by Nella Tyler
“Wow, these are lovely, Bennett. Thank you so much.”
He looked me over with a searing look. “No, Emmi, you are lovely. Wow, that dress, you look fantastic. You should wear that all the time.”
I laughed. “That's what Connie said, but thank you.”
He surprised me with a kiss on the cheek and I took the roses and headed into the kitchen to find a vase.
“I miss you, babe.”
I turned around to look at him. “I missed you, too.”
I was dying to talk to Bennett about what had been going on for the past few weeks, but I didn't know how to bring it up. He was being so sweet that I didn't want to ruin our night.
“Hopefully we can see more of each other now.”
“Well, I have a lot of practice to get in, Emmi. I need to make sure I'm focused.” He had that look on his face again that aggravated me.
My blood pressure was starting to slowly rise as I filled a vase full of water. After cutting the ends of the stems, I placed them gently in the water. I bent forward, taking in the lovely scent coming off of the roses. Well, so far so good. Maybe I should continue smelling them until I calmed down. Practice? Come on. “Thank you again,” I said once I noticed he had entered the kitchen behind me.
“Would you like a drink?” I wasn't sure I had any more wine, but I thought it would be rude not to offer.
“No, I'm good for now. Are you ready to go? You certainly look fantastic.” He walked over to me and kissed me again.
“Yes, I'm ready.”
We left my apartment and headed to the best restaurant in town. It was known for its lavish decor and was a regular hot spot for celebrities in the area. Bennett liked it because it had the best lobster in town. He was a big fan of seafood, and he planned on ordering some surf and turf. That was all he talked about on the drive over. I thought about bringing up the fact that he was distant with me lately, but I didn't want to ruin his good mood. It was the best date we had been on in awhile. I just wanted there to be more of them.
We were seated immediately, despite not having a reservation. Bennett had been getting a lot of exposure lately, and it was clearly making a difference. A waiter approached our table and asked us if we would like some wine.
“That sounds fabulous tonight, sir! In fact why don't you bring us two?” He winked at me, and I wasn't sure how I felt about getting drunk with him. He was still acting weird, and it really bothered me.
“Now, Bennett, you're not trying to get me drunk tonight, are you?”
He chuckled. “Of course not, my dear. I know you aren't a light weight.”
I just smiled softly. I was starting to get into a bad mood and I didn't really want to. The more I thought about the fact that he kept pushing me away, the madder I got. I deserved better than that. I was beginning to get angry and annoyed and the fact that I wasn't talking to him about it was causing it all to fester inside of me.
The waiter quickly returned with a bucket of ice with wine sitting proudly on top. He poured two glasses and handed one to me first and then Bennett.
“What should we toast to?” I asked.
“How about the future? May we both get everything we want.”
I was startled by his toast and wondered what he meant. Was he talking about his career or our relationship? It seemed an odd to toast, considering I had barely seen him lately.
I allowed him take the lead when it came to ordering dinner, mainly because I was annoyed, and when the lobster arrived I couldn't have been happier. It just melted in my mouth with a taste of garlic and butter. It was absolutely delicious. I almost wanted to order another, but my tummy was packed full.
“You were right, Bennett. The lobster is delicious.”
“I'm glad you like it. I've been here a few times and it never disappoints.”
A few times? With other women?
We spent the entire dinner laughing and getting a little drunk – both of which I was surprised about. I couldn't have asked for a better evening out. Bennett had been a complete joy to be around and I hoped that it meant that things would get better between us.
I took a sip of my wine and smiled as he filled it again. “If you will excuse me, I have to use the ladies room.”
“Absolutely.”
I got up from the table and made my way to the bathroom. As I was walking by tables, I glimpsed Gwen Stefani having dinner with a couple of girls. My mouth fell open and I desperately longed to go and talk to her, but I was sure that it would make me look like a dimwit in from of Bennett. I continued to the bathroom without incident.
Connie had informed me to keep tabs on my beauty and to apply lipstick when I could. I quickly went to the bathroom before heading to the mirror to check my face. I was still shocked by how well she did with my makeup. It was astonishing actually. I reapplied my makeup and blotted my lips before returning to the table.
I had expected Bennett to stay over after our date, but he made up some excuse that he needed more sleep. We hadn't had sex in over a week, and I was starting to get concerned. Maybe I should have suggested we stay in and then I could have seduced him. That would have been much better than lobster. Or maybe I was still overreacting; he may just need some more time. We had a great date, so there was no reason to get freaked out over nothing. I hoped...
Chapter Six
Lying in my bed, I was looking through some school notes to prepare for a test coming up. I couldn't have been more bored at that point, but the test was a big one and I really needed to ace it.
Things between Bennett and I were trailing off once again. Since the night of the lobster date, I had seen very little of him the following week. It was starting to seem like I didn't have a boyfriend at all, which was a little depressing. Not only had we barely seen each other, we had hardly talked, as well. There had been many text messages sent by me that went unanswered. Guys don't seem to get how much something like that can hurt a girl.
