Flying High
by Tina

Chapter 21 - 28

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Chapter 21

When Ben and Meg finally got time to put Ben's laptop up. It was just a few, well more than a few kisses that had stopped them.

Ben: Wow, this is working slow today.

Meg: Does it do that often?

Ben: No, just latley and I've scanned the disks and stuff, I guess I need to leave it at the repairs when I get back!

They finally got it to work.

Ben: Oh no! My e-mail program isn't working at all....I hate this.

Meg: You can use mine, I don't mind.

Ben: What should I do without you? he thanked her with a kiss.

Meg: With thanks like that, I don't want you to be able to do anythign without me. She kissed him back and let her hands wander under his shirt.

Ben: Mmmm, I like that, but I have to send those e-mails. And then your mother said it soon was dinner.

Meg: Let's skip that!

Ben: No Meg, you're parents are nice to let me stay here, and they haven't even asked me to sleep in the guestroom so I think we better have dinner with them.

Meg pouted: Ok then, but I want you later parents or not.

Ben kissed her on the forehead and sat down to write his e-mails. There was one to Mark. He started with the instructions for the week and then told him to bring out the code as he was writing from Meg's computer he didn't want her to know.

Joan had made a roast for dinner and later in the evening they had coffee by the fireplace. It was nice and cosy. Ben sat on the floor with Meg between his legs.

Ben: This is nice. I've got a fireplace too, but I seldom use it.

Joan: I guess it's hot enough in Sunset Beach.

Ben: Yes it is, but I bet it's nice here when you get in from a day out in the winters.

Hank: Yes it really is. We used to go skiing and skating a lot when the children were young and when we got in I lighted the fire and Joan mad hot chocolate for us all.

Meg: I remember it as it was yesterday. Ben: We didn't do much stuff like that, but it was more rain than snow back in England.

Meg: Why don't you tell us something about when you grew up?

Ben: Is there anything special you want to know?

Meg: Your brothers for starter.

Ben: Well Ted is 10 years older so we didn't spend that much time together. Then it's me and Derek.

Hank: Are you close?

Ben: We was until we got to the teens, then he felt like mom and dad liked me better. I had it easy in school, I learned a lot just by listening but Derek had to study a lot.

Joan: You're talking like the two of you went to the same class, howcome?

Ben: Oh, we're twins.

Hank: You have a twin?

Ben: Yes, an identical.

Joan: Are there two of you? Wow!

Ben: Well kind of. Derek has finally gotten a hold of his life again. As he dropped out of school and started to travel around Europe getting by on odd works here and there. We drifted even more apart and when I went to America we lost contact totally.

Meg: But you're talking now?

Ben: Yes, from time to time. He came by Sunset Beach when I was married to Maria. He fell for her and tried to seduce her. She looked thru him. But for our childhood, at least before we turned 10 it was happy days. I guess we did what other kids do, making treehouses playing hide and seak and stuff.

Joan: I'm sorry to hear, what does your parents feel about it?

Ben: They didn't know what they had done. They loved us equally, all three of us. It hurted them a lot when he dropped out of school and went travelling.

They went on talking for a few hours. And around 10 Hank and Joan went to bed, it was a normal workingday tomorrow they said. Ben and Meg stayed in front of the fire. They sat there kissing until the fire faded and then Ben stood up, took Meg's hand to pull her up. He then easily swept her up in his arms and carried her up the stairs.

Meg: You don't have to carry me, I can walk.

Ben: I know, but I want you close, and if it hadn't been for this being your parents' place I'd made love to you infront of that fire. But I promise to do it to you in my house.

Meg: I can't hardly wait, but won't it be awfully hot?

Ben: It's always hot when we make love, but it sounds like I need to remind you of it.

He kissed her deeply and when they reached her room he sat her down on the floor. She stood there in the middle of the room looking lost but oh so beautiful Ben thought. He locked the door and came over to kiss her. She started to unbutton the shirt he'd put on for dinner and kissing her way down his chest. He returned the favor. And when they soon both stood there naked he swet her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. Afterwards when they laid in eachothers arms kissing eachother Meg just had to say it.

Meg: I don't know how you do it Ben, but it's better than last time every time we make love.

Ben: Well with you as a partner I can't fail. I love you Meg.

Meg: I love you too Ben. I'm happy you wanted to stay here and celebrate my birthday.

Ben: Not much could have stopped me from being here.

He kissed her with so much passion that she got speechless, but it suited Ben perfectly, he didn't want to talk anymore. He kissed her all over and they made love once more before they fell asleep in eachother's arms.

The next day they spent looking at the town of Ludlow in daylight, having coffee in the small café there. A few girls Meg knew from school came and talked to them. Mostly they wanted to know what had happend with her and Tim. Meg told Ben sorry in the late afternoon when they laid in eachother's arms having made love again.

Ben: You don't need to apologize.

Meg: But it must have felt strange to you, I mean all those people talking about me and Tim. Some of them that if you just was kind of payback and without saying it out loud asking when Tim and I was getting married.

Ben: Not really, I know where I have you, and I hope you know where you have me, because it can easily be the other way round in Sunset Beach. But I'll be there to guide you thru it. I love you so much Meg.

Meg: I love you too.

Ben: So as we're going to Kansas City tomorrow and I haven't bought you anything for your birthday yet, is there anything special you want?

Meg: No, not really...I've got you and that's enough.

Ben: Really?

Meg: Stop teasing me. I bet you have something in mind and that you when we get there tomorrow will ask me to meet you in a resturant for lunch and only spend the the afternoon with me as you are gonna go buy something for me in the morning.

Ben: You know me too well my love.

Meg: Yeah great minds think alike, don't they? And talking about birthdays, when's yours?

Ben: May 19th.

Meg: OK!

Ben: OK?

Meg: Yes, what did you want me to say.

Ben: Something like that gives me time enough to plan the best surprise ever.

Meg: If you like me to I can do it. Ben looked hurt, so she continued: It's a great time of the year, at least in these parts of the woods. Flowers everywhere, and it's warm again.

Ben: Well if you say so. I guess we better get out of bed, you're parents will be in soon and you did promise to start dinner. He swang his legs over the bed.

Meg: Ben?

Ben: Yes?

Meg: I still love you, I hope you didn't get hurt just because I didn't get up doing cheers and stuff about your birthday.

Ben: I don't know what I expected really I guess that's it. But I love you too.

They got dressed without saying anything and then Meg went straight downstairs to start dinner. Ben took his cellphone and called Ted at the Buckaroo.

Ben: Hi it's Ben Evans.

Ted: Hi Ben! Great to hear from you again.

Ben: I'm just calling to confirm the reservation for tomorrow.

Ted: It's all settled, I'm happy you want to come back.

Ben: Well it's Meg's favorite place I was told and the food and drink was just great!

Ted: Sorry about my brother. I try to keep a track of him and if I hadn't been caught up in the office when he arrived he'd never gotten as far as he did.

