Chapter One: Introduction
Freddie P.O.V.
"Happy Birthday Freddie! Happy Birthday to you!" The people sang to me as I stood on the stage. I clutched my wine glass tighter as I looked on at the audience. The turnout was really amazing, but then again wherever playboy multimillionaire Freddie Benson was, people always were there.
People would show up because they know no one better than Freddie Benson can give them a good time. The crowd began to applause after they finished singing as I smiled and looked on at the audience. The party was wild just as I liked it and I couldn't help but grin when I noticed the cameras flashing at me as the paparazzi snuck in to get headline pictures. I was living the life here in L.A. and I wouldn't want it any better.
My parents raised me up in Seattle till I was four, but they divorced a few months before my fifth birthday. My dad was a multimillionaire businessman which in terms made me a multimillionaire as well I guess, but my mom on the other hand was a modest lady.
She didn't want a single penny from my dad when they divorced, but instead wanted custody over me. My dad didn't want that though considering I was their only child and he hired the best lawyers in the country to make sure he won in court.
I've got to hand it to my mom despite being outmatched she still managed to put up a fairly good fight from what I've managed to learn about the custody battle. My dad ended up winning custody though and before I left L.A., I remember my mom simply smiling and giving me a goodbye kiss and hug, something that could seem so simple, but meant the world to me. I moved with my dad to L.A. and got along just fine with my classmates although I'm sure my richness had plenty to do with that.
Living with just my dad was a very intricate experience if I do so put it. We sometimes didn't see eye to eye, especially when it came to the topic of my mother. He thought that their relationship was way beyond repair, but I still saw a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel.
That glimmer of hope though was soon snatched away from me. It was my last year in high school and I wouldn't forget the day I got that phone call from my dad's secretary. The words she spoke still echoed in my ears today.
"Freddie, it's your father… He passed away."
Imagine hearing those words from someone you barely even knew. The doctor at the hospital explained to me that day that he had a rare heart condition and he was living on fumes throughout his life. He was in the office working overnight as usual, when he had a heart attack. His secretary found him and called for help, but he was long past the point of revival. Next thing I know, I get picked up by our driver and I was in an attorney's office as they also explained to me how in my father's final will that I was the sole person to be in possession of all his belongings.
My dad's company arranged the funeral for me, but I still managed to help. I remember staring at my dad, giving him one final send off as the tears were pouring down my face. As I turned around my eyes lit up to see my mom sitting in the back row weeping as well. When she saw me she stood up and quickly walked towards me, pulling me into a tight hug. This was the first time I saw my mom since my parents divorced and it was as if my heart was whole again. Even if my father was laying there in his death bed, they were both still in the same room for one last time. I remember how much my mom begged me to come back with her to Seattle but I refused to go. My motives from that day were clear, that I was going to fulfill the duties of my father and keep the business that he made successful going until my kids would take over just like I did.
I stepped into Benson Enterprise a few days later and was in awe over how amazing it looked. From the marble floor to the fountain in the center of the lobby, it was something I could only dream of seeing. Walking up to the secretary's desk on the upper floor was the moment my life changed forever.
Next thing I knew, I found myself in an executive seat just kind of watching from the sidelines, but that would change once I graduated from high school and university. Being still young at the time and seeing the money pour in was surely a joy. I guess it consumed who I was because after that I was splurging at the club, on alcohol, and especially the women that caught my eye.
I soon found myself in the limelight of the public with girls around every corner wanting to date me and the media begging for an interview with multimillionaire playboy, Freddie Benson. Most people would hate it, but I embraced this new lifestyle lovingly or at least what my mind told me. I mean who doesn't want to be a famous celebrity that makes special guest cameos and what not?
I raised my glass to get everyone's attention and the club patrons soon quieted down and followed suit.
When everyone settled down, I grabbed the microphone and was ready to speak to the club patrons, "Thanks everyone, but more importantly thanks to my man over there for letting me throw such an awesome party right here at his club!" The crowd cheered loudly again as the club owner simply waved while soaking in the atmosphere of the club at the moment. Never in his years of club management did he see this place like it was today. "Now I could bore you all with some well thought out crap like all these other birthday boys tend to do, but who needs that when you've got bottles full of vodka and several sexy ladies to celebrate with, am I right?"
Once again the patrons cheered even louder, the males being loudest, while I was getting several looks from the ladies all around me." So with that being said, everyone grab another round and let's kick this party up a notch," I exclaimed turning over to the DJ behind me. "Yo DJ, you know what to do!"
He simply smirked and nodded as he put his headphones on and began to blast the music much to the delight of the crowd. I chugged down my drink in one gulp before giving it to one of the waiters. The drink helped me get into my party zone even more than the last three I had consumed earlier on in the night, which was perfect considering tonight was a night of celebration. It's not every day that a 24 year old gets to have a party like this.
