Started with a chat 17

~Chapter seventeen~

On the way back Meg and Sarah chatted of course, but they did their best to be tour-guides and involve the guys in the conversation. Ben and Jude had found mutual things to talk about among things it had come up that they both had been in a class in economics at the same time at college. It had been a big class so it wasn’t any surprise they hadn’t met really. When they arrived at the farm Meg rushed out of the car and straight to the porch where her mother was standing. The reunion was with tears, but the happy kind. When Ben came up she introduced him and Joan did hug him just like she had Jude the day before “Welcome to Ludlow, Kansas” she said “Thanks Mrs. Cummings” Ben said but not as reassuring as with Sarah, this was after all his future mother-in-law and that made him a bit nervous “You got a lovely place here” Ben said and looked around “Thank you, you have to come another time of the year when there’s no snow” Joan said and ushered all the young ones inside “I’ve got coffee and pie ready for you” she got them to sit down at the big kitchen table. “Do you want milk or sugar Ben?” she asked as she poured “No thanks, black is fine Mrs. Cummings” “Oh Ben, please call me Joan” she answered. “Is daddy in the barn?” Meg asked and Joan shook her head “No your silly father went into town, he tried to convince me that we needed more cat food but I know he’ll stop at Mrs. Carson’s for my Christmas gift” every Christmas since the one they had gotten engaged at she had gotten a new charm for her bracelet. It was filled with animals, fruits and other stuff. The three most precious to her was the one of a little boy and two girls that she had gotten at their children’s first Christmases. “What do you think he’ll buy this year?” Sarah asked curiously “It’s after all your 30th engagement Anniversary this year” “I have no clue what so ever, never had unless the years you both were born, but that was only because of that I got the little boy at Rob’s first Christmas” They had all finished their coffee “Now, don’t let me keep you” Joan said “You must want to unpack” she said and looked at Meg and Ben “I arranged Ron’s room for the guys, Jude’s already settled in” Meg had told Ben about the house rules. “That sounds great Joan” Ben said and since they guys had hit off so well there would be no problems sharing. “Before I forget” Joan started “Mrs. Owen called earlier, Jake will be home for Christmas and he’ll be playing at the Buckaroo tonight” both Sarah and Meg smiled.

When Ben and Meg had unpacked they all decided to get into town, there were always things happening on December 23rd. And of course Meg hoped that she’d meet Susan her best friend and sister-in-law. They had been texting each other and Susan had promised to try and drag Rob with her otherwise they’d all meet in the evening. “Somehow this reminds me of Sunset Beach” Ben said as they walked along the shops “But without the sun and sand?” Jude asked “Definitely” Ben agreed “This is nothing like Sunset Beach” Meg said “At least in Sunset Beach things happens, usually nothing happens in Ludlow” “I think you’re just ‘home blind’” Ben said to Meg and kissed her cheek that was red from the cold weather. Ben looked up and enjoyed the snow falling on his face, Meg snuggled closer to him “Come on, let’s go inside here and have a nice cup of hot cocoa” she said “Mrs. Owen has the best variety in town” Ben held his arm around Meg “The same Mrs. Own as your mother talked about?” Meg smiled “Yes the same” she looked thru the door and saw a free booth “Come on” she opened the door and stepped inside, the smell was mixed; damp clothes, new shopping bags and the smell of sweet cocoa. They sat down and looked in the menus “The Christmas special usually is a hit” Meg said “It’s a different mix every year” Ben looked up “I’m amazed, I’ve never seen a variety of hot cocoa like this” Meg smiled “Too bad it’s not really a business for it in Sunset Beach or you could have added it at the Java Web” “That was a great idea” Ben was a bit surprised with himself, he hadn’t thought about either the Java Web or the Deep since they arrived. He trusted Mark a lot to run both places. “May I take your order?” a lady in Joan’s age asked and Meg looked up “Hi Mrs. Owen” she stood up to greet the woman with a hug. Ben got a feeling that the Cummings’ and the Owen’s were close families “You look great Meg” she said “I heard you were coming home today” she glanced at Sarah “Did Joan tell you my Jake’s home too?” she said proudly “Yes she did and I’m looking forward to hear him tonight” Meg said and sat down. She looked at Ben “What do you say. Christmas special?” they were soon going back to the farm for dinner “Yes, it sounds great” Meg looked at her sister and Jude who both nodded “Christmas special all around and nothing else, mom’s soon cooking” she added. “Coming right up” Mrs. Owen left them alone. She had been taken aback by Meg’s young man’s accent. “So” Ben started “Who is this Jake guy? You seem pretty fond of him both of you” he looked across the table at Sarah and Meg “Jake’s one of the best country singers out there” Sarah said and looked at her sister “And I think if it wasn’t for Tim and then Jake’s breakthrough the story had been told in a different way” Meg looked at Ben “Jake’s a close friend that’s all” she had never pursued her crush on him, mostly because she had Tim “You will love him when you hear him sing” Meg said. Their cocoas arrived and when they had drunken them and paid up they went back out and into a few more shops before they headed back to the farm for dinner.

Ben’s first meeting with Meg’s father did go smoothly and just like his wife he welcomed Ben to their home. Dinner was a pleasant event and around eight pm the young ones as Joan kept calling them went to the Buckaroo “Now, I have to warn you” Meg said as they stood outside the building “This is nothing fancy at all, nothing like the Deep” she held her arm under Ben’s. “I’m not at least worried Meg” he smiled “And I bet this is just fine or they wouldn’t have so many guests here” Ben looked around the parking lot “That’s true” Meg said “There is only one more place and that’s more family like, this is where all the young come” “Shall you two discuss this anymore, or can we go inside?” Sarah asked as she was starting to freeze. She had dressed up in leggings and a fairly short skirt even though the snow was falling. “Sorry” Meg said and opened the door to the sound of a busy bar. She looked around, she knew for a fact now that Susan and Rob were here already. She stood on her toes to look over the crowd and as she did she saw someone wave at her and it was Susan. As Meg and the others made their way over Susan slowly got up of the chair, she couldn’t wait for the baby to be born “Wow Susan, you certainly have grown since I left” Meg hugged her best friend “And you’re tanned, do you spend all day at the beach?” Susan asked just like Sarah had “No, but it’s warm and sunny even in December” she explained as she hugged her brother and then she introduced Ben to them both. “What are we drinking, my treat” Meg said “Beer’s ok with me” Ben said and the others agreed “Water” Susan had that obvious look on her face “Hey, we’ll have beer and wine when you come visit me in Sunset Beach in the spring” Meg said to cheer her up and walked over to the bar. “Hi Jarrod” Meg smiled “Hi Meg, I heard you were coming back for the holidays. You look great” he said “Thanks, you don’t look so bad yourself” she said “I’d like 5 beers; bottles and a glass of water for Susan” “Did you hear Jake’s here and playing tonight” Meg nodded as she took her money out “No Meg, these are on me” Jarrod said “Merry Christmas” Meg shook her head “I should go away more often” she laughed and took the tray with the beers and water over to the table where everyone were talking wildly “We’ve gotten Ben to talk about his club, it will be really great to come see it one day, or at least I hope we will be invited” her brother said “Of course, just let me know before you stand at the doorstep and you’re welcome anytime. But now I have to hear everything about you guys. How are you?” she looked at Susan “How’s the baby, you didn’t tell me much in your e-mail. Susan smiled at her “Well” she said and held on to her husband’s hand “We wanted to tell you all at the same time” Rob gently rubbed her cheek “We’re having twins” Susan said. Everyone got up to hug them and share the joy. “We did tell our parents the other day, but we wanted to tell you all at the same time” Susan was an only child so there was no more ‘close family’ that needed to know at this exact moment. As they sat down again they heard the music from the cd stop and everyone turned their attention to the stage “Buckaroo proudly present my twin Jake Owen” Jarrod introduced him and Jake started to play on of his hits.



