How Forever Feels

Rushing around her bedroom, Miranda ran through her list in her head: "Bag, keys, phone, other bag—"

Ben touched her shoulder. "Shoes."

"What?"

"You're forgetting about shoes," he said pointing to her feet.

"I was thinking about going barefoot."

"Sure you were." He bent over and picked up her shoes that were near the bed. "Here you go."

"Thanks." She started to put the right shoe on her left foot and groaned.

"Is everything okay? You look frazzled, sweetheart."

Miranda pushed back some stray hairs. "I'm fine. I'm just a little nervous about the flight." Ben nodded. "And I haven't had a vacation in a long time and never without Tuck."

He rubbed her back. "Well, be prepared to enjoy this one," Ben said smiling.

She sent a text message to Tucker to let him know that they were on their way to the airport. There, she also remembered Scotty's message and called her while they waited. As the phone rang, Miranda wondered what was so important that demanded such a hasty message from her friend. Miranda hoped that everything was okay. Ben asked who she was calling. She waved him off. Scotty didn't answer and she left her a voicemail telling her that she was going out of town strictly for vacation and would mostly be unavailable. That should make her happy, Miranda thought. Scotty had been the one to suggest that she have a real vacation. She wrapped up her message, forgetting everything, as their flight number was announced. On the metal bird, Miranda's hand gripped the armrest. Ben put his hand over hers. The last time they were on a plane together, her father's life was in danger and Ben had been the supportive friend. This time, he was looking to advance his career and Miranda was the easygoing girlfriend. "Relax." He lifted the seat divider and held onto her. "I'm glad you're with me."

She nodded. "You're sure I'm not going to cramp your style?"

"Ah, I forgot about style. I might want to mack on the hot honeys."

"And you can't do that with your old lady on your hip."

"True." She pushed him and they laughed. An older woman looked at them crossly and their laughs got louder. "Sorry!" He whispered, half-assedly.

Less than three hours later, they were landing. It was one of the smoothest ones that Miranda had ever experienced. They walked down the ramp. The sun was gone, but the lights of the surrounding area mimicked daylight. Ben held her hand and kissed it. The darkness hid her blushing. They hopped into a taxi. "We're going to the hotel?"

"Yep. Unless you're hungry."

"You know I am, but we should just head to the hotel."

"Room service?"

"Room service." The next morning, in the cool hotel room, Miranda lay under the covers with Ben next to her. He turned to her. "Yes, sir?"

"Are you sure you're gonna be okay?"

She gave him a blank look. He raised his eyebrows. "You did not come all of this way to stay in this hotel room with me."

"I kind of did." They smiled. "And, I know, but this is supposed to be your vacation."

"And I will be vacationing." She put her arm around him. "I will, uh, hit the strip, go to the mall, eat some ice cream. Maybe go to the beach," she said teasing him.

He licked his bottom lip. "Do not go to the beach without me."

"Fine. Fine," she said batting her eyelashes.

Ben got out of bed and jumped into the shower. "Baby, can you iron my shirt?" He called out over the running water.

Miranda said that she would. As she pressed his shirt, he stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. He moved behind her and kissed the back of her neck. "Thank you, baby."

She shrugged him off, playfully. "What time are you supposed to be getting back?" She asked as she scrambled back into the oversized bed.

"I think the pre-orientation thingy is over at like 6 or 7." She nodded. That gave her a lot of time to explore the city, the one he would be calling "home". For a few years if he was lucky. Years. It was such a simple word, but Miranda found it hard to grasp the concept. Even days without Ben seemed too long—having to wait years before their lives could actually begin together was too much to think about. He finished putting on his clothes. Miranda watched him move. He grabbed his shoulder bag.

"Okay."

He climbed on the bed, his hand landing on her thigh. He kissed her cheek, then her lips. "I'm going to miss you," he said unexpectedly.