Ben: I'm kind of glad he did, that way we got it out in the open. But I got the impression that some people in this town still think Meg's gonna forgive and go back to him.

Ted: Welcome to Ludlow, Kansas. This is the way it goes in a small town. I've heard rumours on town myself the last few days about you just being something like a payback.

Ben: Well I'm more serious about Meg than that and I know she feels the same way.

Ted: Meg's been the only sister I ever had, so I hope you treat her better than my brother did, otherwise I promise to take care of yo myself.

Ben: Sounds like you like her more than as a sister.

Ted: I had if I wasn't happily married with two children aged 8 and 5.

Ben: I didn't know. Well next time I get here we'll have to meet on a private dinner. Talking about dinner, there will be a special delivery coming sometime Wendesday morning. You'll know what to do with it.

Ted: I guess you don't want to say it out loud if Meg's on the other connection of the phone.

Ben: No, I'm on my cellphone, but she could be standing outside the door.

Ted: OK, so I'll see you all at 6.30 Wendesday?

Ben: 6.30 it is.

Ben hanged up and gave Mark a quick call too, just to see that everything was ok back in Sunset Beach and that Mark had helped him fixing what he needed. Everything had been carried out, just like the boss ordered Mark had told him. He then joined Meg in the kitchen and helped her set the table. She was still stirring in the pots, so when he'd finished he sat down.

Ben: Meg?

Meg without turning around: Yeah?

Ben: We can't let something this trivial as my birthday come between us.

She turned to face him: It's just that you sounded so disappointed when all I said was OK.

Ben stood up and went over to hug her: I'm sorry Meg, I guess I didn't know how to tackle it either. I love you so much Meg, I want to..... he dragged on it.

Meg: You want to...what?

Ben: Don't take this the wrong way, but well I guess I'll do it properly one day, but I want to spend my future with you, just so you know it.

Meg: That's what I want too, and to reasure you, I'm not ready to get married, not just yet. But I want to one day and I DO love you so much it hurts.

Ben leant down to kiss her. I love you too he whispered in between kisses. They didn't hear Joan and Hank come inside and Hank couldn't resist it.

Hank: So the two of you can't be left alone in the kitchen before you're all over eachother.

Ben and Meg parted and Meg said: Now you're unfair dad! I thought we discussed this yesterday morning.

Joan: I told you not to say anything Hank, I'm sorry.

Ben: No need to be. I guess dinner's be a few more minutes so you can go freshen up if you like.

At dinner they talked about what had happend today and what Ben and Meg had planned for the next day in Kansas City.

Ben: Talking about plans, I've taken the liberty and booked us a table at the Buckaroo for dinner on Wendesday. It's my treat for Meg's birthday and your hospitality.

Meg: Oh Ben, thank you. I guess it wasn't easy taking in consider what happend last time.

Ben: Well Ted promised me to see to it that Tim didn't get anywhere near the place.

Hank: I hope he doesn't, he's destroyed enough for Meg to last a life time.

They finished dinner and had coffee straight away. Ben and Meg went to bed around 11, as they were driving to Kansas City in the morning.

They had a lovely day there and Meg had been right, Ben had asked her to meet up in a resturant for lunch. Meg had spent the morning looking at dresses, she wanted a new one for the awards, but didn't find anything. When she came to the resturant Ben was already there.

Ben: Are you emptyhanded?

Meg: Yes, I thought I'd find a new dress for the awards, but no luck. There's not much stuff happening this time of year here, so not much clothes either.

Ben: We've got a few stores in Sunset Beach too and if you don't find anything there I've got a good friend that's a seamstress that can do one for you.

Meg: You got a friend?

Ben: Yes her name is Annie. I better warn you though, we used to date a long time ago and then I met Maria. They got to be kind of friends but when Maria cheated on me Annie took my side and stayed a good friend.

Meg: So shall I feel threatend by her?

Ben: There's no need, you know where I stand, but I guess Annie will try to scare you off.

Meg: Ok then, so have your morning been successfull?

Ben: Oh it has, very successfull.

Meg: Care to tell me?

Ben: No, not until tomorrow, it's a surprise.

Meg: As much as I love surprises and birthdaygifts, the greatest one this year is having you here with me.

Ben: I hope you won't get disappointed then.

Meg: Don't tell me you have to leave?

Ben: Oh no! I shouldn't have put it that way. Well let's order.

The had a lovely lunch and then went around the town hand in hand. The went to a museum, just to have done something else than shopping. And when they finally got in the car to drive back they had bought a lot. Or Ben had really. Meg had said that he spoiled her and that she had to work without pay the first months just to pay him back. Meg held almost a full fashionshow for her parents when they got home, but she saved the best for her birthday. Ben had payed for an expensive black velvet dress. She had told him that she had stuff in her closet to wear but he insisted. At least she had bought some accessories for her own money.

Ben and Meg then had bought a nice shirt and tie for Hank and a lovely necklace and bracelet to go with it for Joan. They had protested loudly about the expensive gifts. But when Meg had gone to put the coffee on Ben had told them that Meg would love to see it on them in Sunset Beach when they came there. She still didn't know that they were coming.

Ben and Meg went to bed early and Meg felt like when she was a kid. It was impossible to fall asleep, but after making love with Ben she dozed off in some kind of sleep but tossed and turned all night until Ben woke her up with kisses and made love to her again. Then she fell asleep safely in his arms.

 

Chapter 22

Ben and Meg had been in kind of a hurry to get to bed last night, so they had forgotten to lock the door. So after having signed for a very early delivery Hank went upstairs to wake Ben up. He wasn't really ready for what he found. Ben and Meg laying in bed with the arms around eachother. Well that wasn't the part he was "surprised" at; it was the obvious fact of they're late night activity he wasn't ready for. The cover only covered them up to the waist, and not fully covered, it was obvious to even an untrained eye what they had been up to. Hank back out of the room just when Joan came up the stairs.

Joan: Hank love, what's up?

Hank: Oh! I'll get that......

Joan: Hank!!!

Hank: Sorry, it's just.. I knocked but no one answered so I went inside, and well it's not a sight a father wants of his daughter.

Joan: Oh, I get it, but at least Ben loves her, maybe we should try to knock again and see if he wakes up.

She knocked softly at the door. It took a few minutes but then then heard someone stirr and Ben came to open the door dressed in a t-shirt and his jeans.

Ben: Good morning, he said as he came outside the room.

Joan: Good morning to you too, is Meg awake?

Ben: No, and she was like a kid last night, not being able to get to sleep the day before the birthday or Christmas.

Hank: I guess she finally got to sleep then? he looked at Ben with something in his eyes that Ben didn't really get.

Ben: Yes she did, so was it to wake her up you came?

Hank: No, not really, there was a delivery just 15 minutes ago to you.

Ben: From the florist?

Joan: Yes.

Ben: Well, is it downstairs?

Hank: Yes. What is it? (They all went downstairs)

Ben: I hope it's roses...white roses.

