Chapter 8

As she sat in the car with Robert she quietly went through things in her mind, the tall buildings seemed threatening, the noise of the traffic louder than before and admitted she liked the idea of somewhere quieter but not too quiet. She looked at map Robert had handed to her and was intrigued it was different from the farm and Sunset Beach; there was a small airport and train services as well as a road serving the rest of the valley and she would be on the edge of the mountains that separated her from her family.

As she thought about she remembered Bette's wedding and wondered if she should face Ben with the letter. Not at the reception of course ... perhaps in a quiet time afterwards at The Deep. … No she knew where she stood … their choices had been made and she could live with that, he obviously could. She would warn Simon she might need her room for the night sort of test the water with her father and use Robert as back up if needs be. If things went okay she would tell them were she was and they could visit, she could visit … it wasn't really too difficult a flight across the mountains.

oxoxo

She followed Robert up to Matthew's office quietly wondering why the bosses always had the top floor, as if reading her mind Robert said. "Gives you time to think of a good question to catch them out and them to find all the answers in anticipation."

She laughed "Or your boss to read your mind as you ride in the lift with him."

"That too." He said with a grin.

The Receptionist smiled as they arrived and said. "Sorry you will have to wait Ben Evans is with Matthew at the moment."

Meg felt as though her legs were going to give way underneath her and must have given a gasp as Robert swung round putting his hand on her arm to steady her and saying quickly and quietly. "Meg! Ben is a her not a him. She's never liked her full name so she shortened it to Ben. Her husband is American not English."

As he finished and Meg had managed to grasp the fact it was not her Ben, the office door opened and a stunningly beautiful Jamaican lady walked out calling back at the person in the office. "Robert's here with another beauty. No biting now Matthew!" and laughed coming across to them.

Robert stepped into her hug of a greeting as she carried on. "He's in a good mood so keep him that way."

He returned her quick kiss on the cheek then broke the hug and turned towards Meg and introduced her. They shook hands and smiled then Ben left promising to be in touch.

Feeling better and a bit cross at her reaction Meg followed Robert into the office, which was nicely laid out and not too over the top. They were introduced and sat down then the men started to talk business.

Meg listened and realised from their reactions that although they were friends they had never actually met face to face before. Their warmth and friendliness drew her into the conversation and she liked what she learnt about the business and the office he was going to open with two other members of staff. One was living in the town already the other would travel with her to run the office and join his fiancée who already lived and worked in the town.

She liked Matthew; he was well-built, ginger hair while plain to look when he smiled it lit up his face and you knew you had his trust. He offered her the office apartment for the time she would be here and agreed she could fly home for a long weekend for Bette's wedding. She took the keys and signed the necessary papers feeling she would like this new adventure.

After they'd finished their business Robert took her on to the apartment, helped her with the cases and reminded her about his offer for the wedding as well as any other time she wanted to travel his way. And yes he really meant it anytime any reason, so with promises to keep in touch by phone or email they hugged and said goodbye.

oxoxo

For a moment as she looked around her new home, which was huge, three bedrooms, large lounge dinning area, kitchen and bathroom. She fleetingly felt alone and wondered if she was destined to live in large apartments or hotel rooms. Then she came back to the view and realised this was different from the hotel as she was only three floors up so looked into other apartments. Except where the apartments opposite ended then she could look up the road into the distance and see the traffic and people. So she wasn't really alone, she turned her attention back into the room eyed the cases and then spotted a note on the table. She picked it up and read - it listed the take-away numbers with recommendations besides them. Where she could get food from and that what was in the cupboard and fridge was fresh. Also clean linen was on the bed and in the cupboard and the cleaner came Friday mornings and had her key.

She did not have to go back to the office till later that afternoon so she did battle and sorted things out and hid the cases vowing she would not need more for the next move. Next she made herself a drink, and started to draw up a list of things she would need. Well she tried to but her mind kept going back to the letters from Ben with the question. Why the two letters? She shook her head … she knew Robert was right she had to say a final goodbye to Ben and enjoy herself and live the life she wanted to, which she was doing now wasn't she.

She finished her coffee and smiled she was okay with it … but she'd got that niggle back …she would find out how Sara got back from Surf Central that night … surely there was only answer that was a phone call to their Dad and he'd helped her with her things and kept quiet about it. She'd have to be careful regarding Casey … there weren't any old wounds really they both knew it was just one of those things and they were friends.