Eight Second Ride lyrics
Songwriters: Durrance, Bruce Eric; Owen, Joshua Ryan
Come on
I said, "Hey girl, what's your name? Haven't I seen you before?
I recognize them dark green eyes When you walked through the door"

"Are you alone, or are you with someone?" She said, "As a matter of fact I'm not"
So I took her hand, that's when it all began And we headed towards the parking lot

And she said, "Hey boy, do you mind Taking me home tonight?
'Cause I ain't never seen a country boy With tires on his truck this high"
I said, "Climb on up, but honey watch the cup That I'm spitttin' my dip inside
And hold on tight 'cause it's gonna be wilder Than any eight second ride"

We went ridin' around rockin' to the sound Of "A Country Boy Can Survive"
And I knew then she was my kinda girl 'Cause she was singin' every single line

Then she slid on over put my hand on her shoulder And I asked her what she wanted to do
She said, "It really don't matter where we go Just as long as I'm ridin' with you"

She said, "Hey boy, do you mind Taking me home tonight?
'Cause I ain't never seen a country boy With tires on his truck this high"
I said, "Climb on up, but honey watch the cup That I'm spitttin' my dip inside
And hold on tight 'cause it's gonna be wilder Than any eight second ride"

So we headed out to Old Tobacco Road Put the tailgate down and we made love
She said "A true country boy is hard to find But I found one wilder then any eight second ride"

She said, "Hey boy, do you mind Taking me home tonight?
'Cause I ain't never seen a country boy With tires on his truck this high"
I said, "Climb on up, but honey watch the cup That I'm spitttin' my dip inside
And hold on tight 'cause it's gonna be wilder Than any eight second ride"

Yeah, hold on tight because it's gonna be wilder Than any eight second ride
___________________________________________________________________________
All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.
©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 16

~Chapter sixteen~

Ben woke up early the next morning, he had dreamt about his parents and usually he woke up restless, but for the first time he felt safe. He had Meg in his arms. Softly he stroked her hair and noticed something he hadn’t in all the time they knew each other; he hadn’t taken of his wedding ring. It had been such a natural part of him, but it wasn’t fair to Meg. Easy not to wake Meg up he moved her to the side and sat up, what he didn’t notice was that Meg woke up and saw the whole thing. Meg didn’t know if she was going to say anything or not as she really never had bothered about it. “Good morning” she said a bit lazy and Ben jumped. He turned around as he was sitting on the edge “Good morning, I hope it wasn’t me that woke you up” he lent over for a kiss, he still had the ring in his hand, he had planned to put it in the pocket of his jeans. “No you didn’t wake me” Meg rolled over and looked at the alarm clock “I think I better get up. I’m opening the Java Web today” she stretched and then sat up. Ben pulled her back down “Please Ben, I can’t be late” she struggled against his kisses “You can’t give me privileges” she said and got out of bed “However you can make me some coffee while I take a shower” Meg looked at Ben “Or we can shower together and I’ll help you open up and we can have breakfast there” he grinned “You’re incurable” Meg giggled.
The next few weeks went fast. If it wasn’t the Deep or the Java Web it was renovation work that took up most of Ben and Meg’s time. Meg was thankful for all the little shops in Sunset Beach it had made it possible to finish her Christmas shopping. The most perfect gift this year she had found at Sunset Sister and it was for Sarah. At the yard sale just outside town she had not only found the perfect desk for their home office but also some high stools with low back that would fit perfectly in the kitchen. It was now only a week before Christmas and Meg collapse on her bed next to Ben, it had been a busy day both at the Java Web and the Deep “Will tomorrow be the same?” she asked “I guess, it’s all the young ones coming home from college” Ben explained “I thought so since both Caitlin and Sean showed up tonight”. They laid quietly for a while “Have you fallen asleep?” Meg asked “Nope” said Ben “What are you thinking about?” she entwined her fingers with Bens like so many other evenings they’ve just laid like this, thinking about nothing, talking about anything… “Just how lucky I am to have you by my side” Ben said “And that I thought I’d paint that last room tomorrow, did we decide on the green or blue?” Ben asked but thought it didn’t matter, not that they had talked about it seriously but they both wanted children some day and then that room would probably be turned into a nursery. “Green I think” Meg answered but her own thoughts were the same as Ben’s “Do you think we’ll move in before we leave for Kansas?” Meg asked and Ben took a deep breath “I would hope so, especially if your sister is coming back with us and will stay over” Meg sat up in bed “I had forgotten about that” “Really?” Ben raised an eyebrow at her “Not that she’s coming silly, but that I’ve promised to put her up” “I can always move back to Surf Central” Ben suggested since he officially was living with Meg since Thanksgiving “I don’t think that will be necessary mister” Meg said and put a finger on his chest, she trailed it down his stomach and just before she reached the hem of his trousers Ben grabbed her hand “Don’t you start anything you’ll be too tired to follow thru with miss” he teased.

Sarah had become good friends with Jude Cavanaugh, he was working with economics in the same political group as she was. Well they were a bit more than good friends and since Jude didn’t have any family to speak of he was coming with her to Kansas to celebrate Christmas “Are you sure it’s ok with your parents?” he asked her for the millionth time “Yes it is” Sarah smiled at him. They had been on a couple of dates and the last time he had kissed her softly when he had dropped her off at the apartment she shared with a few other interns. She reached for his hand, she had hoped they had moved their relationship along, but well now it had to wait. It was soon time to land and the pilot had turned the fasten seatbelt sign on “I guess the next trip will be to California” Sarah said. She had packed all her things up in Washington the new job in California was to start just after New Year’s. “Did you say your sister too lived in California now?” “Yes, she moved there about two months ago. A little town called Sunset Beach, you could come back there with us for New Year’s” Sarah said shrugging her shoulders. “Are you sure?” he asked “For the usually so self-confident Jude I’ve gotten to know you’re really unsure of yourself” she said just as the plane landed.
It was December 22nd and the airport was filled with people coming and going. Sarah looked around for either her brother Ted and his wife Susan or her parents to come pick them up. Meg wasn’t coming until the next day. “Sarah” she turned around first one way then the other before she saw her sister-in-law. She ran over to hug her “Wow, it’s not long left now isn’t it?” Susan shook her head “About four weeks” she looked at Sarah “You look radiant, Washington must suit you” Sarah smiled “It does, and even better now when we’re all off to California” Susan laughed “It won’t know what hit them when both Cummings sister are in the same state” “You have to come out and see us after the baby’s born” the girls small talked some more “By the way, this is Jude Cavanaugh, a colleague from Washington” Sarah introduced him “Jude, this is Susan my sister-in-law and my sister’s best friend” Sarah looked around as they shook hands “Talking about him, where’s Ted?” Susan took out the keys from her purse “He’s back at the farm, it was something they just HAD to do today” she sighed and Sarah new exactly what she meant. “I guess you’ll meet them all at once then” she said to Jude and they made their way to the car. Susan had been lucky to get a spot close to the entrance.