Joan: Where on earth did you get them this time of year?

Ben: To be honest I don't know. I asked Mark, my headbartender, to look around for the nearest place that could fix some for me.

Hank: I bet the bill won't be small?!

Ben: Well when it comes to Meg, nothing's too expensive.

Joan: You're spoiling her, you know that?

Ben: I might be, but she deserves it. And with her background raised by the two of you, I know that money never will get to her, I mean....

Hank(suspicially): What do you mean?

Ben: I mean that she never get "high and mighty" just because of some money.

Joan: I certainly hope not, then we've done something wrong in bringing her up.

Meg: What have you done wrong?

None of them had heard her come downstairs.

Hank: Happy Birthday Maggie! Good morning as well.

Joan: Happy Birthday sweetie! How are you?

Meg: Thank you. She locked her eyes with Ben's.

Ben: Happy Birthday Meg! he went over and kissed her lovingly on the cheek.

Meg: Thank you! And it is! Three of the persons I love most in my life is here with me, I guess this will be the best birthday ever.

Joan: Just as always.

Meg: I know I usally says it, but this time it's for real.

Joan and Hank had made breakfast before the delivery came so it was all on the table along with the roses from Ben. When Meg saw it she didn't think she believed it was true.

Meg: Is this a dream?

Ben: No, it's for real and if you're a nice girl and sit down at the table I guess your parents have something for you. I need to run upstairs and get my gift.

Meg: Do you have more than the roses? But..they're lovely and it really is enough Ben.

Ben: No, just flowers isn't enough for your birthday.

While Ben ran upstairs Meg opened the envelope from her parents. It was money so that she could buy whatever she liked or needed later. She too opened her gifts from her brother and her sister. Her brother had sent her two books of Danielle Steel, to put in her collection and her sister had sent the most lovely pair of silver earrings. She had found them in a small shop where these artists sell their stuff. They were formed as drops and had small engraved figures on them. Ben came back and handed her his gift.

She opened it and took out a lovely necklace. It was a goldchain and hanging in it there was a.....

Meg(with tears in her eyes): Oh Ben, it's....lovely...is it real?

Ben: Of course it's real. Nothing but real diamonds for a woman like you.

Joan and Hank looked astonished at it both. Hank gave Ben a look telling him it was too expensive gift. And Ben looked back with eyes saying "didn't we cover this before".

Meg: It's great, and the dropform goes great in harmony with these, she showed him the earrings her sister had sent.

Ben: Yes it will. That was really great work on those earrings.

Meg: Yes Sara found them in this shop where unknown artists sell their work.

They sat down to eat and talk and when the phone rang.

Meg: I'll get it!!!(she ran out and took the phone in the hall)Hello! It's Meg Cummings.

The caller: Is this the old girl in the Cummings family?

Meg: Hi sis!

Sara: How did you know?

Meg: Of course I know my own sister!

Sara: Of course, Happy Birthday to you!

Meg: Thanks, and thank you so much for the earrings.

Sara: You liked them?

Meg: No, I love them! They are great and they go great with the diamond I got in a necklace from Ben.

Sara: Ben?!...oh! That Ben!?

Meg: Yes.

Sara: Did he send you a diamond?

Meg: No he gave it to me.

Sara: Is he there?

Meg smiled and nodded.

Sara: Meg?...Is he there?!

Meg: Sorry! I nodded you the answer! YES!!! He's here.

Sara: Did he fly in this morning?

Meg: No, he's been here since Saturday, he was here when I got home.

Sara: Wow! We HAVE to talk soon again! I'm sorry but I have to run to work. Have a great day.

Meg: I will and Sara....

Sara: Yes?

Meg: Have a great day you too, I'll call you when I've settled in in Sunset Beach.

Sara: Sunset Beach? Are you going back with him?

Meg: I think so, I've got until tomorrow to decided.

Sara: Go then! If he makes you happy I want you to go! Say hi to him and mom and dad of course.

Meg: I will. Bye! They hanged up and Meg returned to the kitchen.

Meg: Sara said hi to you all!

Joan: How was she?

Meg: Good, she was on her way to work so we'll talk some more another day.

Hank: We better get started outside, when are we leaving this evening?

Ben: I've booked the table at 6.30.

Hank: Good, then we'll be in and ready by 6. He kissed Meg on the cheek: Have a great day sweetie. Joan did the same thing.

Meg: Thanks both of you.

When they had left Ben and Meg cleared the table and Meg started to wash up. Ben put his arms around her and started to nuzzle her neck.

Ben: Meg love, can't that wait, I've got one more gift for you...upstairs.

Meg turned around and said teasingly: Are you sure it's upstairs and not a bit down infront of me?

Ben didn't answer, he kissed her swept her up in his arms and carried her up to her room. Afterwards when they laid totally exhausted in eachother's arms Meg was the first to talk.

Meg: This was way the best birthdaypresent ever.

Ben: I'm happy to be at your service.

Meg: And you are, I love you Ben.

Ben: I love you too Meg so much....Meg?

Meg: Yes.

Ben: We haven't really discussed it, but are you coming with me home to Sunset Beach tomorrow?

Meg: Yes I am, I decided that when I talked to Sara.

Ben: You just made me the happiest man.

Meg: Well I'm happy to be at your service! They both laughed and soon they were kissing.

Ben broke the kiss: I better fix with the tickets for the flight then. Can you manage for a few hours. I need to go into town.

Meg: Yes I don't like it, but I think I can. I also think I better get downstairs and finish the washing up. Then I need to shower and fix my hair.

Ben: Well you do as you like, but I like you just the way you are.

Meg: Hey there, you shower me with gifts and then you want me to go out naked?

Ben: I didn't say that! But I like you naked.

Meg: Good! I like you that way too. But if I'm gonna wear that dress tonight along with my new jewellery I better shower and fix my hair.

Ben: I bet you'll look the best whatever you put on.

 

Chapter 23

While Meg did the dishes she was wondering a bit why Ben hadn't been able to fix with the tickets by the phone, but she pushed the thought aside when she turned around and saw the roses. He had arranged so she got a bouquet of 27 white roses in the beginning of November. "It must have costs him a fortune, I'll never gonna be able to repay him"(repay!? Never in her or Ben's lifetime/tina, I think that's what Ben would say at least!)

Ben came back within the hour and besides for lunch when Joan and Hank came inside they were alone. They went out for a walk as it was a lovely day. It was a bit cold, but they warmed themselves in bed when they came back. Then Ben helped Meg pack a few things that she was bringing to Sunset Beach(the rest could wait or be shipped) and all of the sudden the day had went by and it was time to get ready to go out for dinner.

When Ben came back from the shower Meg had put her dress on and swepte her hair up. She had also put the earrings on that she got from her sister and was just about to put the necklace on.

Ben: Let me do that, he said as he took her hands. He buckled it and "sealed" is with a kiss and a whisper: "You look lovely"

Meg: Thank you. I have to admit that I feel like that, you have the ability to make me feel like that.