Miranda couldn't tell if he was talking about for the day or their impending future. She rubbed his head. "I'll miss you, too," she said speaking softly. When he was gone, Miranda stayed in bed. Every time she thought about getting up to do something—anything—her eyes fluttered shut. She honestly didn't know that she'd needed so much rest and had forgotten what it felt like to completely relax; free from child, patients or boyfriend. The sound from the TV woke her up the final time. She checked the clock; it was almost noon. Ben had been gone for a few hours and wouldn't be back for a while. "Guess I have to get up." She ran a warm bath, pouring the entire bottle of complimentary bubble bath into the tub before stepping into it. She sank down in the water and sighed. "So this is what vacation feels like?" When the water started to get cold, she got out, draping a towel around her waist. Miranda dripped water on the carpet as she opened her bag. She pulled out the first shirt and pair of pants that she got her hands on. Slipping into a pair blue jeans and a cool short-sleeved grey shirt, she smiled. She was so comfortable. Her stomach grumbled. The surgeon headed downstairs and was relieved to find a simple brunch bar. She picked up a couple of things before heading to the desk.

"Hi, my name is Monica, how may I help you?" The woman behind the desk asked as she approached.

Miranda's mouth was full of banana. She held up a hand and finished before speaking. "Sorry about that."

"No problem," Monica said. She pushed her short brown hair from one side to the other.

"Well, Monica, I am visiting for the weekend and I need to explore the city and I have about five hours to do so."

Monica nodded, knowingly, and pulled out a few maps. "These are the hotspots—restaurants, museums, bars and clubs. The library is right up the street. There are cafes on nearly every block."

"How far away is the UCLA Medical Center?" Miranda asked. Her stomach lurched. Ben's new job.

"It's literally so close. If you'd like to see it, there is a bus that can take you right there. We have shuttles that will drop you off at different locations. And there's also a taxi stand right outside."

Miranda shook her head. "Not right now."

"Anything else?"

"Apartments?"

Monica picked up another booklet, "This is a good one. When I was looking for my apartment, this helped a lot."

Miranda collected her stack and stuffed it in her purse along with her grapefruit and cereal bar. "Thank you, Monica. You have been really helpful."

"Anytime."

Miranda walked out of the hotel and the sun hit her face immediately. It spotlighted her as she walked down the busy street. Two kids skateboarded by her, brushing against her bag. A smile crossed her face as she let the crowd dictate her destination. She moseyed in and out of shops, buying trinkets for Tuck, stuff he didn't need, but would be glad to have anyway. Eventually she found herself in the park sitting underneath a tree, people-watching. Apparently the whole of Los Angeles was out and about. Even on this Friday afternoon, they were laying in the park, walking from store to store in no hurry, eating and talking loudly. No one was bleeding, no one needed her—it was an odd, but refreshing feeling. She felt her phone buzz and checked it. It was from Ben: How are you making out?

She typed quickly: You lost all of your manners in Califor—Another text message came in from her boyfriend: Hey baby XD. Miranda shook her head and deleted the text she was writing and started again: Good afternoon, Dr. Warren. I am quite delightful.

Where are you?

Exploring your city. LOL

Nice. Just checking on you... I love you.

I love you.

Miranda slid her phone back into her pocket. She looked up to see the sun waiting to grace her skin. She looked at the apartment book that Monica had given her. Ben's new apartment had to fit his style and be in close proximity to the hospital. She researched the different places. One place immediately jumped out at her. If she got a taxi, she could take a look at the "Wilshire Margot," some luxury apartments less than five minutes away. She went back to the hotel and hopped in a cab. She got to the apartments and walked inside. "Can I help you ma'am?" A voice said behind a small desk. The man smiled, showing all of his teeth.

"Hi, do you have tours or do I need to make a reservation?" She asked brightly.

"We usually take reservations."

"Oh," Miranda said dejected. "Well, I'm from out of town and so I don't know when—"

The guy held up his hand. "Let me check the book."

Miranda furrowed her brows. "Well, do that then."