Back in Sunset Beach Ben and Meg was busy decorating the house. They had gotten all the furniture in place in the upstairs rooms but the kitchen and big living room downstairs were still pretty much a mess “I hate to leave it like this, but we soon have to be at the Deep” Meg sighed and sat down on an armchair that was still covered in the protecting plastic. Ben looked at his watch “I guess we do” Not only had they been fixing in the house, they had been cleaning the room above the Waffle Shop too. Even though Meg had paid for the full month they wanted it cleaned and ready before they went to Kansas for Christmas. “Do you mind that we didn’t get a tree?” Ben asked and Meg shook her head “No, we’ve got that huge one at the Deep” she held out her hand for Ben to pull her off the chair, as he did he pulled her close and kissed her “I can’t believe how lucky I am” Ben whispered in her ear and swept her off her feet and started towards the stairs “What are you doing?” Meg giggled. Ben swirled around so Meg saw the big clock they had on the wall “I put that one ahead an hour so we’d have time to christening our new bed” he easily walked up the stairs with Meg in his arms. Meg had no persistence when it came to Ben. After making love they showered and dressed and went to the Deep. Ben had some paperwork that needed doing so he went straight to his office. Meg got busy waiting tables. Almost everyone she knew in town was there “Don’t you have any Christmas preparations to do?” she asked Gaby and Vanessa when she served them their drinks. “Mostly done” Gaby said “I’ll finish tomorrow” Vanessa filled in “Tonight we want to spend some time with you” Meg smiled “That’s so nice of you, although I believe we’ll be pretty busy here tonight” “So… is Ben really going back with you to meet your parents?” Vanessa was her curious self “Hey there, if you ask questions like that you’ll soon take over Bette’s column instead of the other work you do” Gaby said to her and turned to Meg “So is he?” Meg laughed “Yes he is coming with me and yes he will meet the family, we’re staying at the farm after all” she shook her head and walked back to the bar with the dirty dishes. A couple of hours later Meg went upstairs to the office. She knocked on the door and walked in “Are you still working with the papers?” she asked Ben and handed him a cup of coffee “Yes” he sighed “But Ben” Meg sat down in his lap and put her arms around his neck “I’ve told you I can do it” Ben kissed her softly “I know, but I don’t want you to work around the clock and with the Java Web and the Deep it will be just that” Meg smiled at him “What if I cut down on the hours there and helped you out with the papers instead? If you like, you can read my references” Ben rested his head on Meg’s shoulder “Maybe” he said “But then I think I need to hire a new waitress, at least for the Java Web” Meg kissed him on the cheek and stood up “Sounds like a great plan… now, will you come downstairs soon, I want to dance with you” she had her hand on the doorknob “Yes, I will be down in a short while” Ben smiled at her.

It was pretty late in the night when Ben and Meg came back to the house. Exhausted they went to bed. Meg had finished packing most of her things earlier as their flight was leaving around 10 am. Although that packing was done and Meg was dead tired she tossed and turned and had a hard time to sleep. She looked to her side and it didn’t seem like Ben had the same problems. This was their first night in the house; Meg gave up and went downstairs. She made some coffee and got working on straighten the kitchen up. Maybe she should let Sarah stay at the room above the Waffle Shop instead. The living room was far from finished; the protecting plastic was still on the furniture and not a picture or paintings were on the walls. The kitchen was too filled with boxes although Meg had taken care of a few of them. She sat down on one of the stools she had found at the yard sale. She had painted them black and was very satisfied with them. Exhausted she folded her arms and rested her head on them. It was like this Ben found her, he gently nudged her away “What are you doing down here?” he asked “I couldn’t sleep” she started “so I went down to unpack a bit” Ben looked around “You’ve managed quite a lot I see, but why don’t you come back up for a bit more sleep” Meg looked at the clock, it was four am and she knew her alarm was set for five thirty “Ok” she slipped down from the stool.

The airport in L.A was busy with holiday travelers that was coming and going. Although they had to wait in line the check-in and security check went smoothly, but there were not that much time to get to the gate that of course wasn’t the closest one. Up in the air Meg took Ben’s hand “I hope I haven’t lured you into coming with me against your will” she was a bit nervous about presenting Ben to her parents, but at the same time excited for them to meet the love of her life, her soul mate. Reassuringly Ben gave her a soft kiss “No, not at all, I’m looking forward to meeting your family”. The plane landed on time at one pm Kansas time. She knew by the text her sister had sent that it was she and her friend Jude that were coming to pick them up. Meg hadn’t seen her sister since she had left her at the airport that day in early October, they were used to being apart but it was always the same joy to meet. With the trolley full of bags Ben and Meg walked thru the doors to the waiting area and it didn’t take long before she heard her sister call “Meggie” and Ben looked at her “I thought you were called Meg for short” she smiled “I am, but dad and Sarah’s always said Meggie” she rushed over to hug her sister and left Ben to push the trolley. “You look absolutely stunning, and that tan… do you spend all day at the beach?” Sarah asked “You look great too little sister” they hugged again and Meg saw in the corner of her eyes that Ben had made it thru the crowd “Sarah, this is Ben Evans” Meg beamed with happiness. She and Sarah had always been close being born just 15 months apart. With her arm around Ben’s waist she introduced “Ben, this is my sister Sarah” Sarah being the more free spirit of the sisters ignored Ben’s extended hand and gave him a big hug “It’s so great to finally meet you Ben… not that Meg told me that much yet about your but enough” Ben flashed his usual smile he had when he was comfortable in a situation “It’s very nice to meet you too” then Sarah introduced Jude to them both and they all went out to the car.
___________________________________________________________________________
All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure.
©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 15

~Chapter fifteen~

A couple of weeks after Ben and Meg had been to the cottage it was Thanksgiving, first Meg had thought she’d go home, but it was no chance for it. Well there were but she wanted to be a part of the Thanksgiving in Sunset Beach where almost everyone helped out and served turkey to those who couldn’t afford their own, if they were homeless, runaways or just didn’t have the money to spend there were no difference, everyone was welcome. In the evening Ben and Meg was invited to his aunt and even though it was Rose, their maid, who had done most of the cooking this time Meg had asked if she could make dessert and Olivia had been more than welcoming to the idea. It wasn’t like they met or talked often but a few times and Meg really liked her. Bette and her daughter Emily were to join them all too¸ of course Caitlin and Sean were coming back from college as well. What Meg hadn’t told anyone though was that this year her birthday was the same day, not even Ben. She had gotten a call from her mother in the morning and since she hadn’t been able to come home she had promised that she’d come for Christmas.