Ben: You're a natural. He went over to his clothes and got dressed.

Meg turned her head and admired his body while it got covered up.

Meg: Thank you Ben.

Ben: For what?

Meg: For everthing, for today, for letting me love you and for loving me back.

Ben: You're most welcome. Are we ready to leave?

Meg nodded: Yes I think so, let's go downstairs to wait for my parents.

But they didn't have to wait, Hank and Joan was already downstairs dressed and ready to leave. When Ben and Meg came down the stairs Joan sighed.

Meg: Anything wrong mom?

Joan: No, nothing at all, why?

Meg: You sighed.

Joan: Oh that, it's just...you look so lovely together. And that dress Meg, it's....it's so you.

Hank: I agree with your mother, I don't think I've seen you dressed up like that since your senior prom.(To himself he thought that they made a perfect couple, but what father like to admit that outloud, especially when your daughter have been cheated on once already)

Meg: That's because I haven't been. And I haven't had any occasion to be either.

Ben had kept quite until now: So, are we ready to leave?

Hank: Yes we are if you are.

Ben: Then let's go.

When they got to the Buckaroo Ted emerged from behind the bar. He kissed Meg on the cheek.

Ted: Happy birthday Meg I must way you look lovely, and welcome to you all.

Meg: Thank you.

He led them over to a table that was decorated with white roses. Not only in a vase but also just the actually flower directly on the table.

Meg turned to Ben: You're amazing, I don't dare to think of what all these roses have cost you.

Ben: And I won't let you either, I've told you nothing is too much when it comes to you.

Joan: But Ben this is too much, really.....but it looks lovely.

Ben: Well the look of it is Ted's doing.

Ted: Not really, it's Sandra's doing.

Hank: Little Sandra?

Ted: I don't like to admit it, but she's growing up, she's going to be 12 in January.

Hank: I know that feeling. Meggie here, isn't a day over 13.

Meg: Dad!

Hank: I know, I know...

Ben: Shall we stand here all night, or shall we eat? he withdrew the chair for Meg.

The dinner was lovely and after having eaten they danced a little but still made it an fairly early night as Ben and Meg was leaving at noon the next day.

When they got home Hank poored them all a drink and made a small fire which they all sat down infront of. Hank and Joan was the first to leave.

Joan: Thank you for a great evening Ben.

Ben: It was my pleasure, thank you for letting me stay.

Joan: That have too been a pleasure.

Hank: Well good night then, remember to see to it that the fire is put out before you leave.

Meg: We will, I've been that last to leave before dad.

Hank: I know, but I still like to have the house here tomorrow morning.

Ben: We'll see to it that you have.

Joan: Good night then.

Ben and Meg: Good night.

When they had left Meg curled up in Ben's arms infront of the fire. He started to nuzzle her neck.

Meg: Mmmm, this is great. I'd love to stay like this forever.

Ben: Well that can be arranged.

Meg: Wouldn't we look funny sitting here all our lifes?

Ben: No, I don't think so, maybe we be covered with dust or so, but I know that you never could look funny in that way.

Meg: And we wouldn't be covered in dust either.

Ben: No?

Meg: No, not as long as mom's alive anyway.

They both laughed and got up. Ben put out the fire and Meg took the empty glasses to the kitchen. When they met at the stairs Meg took Ben's hand and they walked like that up to Meg's room.

 

Chapter 24

Ben woke up at 8AM alone in bed. He thanked his lucky star that Meg was coming with him back to Sunset Beach today. Although they "officially" had been together for less than a week he hated this feeling of waking up alone in bed. He had during his stay in Ludlow caught up on some sleep. He tried to convice himself that it must be the countryair, but he knew that it was that Meg had slept in his arms that made him sleep well. He hadn't slept one night thru since they had made love that night in London. He got up and got dressed in a white t-shirt and blue jeans and then he went downstairs. He heard Meg talking to her parents in the kitchen, so he stopped in the stairs. He didn't mean to eavesdrop.

Hank: Are you sure this is right Meggie?

Meg: Yes dad. I feel a connection I never felt towards anyone before when I'm with Ben.

Joan: On what I learnt this week he seems like a good man.

Meg: He is and I do love him truely.

Hank: That was all said about Tim too and look what happend there.

Meg: Daddy please...Ben's nothing like Tim.

Hank: He don't seems to be thank God.

Now Ben decided it was time to make an apperance, he made a bit more noice the last few steps and when he came into the kitchen he went over and kissed Meg on the cheek, just like he had done every morning.

Ben: Good morning!

Meg: Now it is!

Hank and Joan: Good morning. Slept well?

Ben: Yes, but why didn't you wake me up Meg?

Meg: No, you looked so peaceful that I couldn't, but I was soon about to come and get you, we can't miss our flight.

Hank: When are you leaving?

Ben: Around 10AM from here, the flight is at 12.20.

Joan: Well we need to get back out, but we'll come in and say bye.

Meg: Thanks mom.

Joan: Oh and before I forget about it. I talked to Sam this morning, he and Susan are coming home for Thanksgiving and I bet I can persuade Sara to come and bring her Clive. Would the two of you like to come too, it would make me very happy.

Ben: It's ok by me, I just have to be back in Sunset Beach by the Saturday again.

Meg: Why's that?

Ben: Me and Mark have this tradition when we treat homeless and kids in trouble on a combined Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner that weekend.

Joan: Oh that's nice of you. I'm so happy if you can be here on Thanksgiving Thursday, that's more than enough.

Ben: We, or I at least can stay all Friday too, I don't have to be back before noon Saturday.

Joan smiled, she was going to have her whole family home for Thanksgiving. She and Hank went back outside and Ben and Meg finished breakfast. Then they went upstairs to finish packing and for the second time in a wekk they carried Meg's boxes. This time it was downstairs and to Ben's rental car. Just when they had finished Hank and Joan came in. It was time to say bye.

Meg: So, I've written the phone number to Ben's house on the "important" list, and you have my cellphonenumber as well.

Joan(with tears in her eyes): Thanks love.

Meg: Stop it mom, it's not like I haven't left home before.

Joan: I know but I get a feeling it's final this time.

Hank: Well we have to see about that(everyone knew he had a little distrust in Ben because of what Tim had done to Meg).

Ben: Hank I know you don't know me too well but I hope you believe me when I say that I'd never do anything to hurt Meg.

Meg: And besides in a few weeks it's Thanksgiving and then we'll be back.

Hank: Ok Meggie, you know where we are if you need us. He hugged her and so did Joan.

Meg: Mom, let go now, I'll see you at Thanksgiving.

Joan looked at Ben over the shoulder of Meg and winked with her eye.

Hank saw it too: Meg why don't you take your mother outside, there's a thing I'd like to talk to Ben about.

Meg: Please don't scoll on him or so.

Hank: I won't love. The women went outside.

Ben: So what was it?

