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"Ben?" ton He stopped by to check on me"
Myinto the kitchen
Jack sets his bags on the counter, grabbingthe sa his hand first to my mother, he says, "Mrs Tyler, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you Bell has told me so much about you"
Surprise and shock seem to swamp her, but she eventually smiles and extends her hand
Ben turns to Jack and does the same Jack is more cordial When he extends his hand he says, "Ben, I heard the announceratulations on the acquisition of Sound Music I hear you have some terrific ideas for how to boost the publication I’d love to hear about them"
"I do, sir And I’d be happy to share them anytime"
I can’t decide whether I want to hide underneath the sofa or ju
My mother clears her throat as she turns to me Her eyes scan my flimsy attire that is not at all appropriate for visitors "You said Ben was checking on you What’s the matter?"
"I took her to the beach yesterday and orried she otten too much sun," he rushes to answer
"Oh, you’re the friend as teaching Bell how to surf?" Jack asks
Ben’s hands go to his pockets and he nods with a smile
I’ve kept my mother and Jack in the loop on my "dates" with Ben I just failed to mention his na the me, and he was one and he did pursue ton But they were both really happy fortime with someone I liked So why should it matter who it is?
Jack even mentioned that since I called my new suitor a friend and noton telling them as soon as I knew for sure Ben wantedNot that I’d tell ain "Oh ht, but today it’s ht over sos that Jack set on the counter
"Oh, letthe items
"Bell, I should run I have some calls to make at the office," Ben says, and I notice the use of my real name I don’t like it
"I didn’t realize you had to work today It’s Saturday" I know I’ to ease out of an aard situation, but I really don’t want hio
"With the announcement I really should head in and return a few calls," he says "Mr and Mrs Tyler, it was a pleasure to meet you"
"Call me Jack"
"Oh, and I’ the counter andher way into the kitchen
"What about breakfast?" I ask, hoping he’ll stay
"I oods fros that my mother has already started to put away and follow hiin their own conversation and Ben points to his feet Crap, crap, crap
"Let et you those books you asked to borrow before you leave" I don’t knohat else to say Honestly I don’t care if you’re sixteen or twenty-six; getting caught by your
Ben covers his ht now hate I know he does it when he’s trying not to laugh I scowl at hiet his keys and wallet I make the walk of shame to my roo on EnteringI co my mother and stepfather must have noticed Ben didn’t have his shoes on I hand hi filled with his stuff and sorabbed off my floor When our hands connect he brushes his thuh ain says good-bye toby to check on rin crosses his lips "Anyti," he replies with a wink
When he leaves I collapse against the door My body is taut with tension but also tingling at the same time
"Bell, I think we should have a talk" My mother’s voice is stern, but soft And I hope to God she doesn’t want to give ave it to nant I think I get it
Jack busies hi the fruit in Tupperware containers h he isn’t hter His love and concern have meant a lot tostraight, I slowly make my way to the kitchen "Mo hie hi "Bell, I would never judge hi him I can tell by the look on your face"
"Charlotte, he seems like a nice boy Respectful, concerned about Bell," Jack says, and my mouth drops I wouldn’t have counted on hi hilances at o when he ith Dahlia is for you and him and your brother to co to be easy"
"Ben and Dahlia have talked They’ve made peace"
She raises her hand "Like I said, that is between the four of you My concern right now is only for you Have you told him about the baby?"