She connected her computer and realized she had mail.

Hi Sis

Sort of on my knees to you.

(Grounds hard … can not type properly so getting up.) … that's better.

Right.

Goods arrived fine and are selling well. Recipe for Mum has been put to good use in Shockwave … can really say they are selling like hot cakes!!

(hehe I know were you are!! … It's okay Mum hid the recipe before Dad saw it.) Had time to visit the other cities?

Okay on with the grovelling. (Could bribe you or is that threaten you umm not wise) grovel then.

Seen Simon and George today they are going to buy a small house (just on market), which is nearer to their business. (Small as in two bedrooms, etc)

So your apartment will need tenants. … Drum roll … You know the careful type who will not cause damage. Delete that bit … no rephrase that … who will not cause big damage.

Okay so you know what I am going to say so here is a big please can Casey and I move in. please. I've been counting the stairs I would have to climb, … pant pant … (you have downstairs shower etc that's better than up those stairs!!) and I know I cannot promise the kids will not wreck the place when they get older but by then you might be back before then and we would have to find something and that will be fine. (I also know you will not throw us out!! … okay a gentle push with time.)

But I can promise we would keep a cupboard free for you to sleep in … only kidding honest … will keep a bed free as well! You can even make sure the kids don't break anything. (giggles silently as Casey and I creep out the door.) Honest would not do that! (Would ask first – babysitting)

There is a children's crèche being run by one of the tenants which means I can still work at Sunset Sisters. Please Sis! I love you honest...Pay the same rent as the others of course!!!!!!!!!!

Otherwise life is the same. Dad's been giving more children's parties at Shock Wave since Benjy has insisted on having his friends there, good thing is these kids are older so not so much mess just noise. Anyway it's good for trade and keeps Dad Happy!!

Talking about Dad he is improved and looking forward to seeing you at Bette's wedding so are the rest of us.

Oh silly me nearly forgot … how can I forget! … All right so I thought I ought to grovel first. … Casey had been made manager of Life Guards means he is in the office more... much to his disgust but more money. I can tell you where that is going as well … nope perhaps not ... know you too well … no comments please.

Hugs and kisses

Sara

Meg smiled and saw her opening and she knew the kids would love the swings etc. if she decided to not go home. She found it strange that thought should be stronger now and hit the reply key.

Hi Sara

I got the funny feeling you wanted something from me. Oh yes I remember now

Okay … Okay you can stop grovelling sister dear!!!

If and when Simon and George get the house you can have the apartment. (Rephrase that rent the apartment. … Now what wicked thing can I think of to get you to do? (Chuckles evilly).

I've decided I'm enjoying my freedom and I was right Robert had something up his sleeve so I'm changing jobs and bosses … first a temp PA for a while and if all goes well will be moving out of the city to a smaller town and the permanent job. The view from my new apartment is other apartments with a bit of street scene; it's not street level so thank goodness for lifts … must remember to pull curtains when it gets dark. Certainly different from the tops of buildings of the old suite and of course it's self service now not fabulous food on tap.

Bit of detail not much as I don't know much … but the business is huge, similar idea to Robert's but is run by family … am working as temp for the main boss and will meet the other one soon and hen we will move on to new offices in a smaller town. There will be three of us and before you start matchmaking the other is female and the male is spoken for. Anyway I have decided no men for a couple of months at least and yes I kept my hands off the older bellboy even though he was really dishy, anyway there was a no sleeping around rule at the conference, and it worked well.

Will come home to Bette's wedding, Robert has offered me a lift in and out of Seattle so I may only stay for the day see how things go. I'll bring everything I need and probably stay at my apartment to change etc … I trust my room will NOT be affected by all this moving around. (I don't suppose you will be in by then or Simon out)

Silly me about information on recipe sheet … thanks for not giving it to Dad, glad they worked out well and yes I know they taste great, special treats for weekends!! We had a visit to the big city southwards and enjoyed it otherwise time flew.

Going over old memories suddenly realized you must have had a magic carpet to have moved everything out of Surf Central that night of the argument with Casey. SO I was wondering if I could borrow it when I have to move on again, as I will not have Robert to help. But come to think of it you will need when you move so perhaps not.