As Ben and Meg had gone by the Deep on their way over they were arriving last of them all “Before we go inside I’ve got something for you” Ben said and reached for the glove compartment. He took out a long velvet box “What’s this?” Meg asked “It’s your birthday present” Ben kissed her cheek “Happy Birthday my love” Meg turned and looked at him “But… how?” she knew she hadn’t told a soul “It’s in your employment papers” Ben looked at her as she opened it. It was a simple gold chain with a diamond hanging on it “It’s absolutely gorgeous Ben, thank you” she leant forward and kissed him. Ben took it out of the box “Let me put it on” and Meg turned in her seat and held her hair to the side. Ben couldn’t resist nibbling on her neck. Meg reached for the door “Come on now, we’re already late” she said and Ben laughed as he got out of the car “Spoilsport” Meg took the dessert pies she had made out of the backseat “I think I know where you would like to spend most of Thanksgiving Mr. Evans” she shook her head “Can you blame me?” Ben grinned, it wasn’t many nights they spent apart, Ben had almost moved out of Surf Central. There were still a few weeks before the house would be livable, but they hoped that they’d move in before New Year’s. Meg rang the doorbell as they stood in front of the door and Bette came to open it “Oh it’s Muffin and Big Guy” she called them by her own special nicknames. “Happy Thanksgiving Bette” Meg said and went thru to the living room “Happy Thanksgiving everyone” she said and Ben came right behind and said the same. Gregory offered them some pre dinner drinks and soon it was time to sit down and eat. They had all met earlier in the day so they were talking about this year’s event and that it had been just as successful as usually. This time Ben and Meg wasn’t sitting side by side but opposite each other and Ben had a hard time keeping his eyes off her, even when he was talking to someone else. Bette didn’t miss a thing and since she sat next to Meg she leant forward “Do you know how happy you’ve made him?” she pointed to Ben “As happy as he’s made me I hope” Meg answered, she had learnt to choose her words when it came to Bette. “I’ve known Ben since he came to Sunset Beach and he was somewhat happy with Maria, but not the kind of happiness he’s found with you” Meg smiled “I think I know what you mean” “You know what Meg?” Bette asked and Meg shook her head “I’ll bet he’ll pop the question before New Year’s” Meg blushed. It had all gone so fast, it was barely 2 months since they first met, and just a couple of weeks more since they chatted in that chat room for the first time. “So Meg, how does it feel celebrating a big holiday away from your family?” Olivia asked “I remember my first Christmas here, it felt so strange with the heat and it was just me and Gregory in our little apartment” she told “I talked to my mom this morning, she rang. I guess it’s ok, I’ve been busy all day and I’ve got all my great friends and Ben and his family” she answered “Although I doubt I’ll be able to make Christmas here, I think I have to go home then” Bette who never was afraid to ask questions and was interested in people’s lives asked “So Meg, who is your family, do you have any brothers and sisters?” “One of each” Meg answered “My sister Sara’s an intern in Washington, but since I moved here and have e-mailed her pictures I wonder if she won’t come here too. At least I hope I can lure her here for New Year’s” “Oh, another newcomer” Bette put a hand to her forehead and pretended it was hard work “Bette don’t you worry, you don’t have to write about her” Meg teased. “What about your brother?” Bette asked curiously “Well he’s married to one of my best friends Susan and they’re expecting their first child in the beginning of the year” Bette rolled her eyes “So much happening in your life right now” Meg just laughed and shook her head “I don’t think your readers will be wanting to read about things that happens in Kansas” Bette looked over at Ben “That depends on what things are happening in Kansas”

The evening went along fine and after they had had coffee Ben called them a cab, he felt he had had one too many drink and didn’t want to drive. Ben and Meg said their goodbyes and in the cab Ben asked the driver to take them to Meg’s place “So, what was it really that Bette said that made you blush?” he asked Meg. “Nothing really” Meg just shook her head “I guess it was just Bette being Bette” The cab stopped outside the Waffle shop and Ben and Meg got out “Happy Thanksgiving” Ben said to the driver and tipped him well before he put his arm around Meg’s shoulders and they walked inside “I feel like a cup of coffee” Meg said as they arrived in her room “Do you want some?” “Sure” Ben sat down “I think I ate too much, I don’t know why I always do that at Thanksgiving” Meg laughed “I don’t know if anyone know why” she started the coffee machine “So, I’ve got a question for you Ben” she walked around the counter and stood in front of him with her arms around his neck. Ben put his hands on her waist and pulled her closer “Anything for the birthday girl” he nibbled her neck “I don’t know why you didn’t want to celebrate it” he whispered as his lips wandered “It’s not a big deal, today’s big deal was the dinner we arrange for all those who needed it” Meg said “But that was not what I was going to talk about” “So what was it?” Ben asked “I was thinking…” Meg started “Maybe you….” She didn’t know why she suddenly was nervous, she was about to walk away but Ben held onto her arm “Why don’t you just tell me what it is” he said “Ok, I was just wanting to ask if you’d come home to Kansas with me for Christmas, I mean we’ve not known each other that long and I don’t blame you if you don’t want to come” Meg rambled on so Ben had to shut her up with a kiss “Calm down Meg, I’d love to come with you” he said “The only thing is that I need to be back here by boxing day so it won’t be a very long stay” Ben had always had a big Christmas Party at the Deep on boxing day. Meg took a deep breath “Maybe we could go a few days before Christmas, or I’ll go and you come after” Holding Meg close to him Ben said “Why don’t we wait with the final plans a bit and concentrate on finishing off your birthday” he reached for his jacket and took out a smaller more square box “I’ve got another gift for you” Meg didn’t believe her eyes, was Bette right after all, was he going too? “Ben, you spoil me, I don’t need anything else” “I think you do” Ben said and handed her the box “I think these will match” Meg took the box and opened it. Inside was a pair of earrings in the same shape at the pendant in her necklace “Oh Ben, they’re lovely… but really they’re too much, and too expensive for me to accept” “Don’t be so stubborn Meg. If I couldn’t afford buying you expensive gifts I wouldn’t” As Meg stood to pour the coffee Ben got up “I don’t want to argue with you Meg. I love you and I only wants the best for you” “I love you too Ben” Meg said “By the way, I drove by a yard sale the other day and thought we’d go there and see if we could find something for the house” They moved over and sat down in the sofa to watch a movie on TV “Meg you know we don’t have to buy second hand stuff” Ben said “I know, you’ve told me when I first mentioned that I wanted to help out paying for the furniture, but I thought that maybe I could find an old desk or something for the upstairs office” Ben smiled at her “Well that could be nice” Meg’s phone rang and Ben who sat closest to the side table took it. When he looked at the caller id he decided to answer it “This is Meg’s phone, Ben speaking” Meg tried to reach for it but Ben didn’t budge “Hi Meg’s sister; Sarah” he said as the caller introduced herself “Yes, it’s nice to meet you too” Meg only heard Ben’s side of the conversation. She had given up on trying to get the phone of Ben, now it was only to hope Sarah wasn’t too embarrassing, she had always been the more out spoken of the sisters. “Yes Sarah, I know what day it is today… besides Thanksgiving” “Here she is, nice talking to you” Ben said and handed the phone to Meg “It’s your sister Sarah” he said at the same time he got up to pour some more coffee. “Wow Meg, he sounds sexy, that deep English voice, you just HAVE to send me a photo of him” Sarah started “Hi to you too Sarah” “Oh, happy birthday sis” “Thank you” Meg answered “I guess I have to don’t I?” “So, how’s Kansas today?” Meg asked “Good according to mom, I couldn’t make it. We had a charity thing for Thanksgiving” “Oh, no wonder mom sounded a bit off this morning when she called, but you’re coming for Christmas don’t you?” “Of course I am” Sarah answered “Then I’m moving away from Washington” she announced “Oh, what’s happened?” Meg asked “I was offered to go back to California with the group I’m working with”  “Wow, that’s great we both will be Californian’s” “I actually went with them over the day to L.A this Tuesday but it was a bit spur of the moment” “Oh, fun, but sad anyway I could have come” “Well we only looked at apartments, office and stuff so it wasn’t much fun, although I would have loved to see my sister” “Well there will be better times ahead” Meg said cheerful “Well I better go, I just wanted to wish you happy birthday before this Thursday turned into Friday” Sarah said “IT was nice to talk to you Sarah, I love you” Meg finished of the call.