Her phone was ringing. She looked at caller: Ben. Why wasn't he meeting and orienting himself or whatever it was? "Hello?"

"Baby!"

"Shouldn't you be busy doing stuff?"

"I was. But, uh, we're finished," he said.

She waited for him to explain. When he didn't, she said: "Okay, well, meet me at the 'Wilshire Something Something' apartments."

"The what?" He laughed.

"Hey, um…" Miranda read the man's nametag. "Claude". "Claude, what is this place called?"

"The 'Wilshire Margot,' ma'am. And I can make a reservation for you today."

"For what time?"

"In fifteen minutes," the attendant said.

"Sweet! Yes. Book it. Thank you."

"What kind of apartment would you like to check out?"

"One bed—"

"Two," Ben said into her ear.

Miranda had forgotten that he was still on the phone. "You want to look at two bedroom apartments, too?"

"Just two-bedroom apartments period."

She turned to Claude. "Just the two-bedroom ones. Alright, get over here. We'll be waiting." The guy behind the desk slid a form for her to fill out. When she was finished, she wandered around the lobby waiting for Ben. Claude offered to put her bags in the office so she wouldn't have to carry them around the building. Her boyfriend breezed in the door. A smile jumped on his face when he saw her. "Just in time."

He kissed her cheek. "Just in time."

Miranda introduced them, gesturing between them. "Claude, Ben. Ben, this is Claude, our guide." The two men shook hands.

Claude asked if they were ready. They said that they were and he grabbed his keys as one of his coworkers came out of their office. "Ma'am, you and your husband can follow me this way."

"Oh, he's not my husband," Miranda said quickly, not wanting to play another round of the marriage game. She smiled at Ben, hoping that he wasn't upset that she'd denied it so fast.

"So, you're not together?" Claude asked as they got on the elevator.

"No, we are," Ben said lazily. "Very much so." He picked up her hand and wrapped it around his body.

"Oh okay. Are you two moving to LA or just looking for another place?"

Ben and Miranda exchanged looks. Hers was one filled with melancholy; his was full of guilt. "He's moving to LA," Miranda said. "I live in Seattle."

Claude nodded. "I understand." He stuck a key into the first apartment and pushed open the door. The three of them walked inside. "This is one of our fully-furnished, two beds, two baths apartment. It's 1,290 square feet." Ben and Miranda strolled around the apartment while Claude continued to speak. She noticed that while the decorations were gaudy and off-putting, the space was big and comfortable. "…connects to the living room."

"Nice view. Do you like it?" Ben asked coming up behind her. She was standing in one of the bedrooms, looking out of the window.

She scoffed. "I don't have to live here. You do. So you have to like it."

"But you'll be visiting," he leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Using these bedrooms."

"Why do you need two anyway?" She asked, trying not to get turned on in front of Claude who was going on and on about the neighborhood.

"For the kids."

Miranda jerked her head. "What kids?"

"Our kids," he said. She stayed quiet as he realized what he said. He took a deep breath and continued: "Not… our kids, but Jaz and Tuck—when they come to visit, of course."

A wistful smile appeared on her face. "Right."

"Or… just in case you come to visit me while you're pissed at me and want to sleep in another room." She bumped his body with hers and he groaned. "Do that again." Miranda felt the hairs on her body stand up.

"Ma'am? Sir?"

"Y-yes," Miranda asked.

"Would you two like to see the next one?" Claude asked, jingling his keys in his pocket.

"Yes, sir," Ben said moving from behind Miranda. He walked ahead of her and started a conversation with the guide. She shook her head and followed them.

"Do you want to see a studio?" Ben turned to Miranda. Claude saw his confusion. "You can just take a look at it."

Miranda shook her head again and spoke: "No; a studio isn't what we want." Claude walked away.

"We?" Ben asked.

"You know what I meant."

"I know what you said." The three of them roamed around the building. They looked at all of the amenities, the pool and fitness center, rooftop lounge, business center and sauna. Back at the front desk, Claude retrieved her bags and she handed them to Ben. "Damn, woman."