I quickly turned around when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. My eyes were greeted to a welcoming sight. Standing in front of me, was a gorgeous black haired girl whose legs looked as if they went on and on.
"Why hello beautiful." I said, coolly. Being in L.A. for pretty much my whole life, I managed to master the art of flirtation which came in handy when bumping into ladies like the one standing in front of me. "Enjoying the party?"
"It's wonderful." She admired, looking around at the dancing patrons. "So you're officially 24 now?"
"I would believe so." I replied, smoothly. Time to move in for the kill. "It's just too bad I don't have a beautiful woman like yourself to celebrate with."
The black haired beauty simply smirked before whispering into my ear, "You may not have to worry about that for too long. We wouldn't want the birthday boy to feel lonely now would we?"
"I certainly would hope not, I couldn't afford to miss out on a beauty like yourself."
"Keep trying and then maybe you won't." She replied, wearing a teasing grin.
"Well then I guess we should skip the main course and get right ahead to desert." I suggested, taking her hand boldly.
"Let's hope you can handle me." She replied back, winking sexily. I couldn't take the back and forth teasing any longer as I pulled her outside with me and sat into my limo.
"Driver, take me back home and step on it." I managed to say, before my lips were locked on with the girl. As soon as the limo stopped, I grabbed her hand and lead her to my luxurious loft. We somehow managed to make it to my bed which surprised me, because I swear that we never broke our kiss after stepping into the main lobby. Clothing articles were tossed aside carelessly, before I made the final move eliciting a load moan from the girl, much to my satisfaction.
I woke up the next day to the sound of the phone ringing. My head turned to see the bare back of the black haired girl and I smiled, remembering the memories of last night. That was exactly how I wanted to cap off my twenty fourth birthday. Sure most people do it with a person they love and are close to, but I just love that adrenaline rush when pleasantries are casted aside for the fun part. The sound of the phone ringing again switched my attention as I got up and made my way towards my cellphone. I looked at the caller ID and groaned at who it was.
"Hey Matt." I exclaimed, pretending to be all joyful and what not. Matt Hogan was the CEO of Benson Enterprise and was also a close friend of my father. He liked to treat me like his own son, but at times I found him to be a bit nosy.
"Hello, son. How was your birthday party last night?" He questioned. I could hear him sip his daily cappuccino through the phone speaker as well as his faint breathing. "I hope you didn't have too much fun now."
"No of course not." I replied, smirking and looking back at the black haired girl sleeping in my bed. Technically I wasn't lying considering that I've had parties were I've let loose a lot more easily to a lot more girls, but last night was a different case.
"Well that's good, because I was wondering if you could stop by the office today. I've got some important things I'd like to discuss with you regarding our expansion project." Hogan explained.
I covered the receiver and let out a loud groan. Truth be told, I originally had no intention of going to work today, even going as far as to tell my secretary that I didn't plan on showing up. The problem though was that when my father's company discussed projects like this, it was usually a closed door meeting between the CEO and COO (which I was).
I sighed and replied back to his request, "Yeah sure, I'll stop by in an hour or so."
"Great, I'll see you then Fredward." Matt said, before the line cut. Gosh, I swear he's the only one that still calls me that. I wonder what my parents were thinking naming me Fredward, but at least I can use Freddie instead which sound way more cooler. I tossed my phone on the table before my waist was wrapped with a pair of soft arms. I turned around to face the girl, wearing a grin similar to when our 'session' ended last night.
"Did you enjoy last night, birthday boy?" She asked rhetorically. Despite just waking up her hair still managed to fall silky smooth down her petite frame.
"It was one of my better experiences." I noted as she smiled and gave me a peck on the lips. After breaking free, I walked over to my closet and put on a pair of dress pants and a dress shirt. "There's food in the fridge and some coffee as well, so you can eat before you go."
"Maybe I could make you breakfast?" She asked, seductively.
"I would love to, but I really must get going." I replied, putting on my dress shirt.
"You could eat it off of my stomach." She suggested, winking the way she did last night. I immediately stopped buttoning my shirt and looked at the girl. I thought about the fact that Matt was waiting for me at the office, but then I looked back at the girl who seemed ready for round two.
Shrugging my shoulders, I walked over to the girl and pulled her into a deep kiss.
"Matt can wait." I thought, as the clothes were casted aside, rekindling the events of last night.
I rushed into Benson Enterprise as fast as I could. My little session ran me a half hour late and I knew how much Matt hated when I lacked punctuality. Hurriedly, I picked up my pace and not watching where I was going I bumped into someone, luckily though it was my secretary. Her stack of papers dropped to the floor and I quickly bent down and helped her gather up the loose sheets.