“So, that was your sister” Ben said “Yes it was and you knew that’s why you answered” Meg teased “Well I have to meet your family sooner or later, I mean I’ve brought you along to meet mine” he said softly “Do you miss them?” Meg asked “Your parents?” Ben looked at her “Sometimes, not as much at Thanksgiving as I do around Christmas” Meg snuggled closer to Ben “I can’t imagine not having mom and dad around at all” “You never get over it, but it gets easier with time. I was lucky to have Gregory and Olivia here in Sunset Beach to help me with everything” Meg kissed his cheek “And now I’m here with you, never forget that” Ben took a soft hold of her chin “Never” he kissed her softly. “Let’s get to bed” Ben suggested and turned the TV off since they didn’t watch it anyways.

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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 14

~Chapter fourteen~

Meg didn’t believe her eyes when she read the morning paper at the Java Web “Can she write this?” she asked Ben who was in to pick up some papers for the book keeping “Well” he shrugged his shoulders “We’re used to it by now and she’s never wrote anything that isn’t the truth, it’s happened a time or two that she’s taken the story ahead” Meg pointed to the column “Like this about us moving into the house together?” she asked “Kind of, she’s not really saying that straight out, just hints it” Ben swore to himself as he realized he hadn’t gotten all things together “What’s wrong?” Meg asked “Oh, it’s this bloody paper work, I can’t help it but I just hate checking numbers” Meg put a hand on his arm “Just in case, I’ve got a degree in economics and I’m pretty used to checking numbers and doing book keeping” Ben kissed her cheek “You’re amazing Meg, but I can’t have you doing the books as well, you’ll never have any time over” “You mean spare time? What do I need that for?” Meg teased “I’m working days and my boyfriend or whatever he is working nights so I really don’t need any spare time” With a sparkle in his eyes he looked at her “Oh so you’ve got a boyfriend do you, and here I was thinking you came back just to work for me” it was an unusual quite Monday morning at the Java Web, the only ones in were a couple of tourists who sat at the computers checking their mails. “Seriously Ben, if you need help I can do it” Meg smiled at him “I will keep that in mind and I can promise that when Roger’s well and back to work I’ll spend a full evening with you, take you out to dinner and maybe a movie if you want to” Ben said “I’ll hold you to that Ben Evans, but you know we’re not in any hurry” that made Ben look at his watch “But I am, that’s why I was picking up the papers, I’ve got a meeting with Gregory and then I’m going straight to the Deep” he lent forward and kissed her softly on the lips “If there’s anything you need to ask just call me, or you can call the Deep Mark’s there to set up” “Ok” Meg said and watched Ben leave.

The next two weeks were really busy Ben and Meg spent a lot of time in the house both working themselves and with overseeing the workers doing the jobs they couldn’t do themselves. It was Thursday afternoon and Ben had just arrived at the house “Meg?” he called “I’m upstairs” she answered. Ben took the stairs two steps a time and found her in the room they’ve decided to turn into a home office. They had been painting the roof there last night and now Meg was working on the walls. Three of them they were painting and the fourth they had ordered a photo-wallpaper with motif of Venice on. “Hi there” Ben strolled over and kissed her “It really looks great in here” he looked around and ended back looking at Meg who was smiling “I think so too and then with Venice all over that wall” she pointed with the roller and it splashed some color in Ben’s face “Oh, I’m so sorry” she pulled the rag she had in the back pocket and started to wipe it off. “Just leave it” Ben said and pulled Meg close for another kiss “I’ve missed you Meg” he whispered to her lips. He had a plan for the weekend but he wanted to surprise Meg about it. There were no workers coming tomorrow and then it was Saturday and Sunday. He grabbed another roller and they worked side by side. “Meg” Ben started “I’ve made a few changes in the schedule at both the Java Web and the Deep” he said when they were almost done “Why’s that?” Meg said “Or shall I be worried that I’m late for work?” Ben grinned “No, not at all. I just wanted to take you away for the weekend” He held his arms around her waist “Would you like to come away with me?” he asked “It would be lovely, but what about working here? The workers who’s going to check on them?” there were still a bit with tiling the bathroom and kitchen to be done “I gave them tomorrow off, so why don’t you go home and pack” Ben said “Ok” Meg started to put lids on paint cans “I’ll do that” Ben took the lid of her hand “I’ll give you half an hour and then I’ll come and pick you up” he gently pushed her towards the door. It wasn’t until Meg arrived in her room she realized that she didn’t know what to pack so she called Ben on his cell-phone “Ben, you’re crazy we can’t just leave like this” Ben laughed in her ear “Sure we can, it’s all set” he said “But I don’t know what to pack” Meg went on “If you look on the kitchen counter you’ll find a note” Ben quickly hung up and when Meg tried to call him back he didn’t answer. He had gotten Gaby to put the note there. He was planning on taking her to a very special place where they could just as easily go on hikes as dress up and get into town for dinner so on the note he had written that Meg was going to pack for both things. Meg rushed around, jeans and stuff wasn’t so hard to pack, but what to pack for fancy dinner? Just as Meg was rumbling in her drawers she came across a short sexy negligee that she had bought before she came back to Sunset Beach. She and Ben hadn’t spent that many nights together lately and she thought it was just the right time to use that negligee now.