"Shush."

"I leave you for a few hours and you buy up all of Los Angeles."

She laughed loudly. "Shut up!"

Outside of the building, Miranda slipped her finger in one of Ben's belt loops. "So how was it?"

"You won't be mad?" She shrugged, not sure why she would be mad. Unless he said—"It was great. Everyone was really nice."

"Oh?" She hoped her voice didn't show how unmoved she felt and how much she'd wanted him to hate it.

"Yes, I already have a peer mentor. How cool is that?" He asked excitedly. Miranda watched her boyfriend's animated face and smiled in spite of her underlying anger. "His name is Tim. And he is awesome, baby. After our tour, we went to lunch and he basically sold me on my decision again." He chuckled. "I think I'm making the right one, baby."

She pursed her lips. "You are."

"I know, but—"

Miranda stopped walking and put a finger to his lips. She didn't want to start a whole "I'll miss you" thing in the middle of sidewalk. And definitely didn't want to have to think about him actually moving to this fantastic town with the warm weather and the decent people and grand apartments. "What else?" She said, changing the subject. They hailed a cab and zipped back to the hotel.

"So, um, there's a dinner party tomorrow for new residents and their spouses and family and that whole thing."

"A party?"

He nodded. "I knew nothing about it. So, if you don't want to go..."

"You don't want me to go?"

"Now I did not say that," Ben spoke quickly.

She smiled. "Good because I want to go."

"Good! Because you know I want you there." His voice was genuine and her smile widened. "If you don't have anything to wear, we can go out tonight or tomorrow and get you something to make you look even more gorgeous than you do right now."

"Stop trying to butter me up. I said I was going."

"I'm sorry this is such short notice." They got back to their hotel room and the sight of the bed made Miranda want to sink into it.

"It is, but it's fine." He put her bags down and hugged her.

"I'll get you whatever you want. Whatever your heart desires."

She stood on his toes and kissed his neck. "Keep your money."

"It's not about the money."

"I know."

"But—"

Miranda sucked her teeth. "Benjamin!" He grinned as she stretched the syllables in his name. "I have something to wear. I always bring something nice when I go out of town."

"I love that about you, you're always prepared." She nodded. "So do you want to go out and get some dinner?"

"Or we could order room service?" She said, her mind going back to the bed that had held her hostage all morning.

"Miranda, this is your vacation. We're going out."

She rolled her eyes. "Fine. Then somewhere California-y and fun. I don't want to do something stuffy or something that's going to make me wish I'd stayed in this room. That's probably how I'll be feeling tomorrow." The two of them laughed.

"Okay, okay. Let me change and we'll go out and do something California-y." Miranda lay back on the bed and watched Ben get undressed. He put his dress shirt and pants on the back of a chair and slid on a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. When he was finished, he sat on the bed next to her. "I think we should take our bathing suits." He wiggled his eyebrows and got up to pack a bag. He reached into her bag and pulled out one of the suits that she'd bought with her. It was a solid peach one-piece with thin straps with a small skirt flowing from it. "This one?" He asked holding it up against his body.

She clapped her hands. "You're so silly! But not that one. There's another one in there." He searched in the bag and pulled out the other one. He cocked his head to the side. "Oh, we need to go right now. I want… no, I need to see you in this." Miranda gave him a sly smile.

They left the room and stopped by the front desk. Monica was still on duty. "Hello again," she said smiling at Miranda.

"Hi," the General surgeon responded, reciprocating the smile.

"How's your vacation so far?" Monica asked.

"I'm having a really good time."

"Glad to hear that."

Miranda looked up at Ben. "So, uh, Monica, my boyfriend and I want to go to the beach."

"A beach?" Monica repeated. The couple nodded. "Any beach?" They nodded again. "Well, if you don't have a preference and you don't mind driving, my favorite beach is Dockweiler Beach. Unfortunately, we don't have a shuttle that goes there, so…" Monica looked between Miranda and Ben.