Hank: Nothing really, I just.....(he hated to beg or be treated on anything)

Ben: Oh, about the 15th?! I've booked tickets for the both ofyou and they should be arriving in the begining of the week. If they don't do please call me, here's all my numbers(he handed Hank a businesscard).

Hank: Thank you and thank you so much for dinner last night.

Ben: No, thank you, for letting me stay here. I can only imagine what kind of distrust you must have to any man coming near Meg.

Hank: You're right, but I get the feeling that you're an honest man you even toldus about your ex-wife. But I want you to know that I AM NOT a pleasant man to know if I get to know if you hurt my Meggie.

Ben: I hope I don't have to see that, you have to believe me when I say that I DO love Meg, with all my heart. I never felt like this with Maria even.

Hank: Well I guess we better get out now, and I'll see you the 15th.

Ben: Yes. They went out.

Ben: We better get going now Meg. He turned to Hank and Joan: It was nice to meet you both and to get to know you.

Joan: The pleasure was ours. Please take care of Meg.

Meg: Mom! I'm 27 years old and I've been thru a lot I think I can take care of myslef, besides we'll see you in a few weeks when we come back.

Hank: You better come otherwise you'll disappoint your mother.

Ben: We'll be here.

They all said bye and Ben and Meg got into the car and took off. Meg sat silent for most of the drive and finally Ben had to say something.

Ben: Meg honey, is there anyting wrong?

Meg: No(she had tears in her eyes) nothing at all.

Ben: Please stop this, I can see and hear something's up.

Meg: Well it's not that I don't want to go with you, it just feels so final.

Ben; You can stay if you don't feel ready to leave, or we can find you an apartment in Sunset Beach if you don't want to move in with me directly.

Meg: NO! I want to live with you. It's just that though the last year here have been next to hell, I had a great time growing up here.

Ben: But we'll be back at Thanksgiving and then as often as you like.

Meg: Ben, you're too good to be true, you know? I love you!

Ben: I love you too.

They had reached the airport, they unloaded the car and Ben went to park it and then pay for it. After that they checked in and borded the plane almost at once. As soon as they were seated and had put their belts on Meg took Ben's hand. She didn't dare to look at him because here eyes would burst then she thought. The stewardess came by and put a hand on Meg's shoulder.

Stewardess: Don't worry miss, flying is the most safe way of travelling.

Meg: I know, I've done the same work as you for over five years.

Stewardess: Sorry, I thought you were scared.

Meg: No, that wasn't it, but thank you for caring, keep it up and you'll help someone that's scared one day.

Stewardess: Thank you, have a great flight.

Meg: Thank you.

Ben kissed her on the cheek: It's not too late to change your mind.

Meg: Well I'm not gonna do that. This way I'm settled in Sunset Beach by the time for the awards.

Ben: I had almost forgot about them. Do you know if Julie's coming?

Meg: Yes she and Charlie are both coming.

Ben: Why don't you get in touch with them when we get to Sunset Beach and invite them to stay with us?

Meg smiled: Really? You don't mind? I mean I'd love for them to stay so i can chat with Julie.

Ben: No, I don't mind and besides we've got our whole lifes to be alone later, and before as well. he kissed her deeply.

Meg: Did you get my world to move, or was that the plane?

Ben: A bit of both I guess. They laughed.

 

Chapter 25

Shortly after the plane was "airborne" Meg fell into some kind of slumber and Ben didn't wake her up when their meal came. He knew that she had had a tough time emotionally the past few weeks. He smiled when he thougt back to their night in London. It had been perfect, spontaneous and just great. Then they had been apart for far too long although it was only a few weeks, but they had had almost daily contact by phone or e-mail(he had printed every single one of them and saved them in a folder).

He didn't know how her farwell party had gone, they hadn't had time to talk but he guessed she felt sad about leaving her job. Then he had surprised her with his visit when she came home to her parents. Of course the ordeal with Tim was fresh in his memory as well as her birthday yesterday was.

Ben took his headphones and the music played was "Up where we belong" they had danced to that song last night at the Buckaroo. He couldn't help himself, he woke Meg up carefully with a kiss and handed her the headphones, she smiled at him when she heard the song.

Meg: It's "our" song Ben. Do you know there's a instrumental version of it on that CD of yours?

Ben: Of course I know, it's always been one of my favorite songs.

Meg: Mine too. She looked at the watch: "2.15? Have I been sleeping?"

Ben: Yes dear, I didn't have the heart to wake you up, but if you're hungry I can call the stewardess to come with your meal.

Meg: Don't bother, I've had enough of that kind of food to last me a lifetime. They laughed.

Ben: I guess I have to stop at the grocerystore on the way home, my kitchen is totally empty on food. I usally eat breakfast at the Jave Web and dinner at the Deep.

Meg: Those are your internetcafé and your nightclub, aren't they?

Ben: Yes and I can't wait to show you. I should warn you for the café though, I haven't had the time to redecorate it.

Meg: Have something happend so you need to? Like a fire or so?

Ben: No, just my ex-wife, she decorated it, but the nightclub I didn't allow her to touch.

Meg: OK, thank you for warning me, but I don't think it can be that bad, didn't you say you were a successful buisnessman?

Ben: Well, but I might ask you to redo it for me.

Meg: Me? But wasn't I suppose to work as your assistant/sercetary?

Ben: Yeah, but that's not until next year when Dani leaves.

Meg: Oh, OK!

They sat quite for the rest of the trip, held hands and kissed then and then. When they had landed Ben went to get his car. When he came back Meg's boxes had come and she was in the "lobby" waiting for him.

Ben: Did we really have all those boxes with us from Kansas?

Meg: I thought the same when I started to pick them of the luggageband. But they all have my name on, so I guess we had.

They laughed and started to pack them into Ben's car. The even had to put some in the seat as it was an exact copy of the car he had driven in Kansas. Meg asked if he had rented it at the same company, but no, this was his own. Meg admired the view as they drove into the town of Sunset Beach.

Meg: I think I'm gonna like it here.

Ben: I really hope so, do you mind if we stop by the Deep first, I really need to talk to Mark.

Meg: No, it gives me the chance to look at the place. And do I really have a say about it?

Ben: Of course you have, I could take you home first.

Meg: And keep the two of us apart?

Ben: Well eventually I need to get to work, but for today I'm all yours, that is as soon as I've cleared all things with Mark.

Meg: Excuse me if I'm snooping, but Mark seem to be more than an employé to you.

Ben: You're not snooping, and yes he is. He came to Sunset Beach as a runaway soon after I've opened the Java Web. He started with cleaning tables and doing the dishes. Today he's closer to me than my brothers and he's my right hand I can say.

Meg: Oh, I didn't know you were that close. I look forward to meet him.

Ben: You do, do you?

Meg: Not that way, I want to get to know someone that knows everything about you without being your parent.

Ben: Well Mark knows a lot but far from everything but still it's more than both mother and father.