After having picked Meg up Ben steered his car out of town towards the dessert. Meg enjoyed the ride and the change of scenery “It’s been a while since I saw open spaces like this” she said and went on “I’ve always been a country girl and Ludlow isn’t much of a town” “So are you saying you don’t like living in a town?” Ben asked worried, not that he could have any trouble to sell if it came to that, but he loved the closeness that Sunset Beach brought. “I could say so far so good” Meg answered “And with the beach and ocean just outside the window I will probably never want to live anywhere else” she put her hand on Ben’s thigh “So Mr Evans, where are you taking me?” Quickly Ben glanced at Meg “That’s for me to know and you to find out” They hadn’t even been driving for an hour when Ben turned right and onto a small graveled road. It looked a bit like a forest now and just before Meg was to open her mouth and ask Ben again where they were heading he turned right into a clearing and a little house stood in front of them. “Ben, it’s totally amazing, how on earth did you get your hands on this for the weekend?” Meg asked and got out of the car. She took a deep breath “I just love the smell of nature” she said. Ben had grabbed their bags and was now finding the right key in his keychain. He opened the door to let Meg inside “Welcome to my hide-away” he said “Your hide-away?” “Yes” Ben said “Do you own it?” With a sad expression on his face he said “I inherited it from my parents” “So your parents had this here, did you come often?” Meg asked and Ben shook his head “I didn’t remember it and was surprised when Olivia and Gregory took me here the first time. I guess I was still in Sunset Beach with my cousins when mom and dad went here” Meg put her arms around Ben and hugged him tight. “Did they live a busy life, your parents?” she asked and Ben shrugged his shoulders “I mean this place just feels so tranquil, it must be very calming to come here” “Yes it is” Ben said “I’ve always liked coming here for a day or two just to catch up with myself” Surprise Meg turned around “Alone?” he nodded “Maria wasn’t much for the nature” Meg smiled at him “But I am and a cup of coffee just taste so great sitting outside, please tell me we can fix us some coffee?”  “Of course we can, I’ve got some groceries in the car, I’ll go get it and you can unpack if you like” he pointed to a door, the bedroom was separate; the rest of the cottage was the combined living room and kitchen. Meg looked around a bit; there were some amazing art and especially a painting of the ocean. She stood mesmerized in front of it when Ben came back inside “I had forgotten about that one” he said “It’s lovely” Meg said quietly and took a step closer “Who’s the artist?” she asked as she couldn’t find a signature “It’s one of Maria’s, she gave it to me on our first anniversary” Ben reached for it “Please don’t Ben, I like it and believe it or not but I don’t blame you for having a past” he looked at her “You’re amazing Meg Cummings don’t your ever forget that” he kissed her and when they broke the kiss Meg smiled at him “I’m also in a big need of that coffee, someone changed all my plans for today and I never got any this afternoon” cheekily Ben grinned “Coffee Mr Evans… get your mind out of the gutter”

Ben and Meg sat for a long time in the garden just talking and enjoying this quiet time “So Meg do you fancy dressing up and go for dinner in town or shall we just fire up the bbq?” Ben asked as his stomach had reminded him of not having eaten since breakfast. He had been too excited to take Meg away and too busy to arrange it all. Meg was sitting back in the chair with her legs on another “I vote for bbq, I’m too lazy to do much tonight” Ben got up and kissed her “Ok, you just sit back and relax” “I can live with that” she said and closed her eyes, it was still sunny and warm outside. Ben laughed as he went inside ‘How great life is’ he thought. As he returned to prepare the grill he had brought Meg a glass of wine “Mmm” she said as she zipped it “This is really great, I can’t put my finger on it but it’s familiar” Ben smiled “It’s same wine you had your first evening in Sunset Beach, I went by the Deep and picked some bottles up” “You’re so thoughtful” said Meg “I love you” Ben turned his head and met Meg’s gaze “I love you 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 13

~Chapter thirteen~  After having had breakfast and tried out some of Meg’s muffins Ben had finally convinced Meg that she would come with him to his aunt’s. He had even talked her into brining some of the delicious cakes. Ben had left soon after 11 to get back to Surf Central to shower and change and pick some papers up. He wanted to run the divorce papers by Gregory to be 100% sure that it was all done. As promised he came to pick Meg up at quarter to one, it took about five minutes to drive over to the Richard’s house. Meg had put samples of all three kinds of muffins she had made on a plate and in a drawer found a ribbon she could tie around it when she had covered them all in plastic foil. Meg’s hands were shaking in her lap as she sat in the car “Are you sure I’m dressed ok?” she asked for the third time since Ben had picked her up “You look great Meg, don’t you worry and believe me those muffins will be a success” Ben drove around a fountain in the main yard and parked the car. Quickly he went around the car and opened the door for Meg. Before she took the plate back from Ben she ran her hands down her dress to smooth it out. They walked up to the door and Ben rang the bell, then he put his hand on the small of Meg’s back for support. It was Olivia herself that opened, still in the apron as she wasn’t done in the kitchen. “Hi you two, come on in” Olivia said with a smile “I’m so glad Ben brought you over Meg” she looked at Meg “It is ok I call you just Meg” Meg nodded and put the plate forward “I baked some muffins” Olivia hugged her “Bless you Meg, you’re send from heaven. I love to cook but I hate to bake, we can have these with the coffee later on” “Come on, let’s get you both something to drink” he lead the way into the big sitting room “There you are” she said to a man in his late 50’s “Ben and Meg are here, can you get them something to drink” “Sure” he kissed her on the cheek “You want a scotch Ben?” he asked and Ben nodded, he still had a hand on Meg’s back “I’d like to introduce you to Meg Gregory” Ben then looked at Meg “This is Olivia’s husband Gregory, the best lawyer and mentor in Sunset Beach” Gregory extended his hand to Meg “It’s nice to meet you Meg, was it you that had baked” he was referring to the plate that Olivia now had brought to the kitchen. “Nice to meet you too, and yes I did bake the muffins” she said “So Meg, what can I get you to drink, I’ve got” he shrugged his shoulders “I guess everything” still feeling a bit nervous and shaky Meg decided on just a glass of sparkling water.