"How long is the drive?" Ben asked.

"Less than half an hour." Miranda opened her mouth to object. Half an hour for a beach? Maybe they were better off going to the pool in the hotel. She was about to say all of this to Monica and persuade Ben to stay at the hotel, but Monica kept going, ultimately convincing her. "It may seem like a long ways away, but it's worth the drive. Trust me. They have hang gliding, volleyball, uh, fishing and really good food. Everything." Ben looked at his girlfriend.

"Hey, you wanted to go to the beach," she said nudging him with her forearm.

He turned to her. "But do you want to take that drive?"

"I'm on vacation, I want to do everything," she said. The three of them cracked up.

"So, where do we rent the car, Monica?" Ben asked.

The girl tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "There is an Enterprise located at the end of the block. They're open until midnight." She gave them a map and directions. Miranda nodded firmly and grabbed Ben by his hand and they strolled down the street.

"You're sure you want to go?" She asked.

"Yes!" He switched the bag to his other shoulder and locked their hands. Miranda looked down at their hands and smiled. They were so different, but they also had so much in common. She didn't know exactly how their locked hands made him feel, but her heart had sped up and she couldn't stop smiling. At Enterprise, they rented a sleek candy apple red Dodge Charger. Ben held open the passenger side door and she slid in. He jumped behind the wheel. "This car is hot!" He exclaimed caressing the wheel.

"We definitely could have gotten something more modest," Miranda muttered.

He scoffed. "Yeah, but my beautiful woman deserves to be chauffeured around in a beautiful car." He put his arm on the back of her chair and backed out of the parking lot. Cruising down the highway, Ben turned on the radio and rolled down the windows. The warm breeze hit their faces making them laugh; the sounds synced with the wind. Seattle didn't get soft breezes like this one. A flash of him driving this same route on his way out with the friends he didn't yet know, people that she may never know, made her stomach turn a little. They stopped at a chicken shack and munched on chicken and French fries.

"Turn left and your destination is on your right," the navigation system said cutting into the music. She'd researched the beach on her phone and found that it went on for a couple of miles, stretching down a large piece of land. The night was just starting to get dark, but the beach was still full. The doctors went into the bathrooms to change.

In a stall, she put on her sandals and pulled her bathing suit over her body. It was an all-black one-piece. The front was cut low, showing way more cleavage than was normal for her. On each side were four straps that showed a lot of skin, something that she was kind of uncomfortable about, but it was the perfect time to step out of her comfort zone. Plus, she knew it would drive Ben crazy. Miranda came out of the stall and was complimented by a woman going into another one. She smiled and made her way to the mirror. In it, she didn't see Dr. Bailey, she saw Miranda, sexy and confident. It really looked good on her. As much as she liked shopping for bathing suits, she didn't get to wear them very often. Work took so much of her time all year round. She and Tuck only made it to the beach a few times every summer. The other times he went with his father. But here she was on the beach, about to have a great time without her son. She almost felt bad except for the fact that she deserved this mini-vacation. Deserved to have a little fun. Miranda left the bathroom and found Ben leaning against the wooden dividers. He had on a white A-shirt, navy blue swimming trunks and black sunglasses. He looked up casually. When he realized that she was standing in front of him, he moved to her quickly. He scanned her body visibly, his eyes landing on every naked part of her. When she caught him looking at her thighs, she remembered her sarong and opened her bag to get it out. Miranda gave Ben her bag and started to put it around her waist. He stopped her and shook his head. "Well, sir, can I at least put on my kimono?"

He brought his bottom lip in. She watched intently as he released it from his teeth, moist. "Is it, uh… is it going to cover your legs?"

She waved him off and took out her cover-up, pulling it over her body. The long, lacy kimono grazed the sandy concrete. She cocked her head to the side. "Now, not that I care or need your approval, but is this okay?"