"I'm so sorry Lilly." I blurted, grabbing the remaining sheets off the ground. "I'm just running late for my meeting with Matt and I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and-"
"It's fine, Freddie," The blonde secretary replied, waving off any of my concern. We both stood up and I handed her the sheets I picked up. She smiled and gave me a thankful look. "If you excuse me, I have to arrange a delivery for one of our long term clients."
"Of course." I said, moving aside and letting her walk past. I began to walk towards the office when I was halted by my secretary.
"Your mom called again." She whispered loud enough for me to hear. My mom would call every so often and as much as I liked talking to my mom I hated when she would constantly ask for me to come back to Seattle and live with her. Can't she recognize that my life is here in L.A.? Besides Seattle is so dull and boring and I would probably end up being the worst company one could have over there.
I simply nodded at my secretary acknowledging what she said and walked towards the CEO's office. With a knock on the door it swung open to reveal the slightly grey haired man.
"Mr. Benson, I was expecting you a half hour earlier." He noted, as I took a seat in front of his desk.
"Sorry about that. I must have slept in and plus you know how the traffic in L.A. gets." I lied, as a mischievous grin formed inside me.
"Of course." He exclaimed, unsure whether or not to believe my lie. "Anyways I called you down here because there is something important that I need to tell you."
"Yes I am aware of the expansion project." I pointed out. "Look I'm all for it because I know it can double our profits, but my main question is where we plan on expanding to?"
"That was exactly what I needed to talk to you about." Matt noted. He turned to his laptop screen and began typing away. After a several clicks of his mouse, he turned it over to reveal the project details. I read through it intently, making sure that everything was viable, until I read something that almost made my eyes bulge out of their sockets.
"What is this?" I asked pointing to a line on the screen.
He peered over and read the part I was pointing too before looking at me. "It means that you're going to be the CEO of our newest establishment."
"Please tell me this is a joke right?" I pleaded, looking at his lopsided grin. I reread the line to make sure I wasn't just feeling the after effects of last night, but it read exactly "CEO: Fredward Benson".
"I'm afraid not." He noted, closing his laptop screen and moving it aside. "You're going to be the CEO of our expansion building, effective immediately."
"But what about my position here in L.A.? I mean you can't possibly find a replacement for me on the spot." I questioned, trying desperately to get out of this situation.
"Look Freddie," He sighed. "I would have loved for you to stay here in Los Angeles because I consider you a son, but before your father passed away he asked me to promise him one thing."
"And what is that?" I asked, cautiously.
"That I would send you home." He exclaimed, awaiting my response.
"But L.A. IS my home." I replied, chuckling a little at the absurdity of his statement.
"Not anymore. From today onwards you are relocated where you shall assume your position of CEO in… Seattle. You'll be staying with your mother temporarily until the movers can shift your stuff into your new loft over there." He stated, confirming my deepest fear. "I haven't notified your mother yet, but I'm sure that you can do that on your flight there. That's all."
I simply stood up and buttoned my blazer not sure if I heard right this entire meeting. For once in my life I was at a loss for words and that's saying something considering I was always calm and collected. Before I left I heard Matt's throat clear.
"And Freddie." That's the first time he's ever called me that. "Don't make me break my promise with your father."
I simply nodded, not bothering to turn around and look at him. Instead I walked out of his office, and walked straight to my secretary's desk.
"Are you feeling okay?" She asked, looking at my pale face. "You look like shit."
Normally, I wouldn't tolerate any of my employees subjecting to informal diction like that, but Lily was a close friend of mine and I knew she was right about my appearance.
"Perfectly fine…" I replied, clearing my throat. "I uh… just going to need you to… make sure that my private jet is ready for this afternoon."
"Another round to Paris?" She teased, as she busily typed away on her computer.
"Not quite." I choked out, causing her to look at me with a hint of confusion.
"Okay what's the matter with you? The second you stepped out of Mr. Hogan's office, you've looked like you've seen a ghost."
I closed my eyes and blew out a long defeated breath. "Mr. Hogan wants me to assume my position as CEO for one of our new establishments."
"Sooooo?" She asked, wondering why it was such bad news. "I thought that you were already going to assume that position some point in time?"
"Yeah I was, but that's not the problem… Where I've been relocated IS the problem." I exclaimed, rubbing my temples in an attempt to calm my nerves.
"Seattle?" She asked, reading my facial expressions and body language.
"Seattle." I confirmed.
AN: That's the end of the chapter. Let me know if you'd like to see more of this fanfic. Please rate and review!
Next chapter for iDon't Want it to End will be out later on this month.