A few minutes later a young woman and man came into the room. The woman rushed over and hugged Ben “Ben I’ve missed you. I was so sorry to hear about you and Maria” it was his cousin Caitlin. The guys then hugged in a manly way. ”Sean, Caitlin” Ben said and reached for Meg “I like you to meet Meg Cummings” Caitlin who always liked people until they proved themselves not to be likable hugged Meg “It’s so nice to see you. Mom told me about you over breakfast” “It’s nice to meet you too Caitlin” Meg said. She then shook hands with Sean. Ben had been right the Richard’s wasn’t bad at all. Meg and Caitlin soon found a subject to talk about and before she knew it Olivia came out of the kitchen and announce that dinner was ready and they could all come into the dining room. As a perfect gentleman Ben pulled the chair out for Meg and then sat down next to her. On the end of the table on Ben’s side Gregory was seated and Olivia opposite him. Straight across Meg was Caitlin which left Sean across from Ben. Thinking about it, it was one end of the guys and one for the girls. The lunch was delicious and a very pleasant get-together. Meg was so into a conversation with Olivia and Caitlin that she almost didn’t notice that Ben had out a hand on her thigh in support. Just as Olivia with the help of Sean and Caitlin had cleared the table the doorbell rang. Gregory went to open it. Ben turned towards Meg “It wasn’t so bad after all was it?” he leant over and kissed her cheek “No it wasn’t and I’m happy you talked me into it” Meg smiled at him. Gregory came back with the guest who had been at the door. Ben looked up “Hi Bette” he stood up to greet her. The woman called Bette kissed Ben on both cheeks and then cheekily smack on the lips “Hi Big Guy, long time no see” Ben laughed “Can it be because you took Emily on that trip” Ben teased her “Of course it is” Bette said. Gregory stepped in “Bette, this is Meg Cummings, Ben’s…” Gregory looked at his ‘nephew’ “What is Meg to you?” “Greggie, Greggie” Bette said “It’s obviously what these too mean to each other” Bette hugged and kissed Meg’s cheek “It’s very nice to meet you Meg. The woman that put a smile back on Big Guy’s face” Ben wasn’t even surprised that Bette knew everything, it wasn’t for nothing she was called ‘Queen of the night’ and she had her own gossip column in the Sunset Sentinel. Olivia came back into the dining room with a tray with coffee cups and Meg’s muffins. “I thought I heard your voice, when did you sweep back into town Bette” The both women hugged “Did you bring Emily?” Olivia asked “No, I dropped her off at college on the way back home. I just got back in this morning” she answered “Well you’re just in time for coffee” Olivia started to set the cups out “And you’ve baked?” Bette looked strangely at her friend “Not at all Bette, you know I’m a total waste when it comes to baking, no it’s Meg who was nice and brought them” They all sat down to have coffee and Meg found out how lively Bette was, she also found out that Bette, Olivia and Elaine had been friends for ages. All since Olivia had come to California a long time ago. Bette took a bite from her chocolate mint muffin and rolled her eyes “These are just delicious, are you sure you made them yourself?” she asked Meg “Yes, from scratch, it’s my mom’s old recipe” Meg said. Bette looked at Ben “You keep this one and get her baking for the Java Web” she said and winked an eye at Meg at the same time. “Then I never get to see her” Ben said. “You have to ask her to move into the house with you then” Gregory who usually didn’t gossip blurted. “A house what’s this Big Guy” Bette said “Oh don’t you tell me it’s you that’s moving in next door to my place?” she looked at Ben who knew exactly what she was talking about “Here I go away for three weeks and all this happens” she looked at Meg “And if I wasn’t wrongly informed you even went home to Kansas for two of those weeks” she shook her head “What a column” “Please Bette” Ben looked at her but Bette just put her head on the side “Ben, isn’t it better I write the story and get it right?” Ben knew it was the truth, Bette was after all Annie’s aunt and he knew that she would write the story in a good way.

The next morning you could read in the gossip column in the Sunset Sentinel “Yours truly, the Queen of the night, has been on vacation, but don’t you fret the town of Sunset Beach never sleeps. About month ago it was found out that the artist and the young businessman wasn’t going to live together anymore. The artist had been painting in someone else’s garden. The businessman didn’t take this lightly and moved out of their home. The divorce was easy and quick and everyone was now free to do as pleased” Bette had been pleased with her opening “A week or so later a plane from Kansas landed in L.A, onboard was the woman who had found her fiancé making promises to the other woman on what was to be their wedding day. She found her way to Sunset Beach and woops, the businessman needed a new waitress and the woman who was supposed to have been on her honey moon started working. But all fun must come to an end the work back home was waiting. First thing on her agenda at home was to quit” It wasn’t so easy to write about a person she didn’t know, but she knew she would get to know Meg, that woman was here to stay. “So what about the rest of town, well it’s been the annual obstacle course on the beach with following party at the Deep for our finest and who did finally get it together but my lovely niece and one of the mentioned finest” Bette always wrote her column without mentioning the names, that came in the end “So to sum this up Maria Torres Evans is now just Maria Torres and the house she shared with her ex-husband she now shares with her best friend Annie Douglas but for how long as she’s seen to it that officer Oscar Ruiz is of the market for the rest of us” Bette now only had the end to write “So for our young businessman Ben Evans , what happened to him. Well he bought himself a new house that he’s renovating and who knows if our newest member of Sunset Beach will move in with him there. Meg ‘Muffin’ Cummings the best cupcake baking Kansas girl ever has certainly made a great first impression on us all. Until next week, Toodles!” ___________________________________________________________________________
All connections to Sunset Beach and real life characters are purely for your pleasure. ©tinadolphin@comhem.se 2012-

Started with a chat 12

~Chapter twelve~

As Mark was doing his radio debut at SB-Radio Ben had to cut the work in the house short. He dropped Meg of at her place and went back to Surf Central to shower and change. Just before he was to leave he looked at the pile of mail by the telephone and recognized the official envelope from his lawyer’s. He opened it and found his signed copy of the divorce. He smiled Maria had gone along with his wishes, she had gotten a small amount of money and the house was now in her name. He hadn’t expected to feel this free as he did. Of course he had loved Maria, but he now knew she wasn’t his soul mate. But Meg was, he’s own sweet Meg who had agreed to come live with him in his ocean side house, life was good to him he realized and happened to glance at the clock, he was running late so he put the envelope back in his pile of post and went to the Deep.

Stepping out of the shower Meg felt a little light headed and she realized she hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast. She dressed quickly and went downstairs to get something to eat as she still hadn’t been shopping for groceries herself. As no one was to be seen she sat down at the ‘bar’ and looked thru one of Elaine’s menus “Where have you been all day” startled she turned around and it was Gaby who had asked the question “I’ve not seen you around here” she teased and Meg smiled “I’ve been with Ben at his house” she confessed “Oh yeah” Gaby said and raised an eyebrow at her “Yeah” Meg grinned “And guess what?” she asked Gaby excited “What?” Gaby answered “He asked me to move it with him when the house is done” Gaby smiled at her “And?” “What?” Meg asked “What did you say to him, will you move in with him?” Meg didn’t get a chance to answer “Will I lose my lodger almost before she’s moved in?” it was Elaine who popped up behind the counter. “No” Meg shook her head “At least not in quite a while” “So does that mean it’s official? Will you move in with Ben when the house is done?” Gaby asked excitedly “Well it’s not really official, but if things proceed as I want them too yes I will” Meg grinned. Elaine softly said “That’s why Ben was here to buy breakfast he had stayed over at yours?” she asked and Meg nodded “Is it ok with you, I mean I don’t want to do things you don’t agree with” Elaine smiled “I’ve never been anyone to stand in the way of young and true love and I won’t start now, so what can I get you?” she nodded towards the menu Meg had in her hands. “I’m starving, I’m thinking about the chili” Meg said “Sure, give me 10 minutes, anything to drink?” “Just water” Meg ordered and went to sit at a table so she and Gaby could catch up on what had happened in Sunset Beach the weeks Meg had been gone.