He inhaled. "Yes, but, sweetheart, can I say that you don't need it?"

"You can."

"You don't need it, baby."

"I know," she said staring at him. She knew she didn't, but she also didn't want to give him everything at once.

He made a face and licked his lips. "Hmm."

The two of them walked hand and hand down to the beach, moving in and out of the mass of people. Miranda put on her sunglasses and looked up to the slowly disappearing sun. It seemed to be moving quickly toward her. "AHHH!" Miranda screamed as Ben stretched his arm out in front of her face.

"Got it." She pulled her glasses off and looked at the offending object. "Just a volleyball," he said laughing at her. She pushed him, knocking it from his hands. Miranda picked up the ball and looked around for the owners of the ball.

"SORRY!" A woman from a group playing on the sand-filled volleyball court ran a few steps in their direction. She held up her hand.

Miranda said it was no problem and tossed the ball a few inches into the air and hit it back into the woman's direction.

"Nice!" The woman called out as she bumped it over the net to the other team.

"You play volleyball, too?" Ben asked, surprised.

She shrugged. "I have many talents."

"I see. Like a Renaissance woman." They cracked up and moved toward the water. They found an area and put down their towels and Miranda started to rub sunscreen on her body. Ben pulled off his shirt and watched her. A glob of the lotion fell on the side of her thigh and a quiet grunt left his lips.

Miranda shook her head and rubbed it in, slowly. She held out the bottle to Ben. "Get my back for me?" She asked trying to suppress a smile.

"Sure." The sound of him opening the bottle, made her correct her posture. His hands massaged the lotion into her back. She could have fallen asleep right then and there. "I wish you were lying down," he said, his warm breath hitting her ear and turning her on. The hairs on her arms stood up. "Finished."

"Thank you, Ben Warren."

He faced her. "It was my pleasure, Miranda Bailey."

Miranda raked her hair back and crossed her ankles. Ben put his head on her legs. He grabbed her hand and planted soft kisses on her palm. She smiled and stroked his head. They sat on their towels and talked for a long while, enjoying the remains of sunlight. "Ugh, I should have brought my chair so my butt wouldn't be covered in sand," she whined.

"Do you… want to sit on my lap?" He asked, winking at her.

She rolled her eyes. "No! And you're dirty."

It was his turn to shrug. "So do you want to get in the water or did you just come here to look beautiful posing on the beach?"

"Can't it be both?" She asked standing up. She dropped her kimono and walked away from him and toward the water. There was something to be said about the feel of the cool ocean on dry feet. It literally stopped her heart for a few seconds before she embraced it. Miranda inched into the water until it was up to her knees. She looked around for Ben and expected to see him lying on the towels watching her or at least on his way to the water. She scanned the beach looking for her man, like she was looking for an invisible tumor in a patient. When she didn't see him, she figured he'd gone to the concession stand to get something to drink or eat. She moved into the water some more, slowly and easily; the sun helped warm her body. As it rose halfway up her thighs, she felt something on her skin below the water. She jumped. Probably just seaweed, she thought reassuring herself. She reached down to remove it. Her hands touched the "seaweed" and felt fingers. "Ahh! Eww! What the…?" The surgeon grabbed the hand and turned around to see Ben floating in the water, smiling up at her. "Ass."

She splashed water into his face and walked toward the sand, pretending to be upset. "Baby, hold up!" He called out. "Miranda, wait!"

"Dude," someone said as Ben caught up to her. "She is pissed."

"Shut up." Ben put his arms around her. "My bad." She didn't answer. "You forgive me?" She gave no response or changed facial expression, nothing. "I'm sorry." He kissed her neck.

She continued to walk and sat on the towel. Miranda picked up her kimono and found a beer wrapped up in it and a bag of chips. "Thank you," she said opening the bag of chips and twisting the top off of the Corona.

"You're mad?"

"No."

"So why aren't you talking to me?"

"Because I like to see you sweat," she said breaking character. She leaned over and kissed his bewildered face.