They had arrived to the backside of the Deep where Ben had his private parkingspot. They pulled up the top and locked the car. Then they went inside and the kitchen there was like a dream to Meg.

Meg: I guess you sell a lot of food from here?

Ben: What do you mean?

Meg: Well with a kitchen this big I guess there no stopping what to do.

Ben: I have to say we have had some caterings too, a lot really but we can't do all of the requests, I haven't found anyone to run it for me.

Meg: You have now, I mean if you don't mind me giving it a try.

Ben: Hey there, take it easy, we'll talk about this after Thanksgiving, you have the awards to think about first.

Meg sighed: Ok then. Ben leant down and kissed her.

"Hrm, what about mixing business with pleasure boss?"

Ben: Mark stuff it! he kissed Meg one more time.

Mark: What a language, I don't think I dare to let you leave Sunset Beach anymore, coming back with a bad language and a beautiful lady.

Ben: Yeah, isn't she?

Meg blushed and Ben put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her.

Mark: As my boss seem to have left his manners where he picked the bad language up I have to introduce myself. I'm Mark Wopler, the headbartender at this place. Welcome to Sunset Beach miss.

Meg: Cummings, Meg Cummings, please call me Meg.

Mark: Meg! What a beautiful name on a beautiful lady.

Ben: Mark! That's enough.

Mark: OK boss.

Ben: Mark!

Mark turned to Meg: I love teasing him, if you haven't noticed.

Meg: I have.

Ben and Mark did go thru some papers in Ben's office and Meg went looking around the local. And soon Ben came back and said it was time to go.

Meg: Nice to meet you mr Wopler.

Mark: Please say Mark.

Meg: Mark then.

Ben: You can call me at home if it's very important, otherwise I'll see you tomorrow.

Mark: Do you think for real that you'll answer the phone?

Ben: You never know, do you? Have a great evening.

Mark: You too, both of you. He winked at them.

When they got back outside.

Ben: I'm sorry if he made you uncomfortable with his suggestions, I'll tell him to stop tomorrow.

Meg: Not at all, he's a great guy. I can tell why you like him so much.

Ben: You can?

Meg: Don't worry Ben, you're the only guy for me.

They arrived at Ben's house(Meg's future home). They didn't see the person in the nextdoor window looking out with jealous eyes.

 

Chapter 26

"What's up poopsie?"

"Nothing aunt Bette"

This was the start of an interesting converstion that should take place at the nextdoor neighbour of Ben's. In the house Bette Katzenkazrahi was living together with her niece Annie Douglas. Annie had always been in love with Ben, she had even known him before her best friend got to know him and married him. Now that Ben and Maria had gotten divorced Annie thought that she could get a second chance, but so far Ben's been working or travelling so much that she hadn't had even the slightest chance to even talk to him.

Bette: So what were you looking at? Ben's frontdoor again, he won't just come out of there how much you ever wish, he needs to be home first.

Annie: He just arrived home.

Bette ran over: He did...yes and not alone either, way to go Prince Of Darkness.

Annie: What do yoy mean?

Bette: That beautiful young lady he brought. It looks like she's moving in with him, they are carrying boxes, shall we get out and offer to help?

Annie: You don't dare to?

Bette: I do, but do you? Bette went to the door opened it and went over to Ben and Meg.

As Ben just gotten inside Meg turned when she heard someone call something.

Meg: May I help you?

Bette: Not really, I just saw from my window that you and POD was carrying boxes so I thought I'd help you.

Meg: POD?

Bette: Prince of Darkness!

Meg laughed dearly at the nickname this woman had for Ben.

Ben: What are you laughing at love?

Bette: Me I guess POD!

Ben: Bette?! Of course...and please stop this POD thing, he smiled at her.

Bette: Well I'll try, but it's not easy handsome. It's great to see you and to see you smiling again, I guess this little cutie has to do with it.

Ben: Yes Bette, may I introduce you to the love of my life Meg Cummings. Meg this is my, no our neighbour Bette Katzenkazrahi.

Meg extanded her hand: Nice to meet you mrs Katzenkazrahi.

Bette: Please call me Bette, I'm not much for lastnames 'muffin', she hugged Meg.

Ben: Unless to collect as many as possible I guess.

Meg: Bette it is then, I'm Meg. What do you mean Ben?

Bette: Take no notice to him, it's just that I haven't had very great luck in men, Katzenkazrahi was my 7th husband.

Ben: So Bette, isn't Annie at home?

Bette: She is, but she's inside sulking.

Meg: Sulking?

Bette: Yes, she saw you with handsome here.

Ben: Annie's the friend I talked about that I dated a few times and then I met Maria.

Meg: Oh, she's the designer?

Ben: Yes.

Bette: Well it seems like the two of you have the boxes under controll, I better go check in with work, there's a lot coming up soon. Did you know that we're getting an awardshow here in a couple of weeks, muffin?

Meg: Yes I know.

Ben(proudly): She's nominated for the stewardess of the year.

Bette: I bet you win, and when you do I want an exclusive interview.

Meg: IF I win that can surely be arranged.

Ben: You will win that award, I'm positive you'll do.

Bette: I think you should listen to Ben, muffin.

Meg: Well I don't dare to be too positive, but as I've finished working there I really hope I get it.

Bette: Finished? Why's that?

Meg: To make a story short, I was to be married and found my fiancé in bed with my best friend and to be maid of honour. And as I was trying for a job on the ground I had handed in my notice and when it all happend they had already found a replacement.

Bette: And then you met Ben?

Meg: Kind of, we've met before on the flight to London.

Bette: Wow, what a story!

Ben: I hope you take my friendship in consider and don't write about this.

Meg: What exactly do you write?

Bette: The gossip coloumn in the Sentinel.

Meg: So that's why you wanted that exclusive, but I've promised you and I don't brake my promises.

Bette: Then I'm gonna hold you to it! But Ben please, a little note about a newcomer in town I must write.

Ben: I can't stop you but I hope you don't write anything you don't know anything about.

Bette: I always although it's gossip try to stay to the truth. See you both later, ta ta!

Meg: See you!

Ben and Meg went inside and Annie withdrew from the window. "Yet another person that already likes aunt Bette, and it looks like she's got her claws in Ben as well" she thought.

------

Bette's entry in the Sentinel

"I like to take this space in opportunity to welcome a new woman to Sunset Beach. Not only will she be a neighbour of 'moi' but she's nominated to the Stewardess of the year award that will take place here in town in two weeks. So....I bet you're all curious now, her name is Meg Cummings and I promise you an exclusive interview when she's won the award as I'm positive she'll sweep the floors with her opponents."

------

 

Chapter 27

When Ben woke up the next morning he was alone in bed. The room was full of boxes and suitcases. They had never gotten to unpack last night. When Bette had left they went inside and well...they had spend the rest of the evening and night in bed. Called for Chinese take out and gotten that delivered. They had moved out on the upstairs-terrace to eat but soon they were back in bed. And now Ben was there alone. He decided to get up and went downstairs. Meg heard him coming downstairs.

