go. It’s been lovely Ben. Not only tonight but working at the Deep and the Java web, it was just what I needed” “Meg, it doesn’t have to end here” Ben said “Yes Ben, remember I’m going back to Kansas tomorrow” Ben took her hand “Meg, I mean it” he looked her deep in the eyes and bent forward to kiss her “Ben, please don’t” Meg said, but the attraction was too big and she gave in for the kiss. As they walked back to the Deep they didn’t talk much, Ben reached for her hand, how could he let her go he had just started to get to know her but he knew this was the real thing, nothing at all like what he had had with Maria. Meg’s head was filled with questions; Ben’s kiss had been breathtaking, would she ever get over that. Her life was still back in Kansas although she had a lot of new friends in Sunset Beach who she hated to leave. She also let herself toy with the ideas of renovating the house with Ben and live there for the rest of their lives. Those three rooms upstairs would be great as guestrooms at first and when they had children they’d redecorate them. ‘Children, snap out of it Meg’ the thought to herself. The walk to the Deep wasn’t long enough to wonder further.

Everyone was there; Gabi, Paula, Michael and Vanessa, Casey and Rae and a few others Meg had gotten to know the short time she’d been in town “Meg, you have to come back soon” Gabi said “I totally agree” Vanessa filled in “Two weeks are too short” Meg hugged them both “I feel the same, but I need to face things at home and besides, I have to get back to work on Monday” “Wouldn’t have been much of a honey moon if you had gone thru with the wedding would it?” Gabi stated “Sure wouldn’t” Meg agreed “I’m happy I did find out before the wedding” she looked around for Ben she hadn’t had time to talk to him at all since they arrived back at the Deep. As the others got up to dance Meg went up to the office to see if Ben was there “Ben, are you here?” she called but got no answer so she walked inside. Just as she was about to turn around and leave again when Ben came out of the shower, stark naked about to wrap the towel around his hips “I’m… I’m so so sorry” Meg stuttered “I knocked and called but you didn’t answer. I will leave at once” she was on her way to the door “Meg” Ben said calmly and as she turned around he was about to put his watch on “You don’t have to leave” he wasn’t the slightest embarrassed. “I think I better” Meg had the hand on the door “Will you wait for me downstairs at least?” Ben asked and Meg nodded.

Meg was sitting at the bar as Ben came down stairs, he walked over and stood beside her “Would you like to dance?” she hesitated a bit “I told Mark to put on one of my favorite songs” it started to play and Meg noticed it was a slow song, you couldn’t make a fool of yourself dancing slowly. She put her hand in Ben’s “Yes, I’d love to dance with you”

What does it mean?
Feels like we've been here before
Feels like I've known you all of my life
It's all that it seems
Watching the waves kiss the shore
Seeing your smile light up the night

We'll find our dreams
Beyond the Sunset
All that love means
Beyond the Sunset
(beyond the, beyond the sun)

This is our time
You're all I'm thinking of
You are the one love time can't erase
Oh, girl
And when you are mine
I live each day for your love
And we'll live forever in this magic place
You and me, baby

We'll find our dreams
Beyond the Sunset
(beyond the, beyond the sun)
All that love means
Beyond the Sunset
(beyond the, beyond the sun)
Just you and me
Beyond the Sunset
(beyond the, beyond the sun)
A brave new world
Beyond the Sunset
(beyond the, beyond the sun)
Beyond the Sunset
(beyond the, beyond the sun)
All that love means
Beyond the Sunset
(beyond the, beyond the sun)
___________________________________________________________________________
All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.
©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 05

~Chapter five~

Meg didn’t know what to do for the rest of the day, but as she didn’t know how long she’d stay she thought it was time to visit the beach. She realized she hadn’t packed a bathing suit so she had to go shopping. She found a little shop called Sunset Sisters where she went inside. There were a lot of souvenirs and other knick knacks but also a room filled with clothes. “Hi, can I help you?” a young woman her own age said “Yes, I’m actually looking for a bathing suit of some kind” Meg said. “We got a selection over here” she led Meg over to some shelves “Anything special you had in mind?” Meg shook her head “I don’t know, I thought I’d spend the afternoon at the beach and realized I hadn’t packed a bathing suit” “One or two piece?” the woman asked “Oh, I’ll go with a one piece” Meg laughed and was shown the selection “Do you have a fitting room?” she asked “Yes, over there, please call me if you need any help. My name is Gaby” the woman went over to the counter to help some tourists with their purchase. Meg tried on a couple of her choices and chose one. She brought them all over to the counter “I’d like this one please” she said to Gaby “A wise choice I believe” Gaby said “Are you here on holiday maybe?” she asked “Yes and no, I don’t know yet” Meg said as Gaby packed her suit in a bag “I have to see, but I’ve got two weeks off from my work in Kansas and I think I’ll stay that long” “Maybe we’ll run into each other again the, the town’s not that big” Gaby handed her the change and bag “Maybe, I’m helping out at this club ‘The Deep’ this week” Meg said “Then I’ll definitely see you, I’m planning on going there tonight” Meg held out her hand “I’m Meg” they shook hands.