Later in the evening as Meg was walking towards the Deep her cell phone rang “Meg” she answered shortly “Hi Meg, it’s Ben here” he sounded somewhat stressed “I was just wondering, it’s a bit busier here tonight than expected, maybe you can work a bit. That is if you don’t have any other plans” Meg laughed “Not at all, I’m actually on my way over, I’ll be there in 5-10 minutes” she said “You’re a lifesaver Meg Cummings” Ben said before they hung up. Ben hadn’t been kidding, the club was crowded. Meg went to the locker room to find a spare shirt and then she quickly changed. At the bar she got busy at once. After a while there were time for a breather and Meg poured herself a glass of water “I don’t know what I’d do without you” Ben said and softly stroke her cheek. Meg took his hand and smiled “Hopefully you don’t have to find out” Ben cursed himself, if they hadn’t been in the club, behind the bar he’d kiss her at once. “Hrm, sorry to disturb” a woman with an English accent said from the other side of the bar and Ben and Meg both turned their heads. Ben smiled at the woman “You never disturb Olivia” he said “Can I get you anything?” Olivia put her head on the side and looked at Meg “A glass of white wine and an introduction please” she smiled. Ben had to open a new bottle and while he did he looked at first Olivia and then Meg “This is Olivia, my aunt” he said “And this is Meg Cummings, my newest waitress” Ben introduced “Not only by the looks of you two” Olivia said, of course she knew the full story about Maria. “How long have you been in town Meg” Olivia asked curiously “This time only since yesterday, but I was here for two weeks two weeks ago” Ben put the wine in front of Olivia “And I never met you, I guess this town is bigger than we want to think it is” she said and looked at Ben. “So, how’s Mark doing tonight?” Ben asked “I’ve not had time to get upstairs and listen” Olivia smiled at him “He’s a natural¸ I’m thinking of hiring him. Part time to start with, I don’t want to put you in any situation” she loved her nephew dearly. It had been heartbreaking all those years ago to go ‘home’ for her sister and brother-in-law’s funeral and to meet with Ben who she hadn’t seen in years. Although she saw a lot of his father in him he really reminded her of her own father, the genes had gone thru to him. She had gotten lost in her thoughts so she hadn’t noticed when Meg had left the bar to go take orders and gather glasses. Ben was busy with some new customers so Olivia took her wine and sat down in the end of the bar. Gregory was at a business dinner that evening, but tomorrow she would have her whole family at home, both Sean and Caitlin would come home for lunch and she got an idea. As soon as Ben was free she called him over “What do you say about coming for lunch tomorrow? Caitlin and Sean are coming home and I’m cooking myself” Ben smiled “That would be lovely” “And of course I want you to bring Meg” she smiled and actually Ben blushed. Olivia and Gregory was the closest thing he had to parents these days. Ben had had all the intention of introducing Meg to them, but maybe not just yet. “I have to ask her” Ben said “Just let me know in the morning so I’ll set the table right” Olivia had finished her wine and was ready to go home “I’ll see you at one” she said before she left.

After closing the club Ben walked Meg home “Do you want to come in?” Meg asked as they stood outside her door “Do you want me to?” Ben asked back and Meg opened the door “Who are we trying to kid here” Meg said “I know everything is happening so fast, but I don’t want to be apart from you” she walked around the counter and took out a bottle of water from the fridge “Do you want some?” she asked as she took out two glasses from the cupboard “Sure” Ben couldn’t resist following her and put his arms around her “But I want a kiss more” he said and bent his head. Softly he kissed her lips and Meg moaned and put her arms around Ben’s neck. A while later they laid in bed after making love, Ben was playing with a strand of Meg’s hair “My aunt invited us both to lunch tomorrow” Ben blurted, he hadn’t know how to put it to Meg “Are you serious?” Meg looked worried “Yes, but there’s nothing for you to worry about. My cousins will be there too and so will Gregory” Meg sat straight up in bed “Ben, I can’t… I mean…” she didn’t know what to say. Ben sat up and kissed her on the shoulder “Don’t worry Meg, they’ll love you just as much as I do” Meg turned her head towards him “I do Meg, I’m sorry if I once again rush things, but I truly love you” Meg got out of bed and just pulled the nearest shirt on. It was Ben’s and is smelled just like him she twirled around “Meg, I will not say I’m sorry because I’m not. I love you and I want the whole world to know, but if you want to I can wait with the announcement” Meg wrinkled her nose “Well, Elaine and Gaby knows. I didn’t exactly tell them” Ben rested back on the pillow “You can’t hide anything from Elaine, I learnt that a long time ago” he patted on the bed beside him “Come back to bed Meg” he said.

Meg slept restlessly that night, not because she was sharing the bed with Ben, but she had dreams about how Ben’s family would judge her. From what she had heard this was the riches family in Sunset Beach and she didn’t know what clothes to have on which lead to a part of the dream of her showing up naked. Around 6am Meg gave up on getting any kind of proper sleep and got out of bed. Happy about having been able to get some groceries in yesterday afternoon she did a thing her mother always did to calm herself down, she started to bake. When Ben woke up a little more than an hour later it was to the smell of new baked muffins. A little groggy he sat up in bed and rested his chin on a knee. He looked around as Meg had taken out all her dresses and hung them ‘everywhere’. “What are you doing?” he asked and pulled a hand thru his hair “Meg?” she quickly looked at him and just answered “Baking” Ben got out of bed and walked over to Meg. “Please look at me” he turned her around “It’s just past 7am and you’re baking? On a Sunday” he could find any answers in her eyes “Why Meg?” “I couldn’t sleep simply” she shrugged her shoulders. “Meg, there must be more to it, you were tossing and turning in your sleep all night” Meg who just had taken out another plate from the oven turned around “You are right Ben, there is something else” when she had put it down he took her hand and lead her over and sat down on a chair with Meg on his lap. “Now please tell me what’s wrong” Ben ran his hand up and down her back “What’s wrong, I’ll tell you what’s wrong. You are” Ben looked puzzled at her “I am?” “Yes, and your aunt and all of her rich family” Meg got up and walked around from one dress to another “I don’t have anything to wear and I dreamt I showed up at their place naked” Ben followed her “Meg, please calm down” he held her tight “You’ll do fine and you got lots of stuff to wear, if I know Caitlin and Sean right and I think I do they’ll both show up in jeans or something simple, it’s just the family” “It’s just family??” Meg raised her voice “We’ve barley started to know each other and just like this your aunt invite me to come along to a Sunday lunch, Ben….” She took a deep breath “Ben, I don’t know if I can go” Ben pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head “Meg, you don’t have to go if you don’t want to” Meg got lose from his embrace “What will they say then, she’s shy, she’s not good enough for you” Once again Ben pulled her close and this time he kissed her to shut her up. As usual Meg got all week in her knees from Ben’s kisses.
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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 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-