Oh yes don't bother saving a cupboard for me just a new apartment for my stuff would be great. (Never used to spend so much on clothes and things before!)

Another thought …. what about furniture etc, you are welcome to use mine and store or sell yours or store mine. Entirely up to you and Casey … oh yes, wear and tear is fine I will not charge.

Simon has all the legal documents regarding rent etc. for the apartment see him and he will deal with it, check you can afford it won't you.

Glad to hear about Casey's new job sorry about paper work though, (wasn't that why he gave up his course, thought he was drowning in the stuff.) Well at least you will know he is safe.

Can guess where the extra money is going so will not say more.

Hope Dad is fully fit and everyone else as well.

Hugs Meg.

As she pressed the send key she fleetingly wondered how wise she was doing it and was glad she would be kept busy in the office for the rest of the afternoon.

oxoxo

She returned to her apartment content, exhausted and laden down with bags of food collected on the way from the office. Her afternoon had been busy learning where things were and who everyone was as well as plans for the next day. She eyed the laptop on the side table and thought about the email she'd sent her sister and decided frozen and fresh stuff had priority. Flicking the radio on to a music channel she sorted everything out grabbing a cup of coffee on the way and then opened the laptop to see if she had mail.

Nothing except junk mail and for a moment felt lonely and wondered if she should ring as soon as she had the thought she decided No, if Sara had found out about her kissing Casey, which was unlikely he didn't have to tell her … she'd need time to cool down it would not break the marriage up just be a typical Sara blow up then slow coming down. It wouldn't wreck the marriage … they had children on the way … just a hiccup perhaps.

As she ran her fingers through her hair and started to try and concentrate on what to do next when the doorbell rang. To her surprise she found one of the other PA' s from the office with an invitation to a welcoming meal at her apartment.

She readily accepted not wanting a meal on her own with her churning thoughts. She met six others and they enjoyed the meal and evening swapping phone numbers and stories and dates for later and a promise of a car ride in the morning rather than the long walk.

It was late when she turned the key to her apartment and was glad she'd left a low light on as a welcome home. She put her bag on the table and eyed the laptop; she knew she'd have to check before she got ready for bed. She found she had mail and opened it and gulped.

I SHOULD HIT YOU ONE!!!!!

YOU KISSED HIM!!!!!!

Its okay honest … he's still alive, … place is in one-piece … okay I screamed at him once.

He has explained all; brave boy and I love him … even more.

BUTthere is a puzzle, which we will not be asking Ben about it.

We've decided to let sleeping dogs lie … one dog named Ben … and you should too.

You both have chosen your own lives now.

So to that night:

My magic carpet was in fact Ben, though how he managed to get back from the Casita and drop Maria off somewhere in that short time I don't know. Surely Ben could not have just casually said he was going to see you not after their day of passion, you know how clingy Maria can be. (That is not a meow either … she is clingy.)

Casey also pointed out Maria would not really have wanted to go there anyway as it was your place, but I suppose Ben can be very persuasive when he wants to be or perhaps she didn't know it was yours and his.

You know the strange thing is thinking about it I realise he (Ben) was looking sort of dazed, end of tether type thing, (not aren't I a clever boy or cat got the cream) but that could be just my hazy mind and it was hazy that night, believe me.

Let me fill you in - Early evening Casey had gone for Pizza, overheard my arguing with Tim and all those sordid details, came in and chucked Tim out after confronting him and found out the truth. Then we had a set too, I know I betrayed you in what I did with Tim and I'm sorry, Casey walked out telling me to pack and leave. My heartbroken, pity, anger, confusion came through the cracks. Shortly after there was a knock on the door and I thought Casey had changed his mind, he had not it was Ben.

Ben saw me in all my glory you know tears, broken heart, the lot. He did his trick of forgetting what he came for and listened to my woes, he had every right to laugh after all I had brought it all on myself but he didn't. He was too caring for that … instead he told me not to give up hope if I really loved Casey, to find trust and build on it and we would be together though it might take some time.

Strange … I wonder if he was talking about your love, wanted to tell you that but told me instead. … Anyway he's with Maria now and adores Sammy and Benjy as well.