Irritated Ben went back to Surf Central when Mark came just after lunch. As usual when he was feeling like this he dressed in his sweatpants and went for a run. Just as he rounded the corner to the road that would take him down to the beach he bumped into someone “I’m so sorry” Ben said and looked at the person “Carmen, are you ok?” he asked his mother-in-law “Yes I am” she said in broken English, she was originally from Mexico “How about you? I was disturbed by the cards this morning” she said “I’m ok” he didn’t know if Maria had told her mother yet “I know you relay a lot on the cards, but believe me I’m ok” Carmen took his hands “If the cards were right and they always are I’m so sorry Ben, I never believed this of my Maria” “Don’t worry about me Carmen, I can take care of myself. I better run along though” Ben said and left “Oh oh oh” Carmen shook her head “You don’t know what’s in the future for you Ben” she walked the few blocks home.

Meg came to the Deep around six in the evening, there were a few guests that were having dinner, but that was all. “Great, you’re here” Mark said “Ben told me to take a few shirts out for you to try on, they’re up in his office” Meg looked around “Ok if I do it at once?” she had dressed in a skirt and white blouse this evening, much better than her flower-patterned dress she had on the previous evening. “Sure thing” Mark said and Meg went up the stairs. Some of the guests wanted Mark’s attention so he didn’t notice Ben walking in and straight for his office until it was too late. “I’m so sorry” Ben said when he found a half dressed Meg who startled turned around “No worries” Meg pulled the shirt on. It wasn’t much Ben saw, but he liked what he did see. “Do you want me to go so you can try the others on?” Ben asked when he saw the other shirts “No, I’m done. I think I will leave you to it instead and get to work downstairs” she smiled and left the office. Ben sat down at his desk and went thru some paperwork. He had been seeing his lawyer to make a draft he could present to Maria for the divorce, he’d also look into buying a property further down the beach, the house there now was worn down, but he needed something to do and renovating it would be fun. In his mails he found a message from Dorothy. Ben wasn’t too sure about if he should set up a meeting or not, officially he was still married to Maria, he hoped the divorce would be quick. His lawyer had told him he was foolish when he had presented his idea. Maria was to get the house and a pretty fair sum of money, the only she had to do was to agree to the divorce at once. He sighed, a part of him still loved Maria, although she had betrayed him in the worst way he could imagine and from talking to Annie it had been going on for quite a while. In Annie’s defense she had stayed loyal to her best friend even though she and Ben too were close. She had been really sorry about not being able to tell him about it.