Meg: Good morning love! she smiled amused at him

Ben: It is now that I have you near, he said and kissed her. What are you smiling at?

Meg: This, she showed Ben the 'article' Bette had written about her arrival.

Ben: Well, I'll get her!

Meg: Why? She's done no harm.

Ben: "Living next to 'moi' " it won't take long before they figure out you're living here.

Meg: Do you have a problem with it? I can move to the hotel.

Ben: No! not at all!! You can't move!

Meg: Do you feel strongly about this mr Evans? she teased.

Ben: Well joke away, you can stay in all day answering the phone, I bet there's gonna be a lot of journalits calling since she mentioned that you're a candidat for the award.

Meg: Can't the machine take it?

Ben: Of course.

Meg: Then, there's no problem, she kissed him on the cheek and went to the kitchen.

Ben came after her: Meg?

Meg: Yes Ben.

Ben: It's just....I don't want you to get hurt.

Meg: I've been thru worse than this.

Ben: Is it sure you are ok then?

Meg: Of course, why don't you go upstairs to have a shower and I'll fix us some breakfast.

Ben: Can't you join me, I'm having troubles reaching my back.

Meg: I bet you have, but not this time, she smiled at him.

Ben went poutingly up the stairs. "What did I do, it can't be the 'everyday life' that's already started" he thought. Meg on the other hand had her plans set on making Ben a stack of pancakes for breakfast and wanted it to be a surpirse. The phone rang and Meg ran out in the livingroom to pick up the portable one.

Meg: At Ben Evans' this is Meg speaking.

Caller: Hi Meg! This is Hannah Evans, Ben's mother.

Meg: Hi Hannah! How are you?

Hannah: Good, how about you? And what are you...have the two of you?

Meg: I came back with Ben yesterday, and if nothing happens I'll stay.

Hannah: That's great, you don't happen to have Ben there?

Meg: No, he's in the shower. Is there anything you want me to tell him?

Hannah: No, not really, it was just that I've tried to reach him all week.

Meg: Well, he's been with me in Kansas, actually he was there when I got back.

Hannah: Sounds like my Ben, always up to surprises.

Meg: It was and we had a lovely time, and he planned dinner on my birthday the otherday too, with a lot of white roses.

Hannah: You had your birthday, congrats then. Well what can I say he's as stubborn as his father when it comes to courting.

Meg: Well talking about the.... here he comes, bye! she extended the phone to Ben: It's your mother.

Ben: Hi mom!

Hannah: Hi Ben! How are you?

Ben: I'm great! Wow!

Hannah: What?

Ben: Meg's made pancakes for breakfast.

Hannah: You're favorite.

Ben: This is the second time in a week. Well was it something you wanted?

Hannah: Well I've tried to reach you all week.

Ben: I've been in Kansas and I didn't always carry the cellphone, I took a minivacation so to speak.

Hannah: OK! I just got a bit worried that's all. Well I just wanted to know if you are coming home for Christmas?

Ben: I don't know yet, can I call you later today?

Hannah: Of course, I guess you want to talk it over with Meg, she's most welcome to come along, I'd love for her to come.

Ben: OK! I'll call you later, say hi to dad I love you mom.

Hannah: I love you too son. They hang up!

Ben turned to Meg: You've made me pancakes!

Meg: I wanted to surprise you, I hope you're not too sad about the shower?

Ben: Not anymore, I thought I'd done something wrong.

Meg: Oh no, nothing at all. So..what will you do today?

Ben: I have to check in with Mark again at the Java Web and the Deep and then I need to go to the office too. Wanna come?

Meg: Why not, I can always get back here if I want to.

Ben: Of course you can, but this was you get to meet Dani.

Meg: She's the one I should replace?

Ben: Yes, she's a lovely young woman, you'll love her.

Meg: Well I hope so, I can use a few friends out here, not that I had that many back home.

Ben: You've got me, isn't that enough?

Meg: You're plenty, but for girltalks I don't think you'll hold. Of course I can always call Julie, but it's not the same.

Ben took Meg in his arms: You'll be fine, don't worry.

They had breakfast and then they went to the Java Web to talk to Mark. And around lunch they got over to the Liberty Corporation's office. Ben greated the girl in the reception and introduced Meg for her, then they came inside and there they met Gregory Richards' secretary.

Ben: Hi Carol!

Carol: Hi Ben, great to see you again. She looked at Meg. I take it that your trip went well.

Ben: Yes very well, this is Meg Cummings.

Meg: Nice to meet you miss..?

Carol: Please say Carol.

Meg: Then you have to call me Meg.

Ben: So is Gregory in?

Carol: No, he's having lunch with Annie.

Ben: Annie?

Carol: I think it had to do with something about her father's will, you know what a mess that was in, he hadn't even bothered to rewrite it after Annie's mother died all those years ago.

Ben: I know, I hope for Annie's sake that it gets settled soon, it can't be fun to have to share a house with your aunt even if it is Bette. Will he be in later?

Carol: Yes, he's got a meeting at 3 but that's all, shall I send him to you when he gets back?

Ben: Please do. Do you know if Dani's still in?

Carol: Yes, she usally don't take lunch until 1.

Ben: I guess I haven't been around much lately, I should have remembered that.

He took Meg's hand and they went further into the officebuilding. Soon they reached yet another desk, it was empty but the door to the office stood open.

Meg: Is this your office?

Ben: Yes, be quiet. They tiptoed inside and Ben said: So this is how it is when the boss is away.

Dani almost jumped out of the chair: Haven't your mother told you not to scare people..and especially not me that's pregnant. Besides the boss said it was ok and I needed the info on his computer. She stood up. It's great to see you again Ben.

Ben: You too Dani, I'm sorry I stayed away a few more days, did it cause you any problems?

Dani: Not as I could work on your computer with a few things.

Ben: I want you to meet Meg, Meg this is Dani my assistant.

Dani: Nice to finally meet you Meg.

Meg: And you too. I guess we'll work close for a few months to come.

Dani: I guess that's what Ben had in mind. He told me about the nominations, congrats!

Meg: Thank you, I think I can get two tickets extra for you and your husband if you like to come.

Dani: That would be lovely, I don't think I'll get out that much in a few months.

Meg: I bet you will but maybe not on such occasions.

Ben: May I intrude on your talk?

Dani: Do we have a choice?

Ben: Not really, could you maybe tell us what have happend.

The talked business a short while and then Dani went out for her lunch. She was meeting her husband Nic she said. Meg followed Dani outside the office and asked her a few things like where they got the coffee. Dani showed her and Meg poored Ben and herself a cup each. They sat down in the sofa and soon the coffee was replaced by kisses.

'Hrm, am I intruding here?'

Ben: Hi Gregory, not at all, he blushed slightly.

Gregory: Carol said you were back and as Dani wasn't outside I thought I'd go straight in.