"You really love screwing with me, don't you?"

She moved her head from side to side. "I'll let you answer that—in your head of course." Miranda and Ben laughed loudly, tears appeared in her eyes. She really enjoyed their chemistry, loved how they could laugh together or just sit and not say anything. Miranda stood up. Ben mimicked her and held her hand. They went back to the water. Her body had dried off a bit and even though she'd been in the water once before, it was like doing it for the first time. Ben jumped right in; his muscular body glistened with water. It took Miranda a little longer to get her body wet. It reminded her so much of their relationship. Ben had been on board from the beginning. She'd had to test "them" first to make sure it as really what she wanted. "This water is so cold."

"Want to know the easiest way of getting warmed up in the water?" He asked, circling her.

"What's that?" Ben moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her body. "If you throw me in the water, I'm going to kill you and then break up with you!"

He chuckled softly, kissing behind her ear. "I'm not going to do that." His body floated next her, his naked skin rubbing against her equally naked skin that showed through her bathing suit. Her nipples became erect and she was glad that her back was to the crowd. Miranda felt the urge to moan, but she remembered they were in a public place. "Did I tell you that you look absolutely gorgeous, Miranda?" She shook her head. "Well, you do. That bathing suit is hot." She nodded. "Feeling warm yet?"

"Little bit," she said quickly. Ben squeezed her thighs and ran his fingers over her skin. She turned around in his arms and they kissed. A group of kids swam by and kicked a little water, making them pull away. She stared at him hungrily, wanting more. "How about you?"

"I feel so good," he whispered. "Can we please have sex on the beach?"

Miranda gasped, acting as if she was disturbed by the thought, but really she was turned on. Her body reacted to his question. "Nooo! Not here. Not now."

"One day?"

"One day," she promised.

They didn't stay in the water long because the sun was no longer visible, making the water freezing cold. Ben and Miranda packed up their stuff and got back into the rental car, not bothering to change. They put towels on the seats so they wouldn't mess up the interior. "That was fun."

"Yeah," Miranda answered in a daze.

"What's that 'yeah' about?" He asked.

"Nothing. I think I'm tired."

He smirked. At a red light, Ben looked over at her and touched her chin. She smiled. His hand fell to her legs. What was it about her legs today that had him going crazy? She wanted to ask him, but the light turned green and they sped off. "Want to get something before we call it a night?"

"Yes, please. I'm starving. And something that's not messy. Something that we can eat in bed." He wiggled his eyebrows. "Stop, you nasty."

He snapped. "I know just the place."

"What?"

"A delicious burger joint."

Miranda picked up Ben's wrist, looking at his watch. It was almost 11 o'clock. "A burger joint is gonna be open this late?"

"Woman, most fast food places are open this late."

"Oh, shoot. That's what I get for making a home-cooked meal for my son every night." They got their food and headed back to the hotel. In the room, Miranda took a quick shower. When she got out, Ben went in. After their showers, they sat on the bed and ate their food. "Now, this is a vacation."

"What sitting in bed and eating burgers?" Ben said stuffing an onion ring into his mouth.

"Nooo, Ben," she laughed. "Just being able to relax and… enjoy the company of…" She stopped talking and replaced the rest of her sentence with a smile.

"I know what you mean."

She scoffed. "Oh please! You won't know the meaning of vacation for years."

"Don't remind me," he responded picking up a stray onion off of her wrapper and eating it. When they finished their burgers and onion rings, they lay back in the bed. Miranda wasn't sure what Ben was thinking about, but she hoped he didn't want sex. Granted making love would have been appreciated and fun. But Miranda just wanted to lie on his chest and chill. She wasn't even thinking about the conversation that she and Ben would have when they got back to Seattle. She wanted her mind clear for once and not running a million miles per hour trying to compartmentalize every detail of her life. And most of all, Miranda wanted to be in the moment with Ben and have his arms over hers and their legs wrapped together like they were doing now. "I like it just like this."