Downstairs the evening was getting busy. Michael had showed up again, this time he introduced Meg to Vanessa, his journalist girlfriend. Meg also got to meet Casey and Rae, Casey too was a lifeguard and Rae was a doctor. Gaby came together with her sister Paula. Meg was surprised at this many guests a Monday evening, she had to remind herself that she wasn’t in Kansas anymore. Just in a few days she had noticed that California had a totally different lifestyle, one she started to like already. “A penny for your thoughts” Ben said, Meg sighed “I just can’t win with you can I?” she thought back to the previous night when she had fallen asleep in the office totally exhausted from the weekend’s escapades. Ben had to laugh “I hope you were thinking happy thoughts” Meg smiled at him “Yes, I left all the bad back in Kansas” ‘Kansas again’ Ben thought “You mentioned Kansas before, from where in Kansas are you?” Ben asked “It’s just….” He didn’t get to say more because some customers needed service and Meg was off “I have to stop this” he said out loud to himself. “Stop what English?” he heard the familiar voice of his wife “Don’t you bother about that Maria, what are you doing here?” he asked “Enjoying myself, spending time with my husband who’s been distant the last few weeks” Maria tried to touch Ben but he pulled away “Maybe there’s a reason why I’ve been distant” he didn’t like it but the bitterness wouldn’t go away. Once before just a few weeks after they had started dating Maria had gone out with someone else behind his back, just for a week so he took her back but made the promise to him-self and Maria that if it ever happened again he wouldn’t be so nice. Maria went to sit at a table, if she needed to she’d wait until closing and then talk to Ben, she was missing him like crazy. Meg noticed the new customer and went over “Welcome, can I get you anything?” “The usual” Maria said looking challenging at the new girl “Sorry Miss, I’m new here so I don’t know what your usual is” “Oh right, you see my husband hasn’t talked much to me lately or I’d know he had gotten new staff” Meg looked surprised at her “Is Ben your husband?” “Of course he’s my husband” Maria flashed her rings in front of Meg and Meg felt a sting in her heart, she hadn’t seen Ben wearing a ring, well maybe he was the kind of man who didn’t like jewelry. “Here’s your wine Maria” Ben said and put down a glass “Meg, I think Todd needs some help with the glasses” Todd was the kitchen help “Ok” Meg said and turned again to Maria “Nice to meet you Mrs. Evans” Ben looked at Maria “If you’re staying here I hope you will be nice to all of the staff both old and new” Maria was known to be able to stir up trouble whenever she liked it.

A few hours and glasses later Maria got tired of waiting for Ben, he had ignored her most of the evening, not even when she had been dancing challenging with some guy he hadn’t bother. Usually this wasn’t her style, but she had seen Annie do it millions of times with the result that all the guys in the club were staring at her. Maria got up and went home. One by one people left the club, for most of them it was a working day tomorrow. Meg started to clear and clean the tables. As Ben passed her on his way to the office she stopped him “So, how much do you clean every night?” she asked “When I waited tables at college we did it all in the evening” “The cook cleans the kitchen and then I’ve got a cleaning service for restrooms and floors, but please put the chairs up” “Ok, I’m almost done then. Is there anything else you want me to do?” Ben shook his head and left. ‘Ok, then’ Meg thought ‘strange guy’. As Roger still was cleaning the bar when Meg had put the chairs up she handed him the apron and said good night and walked home. A few more days passed this way and Meg enjoyed her time in Sunset Beach. She walked around exploring the town, spent time at the beach and then worked at the Deep in the evenings. She hadn’t seen much of Ben since that evening when his wife had been in and the little she had met with him he had seemed grumpy. When she went for her breakfast at the Java Web Friday morning she was met by Mark “Good morning, what a great DJ-session you had yesterday” she said “Thanks” Mark smiled “You really love it don’t you?” Meg asked “Yeah, but I doubt I could make a living off it” Meg had always loved to solve problems “Have you ever tried out for a radio show?” Mark shook his head “Why not, I’ve been listening to the local radio station and they could need someone like you” she suggested. She noticed how he was hesitating “Someone told me just a few weeks ago to follow my heart and chose an adventure, why don’t you make this your adventure?” she told him. Mark laughed “Will you be quiet if I say I’d try?” Meg stood up and hugged him over the counter “Yes” Mark was called to the kitchen to get Meg’s breakfast it was a routine that she sat at the counter eating. “There’s only one problem” Mark said when he came back “Who will work here if I get a job elsewhere” Mark had always been very loyal to Ben all since Ben took him in when he came to Sunset Beach as a runaway. “What about me?” Meg shrugged her shoulders and dug into her fruit salad “Mmm, I don’t think I ever can have too many strawberries” Mark laughed at her enthusiasm “Have you forgotten you’re going back to Kansas in a week” he reminded her “Oh Mark, don’t remind me. To be honest, I don’t want to leave” Challenging Mark looked at Meg “What about an adventure?” and they both laughed, this was how Ben found them when he arrived at the Java Web “What’s so funny?” he asked “Adventures” Mark and Meg said at the same time “Adventures are good, I told some a few weeks back to try out an adventure” Ben said. Meg was still laughing and didn’t hear Ben very well. “Seems to be in the air then” Mark said and then told Ben about the morning. “And our most loyal morning guest is she enjoying her breakfast?” Ben asked Meg “Of course, I think the cook put extra strawberries in today” “You know with your charm you’ve wrapped all my staff around your little finger” Ben said “Me?” Meg looked at him “I’m just being myself”
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All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.
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