Ben: It's ok, Dani's at lunch. Gregory this is Meg Cummings, the love of my life.

Meg blushed.

Gregory: It's nice to meet you miss Cummings, he extanded his hand.

Meg: And you too mr Richards, please call me Meg as it looks like I'll be working here too.

Gregory: Well Meg, then you have to call me Gregory we're quite informal here.

 

Chapter 28

Ben and Gregory had some business to go thru so Meg said bye and walked home. It gave her a chance to look at the town and she popped into the grocerystore to buy something for dinner. Ben had been right, there wasn't much groceries in his house she had noticed at breakfast. When she arrived at the frontdoor she realized she hadn't gotten the alarmcode from Ben so she called him on the cellphone. When she hanged back up she heard a voice from behind. "Has he locked you out already?"

Meg spun around: Not that it concerns you, but no.

"Everything that happens to Ben concerns me" the woman said.

Meg looked at the redhaired woman for a few seconds: Oh! You must be Annie? I met your aunt yesterday.

Annie: So what?

Meg thought she had to try a different approch here...: Why don't you come inside for a cup of coffee?

Annie got so puzzeled that: I suppose a cup could be great.

Meg: I'm Meg by the way.

She opened the door, turned the alarm off and let Annie inside. Annie followed Meg to the kitchen.

Annie: So have you know Ben for long?

Meg: I've met him on flights for a few years, I used to work as a stewardess, but personally for a few months only.

Annie: I've know him since he moved here.

Meg: He told me that the two of you had dated.

Annie: Yes, it was back when he first came to Sunset Beach, then he met Maria, my best friend, one day when he was picking me up.

Meg: So you lost him to your best friend and now I've come between?

Annie: Kind off, you're awfully straight!

Meg: Yes, I want to get this overwith as soon as possible, then we might at least be able to be civil to eachother among other people.

Annie: I have to be honest too now, I thought you were this tame farmer's girl he had picked up.

Meg: I'm a farmer's girl, but tame, not with what I've gone thru.

Annie: Sounds like a hard experience, care to tell me?

Meg: Why not, I bet it will come out sooner or later and I prefer that you hear the truth from me. Shall we take the coffee with us out on the terrace?

Annie: Why not.

Meg told Annie all about Tim and Connie, the ending of the job and how she decided to move here with Ben. Annie in her turn confided in Meg with the mess about her father's will. While they were sitting there talking Bette came walking.

Bette: Muffin! Poopsie???

Meg: Hi Bette, you sound surprised?

Bette: Well when it comes to Annie I shouldn't really be but she's always been so protecting of Ben that I never thought I'd see the two of you sitting here together.

Annie: Aunt Bette!

Bette: It's true, well I love for the two of you to get along, I don't like having Annie sulking around the house all day long.

Meg: Wanna join us for coffee?

Bette: Sorry, no time. 'Moi' is invited to the big opening of Harrison Ford's new movie here in Sunset Beach and I'm gonna do my very best to get a piece of him.

Annie: I bet!

Bette: Behave young lady.

Annie: With you as my rolemodel, what do you expect?

Bette: Meg, what have you done to my niece, she's a changed person.

Meg: I only invited her for coffee.

Bette: What a cup of java can do today! she shook her head and left them with a Tah, tah!

Meg: It must be fun to live with her.

Annie: It is most of the time, but the fact is that I'm turning 30 next year and 'still lives at home' kind off.

Meg: Well I just turned 27 and moved out of my familyhome for the third time. Well this last time I lived there it was not for a whole week even. I hadn't planned to move here until January or February when I'll start work for Ben.

Annie: Shall you work for Ben?

Meg: Yes, when Dani goes on her maternity leave.

Annie: According to Bette's article today, you're up for an award.

Meg: Yes, I am.

Annie: What do you plan to wear?

Meg: I bought a beautiful black velvet dress in Kansas City when Ben and I was there. I had it for my birthdaydinner.

Annie: Black is out, you need something else....dark purple, or blue so it matches your eyes.

Meg: I just got unemloyed, I can't afford a new dress.

Annie: Well I don't want to give it away, but I've been working on a new line and I have a model I think would look great on you, why don't I make it and you can wear it as an advertisment, and then return it, if you don't wanna buy it afterwards.

Meg: Do you think you want me as your model?

Annie: You'll be great!

Meg: Ok then, I can try it out at least.

Annie: I have to go start at once, I've been looking forward to it, I haven't had a model and I don't want to make it for myself.

Meg: You seems very entusiastic about it.

Annie: I am, thanks for coffee, I call you for measures later.

Meg: You do that, I'll be here for the rest of the afternoon. I'm gonna cook dinner.

Annie: You cook too? You're unbelieveable.

Meg: Well....I enjoy cooking, I've always had.

Annie: I better tell Ben to make his joggingrounds longer then.

They both laughed and Annie left. Meg went back inside and cleaned the cups up. She then started to prepare dinner and when Ben got back home the roast was in the owen.

Ben: It smells delicious!

Meg: Well I spiced the roast with some herbs.

The phone rang and Ben answered: Meg! It's for you. It's Annie? he frowned.

Meg: Hi Annie!

Annie: Hi! Do you have time to pop over so I can take your measures and start cutting the fabric?

Meg: I guess, the roast need at least 45 more minutes. I'll be right there. They hanged up.

Ben: What was all that about? Are you going over to Annie, when did this happen?

Meg: She came when I got back. She wasn't too nice in her talking but I invited her for coffee, I guess I puzzled her that's why she accepted.

Ben: You got me puzzled with it too, I'd never thought Annie would 'accept' you.

Meg: Anyhow, we sat on the terrace talking and drinking coffee when she said that she had been drawing on a creation but not had a model to do it for. She thought I would look great in it, so I accepted her offer to be her advertisment on the award by wearing it.

Ben: I don't know what to say, I'd love for the two of you to get along.

Meg: That's what Bette said too when she passed us. I need to get to Annie's now, the roast will take care of itself, I'll be just a few minutes, you can shower and relax until I get back.

Ben: I might do just that.

When Meg came back Ben had set the table in the diningroom with candels and roses. They talked and ate and then they took the coffee on the terrace, it was a lovely evening.

Meg: It was a nice sunset.

Ben: But far from one of the best, I can't wait until I get to show you one.

Meg looked over to the left: I guess Annie's up working on the dress, she sounded so entusiastic when she took my measures.

Ben: I might want to do that too?

Meg: Want to do what? Make me a dress?

Ben: Hell, no! That I would pay for and get someone else to do, but I'd love to take your measures.

Meg: You would, wouldn't you?

Ben didn't answer her, he reached for her face and pulled it close for a kiss. Without breaking the kiss he stood up and took her in his arms and carried her inside.

Meg broke the kiss: What about the cups?

Ben: They won't go anywhere and if they do we just have to buy new ones. He returned to the kissing and carried her up the stairs where he made love all night long.

 

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