Back to that night, he helped me pack then drove me to Mum and Dad's and put the things round the side, as I could not face them, he stayed with me again and chatted. When he was sure I would be all right he told me he was going to check to see if you were at Surf Central and I reminded him you liked to go the South Pier, well he knows that because he goes there as well. Just after he left the heavens opened … it really made my evening sitting in the gazebo getting soaked in July. Then Mum found me and we talked and guess what... Yes she gave me a cup of cocoa, in the kitchen. Dad took the boxes in the house for me, no nagging either.

Of course we never talked about what happened that night because of what happened next, perhaps we should have and things might have been different or easier. Anyway, I built on my love and trust and got Casey and twins in future.

As I said Casey told me everything I love you! Sorry I was beastly to you, I understand a lot of things now. I know you are over the worst now and you will find happiness and love. Nothing is going to split us up so remember that sis the three of us together.

To gossip - Saw Ben and family the other day they looked good, baby's growing fast, anyone can see Benjy loves his new sister; he is really coming out of himself now. Cheeky is one word for it and to see him and Ben together is a picture.

I know you said Robert will bring you but if you let us know the time Casey will pick you up or any cases. Mind you I should warn you that Dad is going nuts without you at the moment … to be honest I don't know how you stood it. Even Mum's given him an ultimatum shut up or the shed … let hopes that works.

As for the happy couple they are looking good, Bette's been given herself interviews for her column, which has been fun.

Thanks about the apartment I knew you would say yes so told Simon and he is dealing with it. He and Casey will be bashing heads about it later. (oh ouch!)

We think Surf Central might go better if sold complete so your offer of furniture would help. If you move back we will most probably rent furnished.

See you soon.

Sara

Meg sat staring at the screen feeling a huge deeper love for her sister … she knew about the kiss and understood … forgiven her and him.

She took a breath and her mind went back over 'that' evening; she knew the length of journey to the Casita. They must have been in front of her for Ben to visit Sara; if they had been behind her surely she would have seen the car in the lay-by. Maria must have been dropped off at home, then why did she go to The Deep, was that because Ben had not returned as promised and she had found him in a state and that was the beginning of his second chance. Then why was he in a daze when he saw Sara … surely he just wanted to see her to say that things were over between them that he had found Maria's love better. … But in the letter said he loved her, … no, that was the discarded letter the other said he loved her but their love was too destructive… was that true. Had Maria's pregnancy proved that point to him and when he spoke to her in the shop before she left that devil came back to bite him.

With thoughts churning though her mind she ran her fingers though her hair as she walked over to the bed and curled up on it, unthinking tucking the blanket which was from the Casita around her, and rested her head on the pillow.

While wondering if she could really face him at Bette's wedding without asking him for the truth … but then again she knew the truth he had Maria, Benjy and Sammy who he loved and she was happy about it after all she had left him before that evening … she dropped off to sleep.

oxoxo

Meg woke with a start, the alarm clock ringing, the dream she had, had was so vivid in her mind she could pick through it. As she did she realised it was a repeat of something that had happened just before Vanessa and Michael's wedding which took place a couple of days after Christmas but this time she was watching it happen.

She could see herself tucked up in the Casita blanket asleep on the sofa in her apartment; her bridesmaid's dress was hanging in its cover on the stand by the wall. Instead of feeling Ben's presence as she had that night, she saw him standing over her, gently kissing her cheek then lightly stroking her cheek with his finger as he told her he could not stay and give her his love as he wanted to. Before Simon had come down the stairs and woken her, this time she saw Ben look up at Simon and then back at her and smile before vanishing.

She shivered remembering her fears as she awoke that Ben was in trouble, so Simon had rung The Deep and without troubling him found Ben was all right. At the wedding Ben kept his distance and greeted her with only a nod as he'd promised in the letter and who could blame him. She had found it difficult as her memories of their wedding intermingled with Michael and Vanessa's along with the tension of half expecting things to go wrong. Nothing happened it was a fairytale wedding and reception.

As she found fresh clothes she wondered if the dream returned because she was finally leaving her past behind her, sort of confirmation it was all right. He was happy and so could she be.

She showered and felt better this was going to be her new future and she was going to be in control from now on.

Her thoughts of the morning crept to the back of her mind as she chatted with the other PA's as they drove to work then as the day wore on enjoyed the challenges it presented. Her evenings were taken up meeting new friends at clubs, films or meals. Days passed and her confidence grew and she looked forward to the wedding knowing she had made the right decision she was her own boss and happy with it.