I had talked Connie's ear off and we both had no idea what to do at that point. I knew I would have to talk to Bennett about it sooner rather than later because it was getting to the point where a breakup would be inevitable. We couldn't possibly continue to carry on in this manner and have it leave no mark on our relationship. We had to make a move, but I wasn't even sure if Bennett was interested in saving the relationship.
I closed my textbooks and lay back on my pillows. I had to figure out a way to get things done. I sat up quickly in bed. I wasn't sure why I hadn't thought about that idea, but I was beginning to think it was time to go to the source. If anyone knew what was going on with Bennett's career, it would be my father, and maybe he could also shine a light on what was going through Bennett's mind in regards to me.
I wanted to know how the process with Bennett was going and whether my dad was still considering hiring him. After all, if Bennett was going to ignore me and ruin our relationship, I would like to hope there was a payoff for it. If we weren't going to be together, I hoped it was for a damn good reason.
I picked up my phone and dialed my father. He picked up right away.
“Hello, darling. How are you today?”
“I'm good, Dad, How's business going?”
“Same old thing. Ya know. Busy as always. I wanted to apologize to you again for not getting in touch with you he last time I was in town. Things were crazy, and I had to see Bennett's team play and there were a few hiccups in regards to it that I needed to deal with quickly. By the time it was over, I was back on the jet to home. But I am sorry, I would have liked to have had dinner with you.”
That had been the closest by father had come to saying anything about visiting Bennett. I thought he would have told me the whole story sooner, but he clearly didn't think it was any of my business. It didn't seem to matter that I was the one that brought him Bennett in the first place.
“Don't worry about it, Dad. I get that you are busy.”
“So, how is school?”
I sighed. “School is great. Just g
etting ready for an exam, but everything is going well.”
“That's good, my dear. That's what I like to hear.”
“The reason I'm calling is that I was a little curious about Bennett and how he is doing. You and I really haven't discussed him a whole lot since the first time we met with him.”
“Oh, I see. Well, Bennett is doing very well. As I'm sure you have noticed with his games, he has a lot of talent and he definitely puts on a good show for the crowd. I don't see any reason he wouldn't be going to the major leagues.”
“Well, that's good to know.” But it was all information that I already knew.
“Yes, of course. If he keeps going along this path he should be in the majors very soon.”
On my dad's team? What path was he talking about? Was he impressed with all the extra practices? He probably loved the dedication and didn't care what it might be doing to my relationship.
“Is that all you can tell me, Dad,” I asked laughing. “I kinda know all that stuff, I was hoping for something on the inside track.”
He chuckled. “Yes, I guess you are. Sometimes I forget that you know all this stuff already. I think you know as well as I do that I'm seriously considering taking on Bennett, I would do well to have him on my team.”
“Yeah, I thought you would.”
“Can you keep a secret from Bennett if I asked you to?”
“Yes, Dad.”
“How is your relationship going with him?”
So he did know. I decided to play it off lightly. “We are still spending time with each other, but here's no rush.”
“That's good. There is no need to get serious with Bennett right now.”
“And why is that?”
“I think the best thing for you to do right now is to leave him be. I don't think it's necessary for you guys to be dating while he's trying to get on a team. It's very distracting.”
“You have to be joking?”
“No, I'm not, and I don't want you to tell Bennett I said so. Trust me on this – you need to back off.”
I was pissed off at what my father had to say about the situation and I certainly didn't like being warned away from Bennett. I wanted to be with him, and I was being told to basically breakup with him. But there was no point in arguing with him, so I just told him I understood.
I quickly got off the phone, regretting the fact that I had asked him about Bennett at all.
I was steaming mad. I was thankful that I had managed to keep my cool while talking to my father, but it hadn't been easy. I wanted to choke him for the things he said. How could he put the business above my happiness? There was nothing wrong with Bennett having a relationship right now. We had been doing just fine before he showed up. Yes, Bennett definitely needed to get back to his practices, but we could have continued dating throughout that and we would have been just fine.
I walked out of my bedroom, unable to stop pacing around the room. I went to make a pot of coffee. There was no point in trying to study, I was frustrated and wouldn't be able to concentrate. I sat down at the kitchen table and put my head in my hands.
I couldn't believe what my father had said to me, but what was worse was that it appeared that Bennett was taking my father’s advice. It was the only explanation for the way he had been behaving lately. I couldn't believe that this was happening to me, and yet there it was right before my eyes. My father was grooming Bennett for his team, and he was removing all distractions to that end. It didn't seem to matter that I was the distraction and my happiness was at stake. No, of course not, my father always got what he wanted when it came to business.
If only Bennett hadn't skipped his practices, then maybe he wouldn't have had to choose between his career and us. Why was I being punished for his stupidity?
I got up and poured a cup of coffee to try to prevent myself from pacing all over the apartment again. I couldn't help but remember all those good dates we had when he was skipping practices. Things had been so good between us then. All Bennett had wanted at that time was to be with me, how could those feelings have just gone away?
I almost wished that we were back to those days – anything to just keep our relationship going. I didn't want to be the one that took his dream away, but I also couldn't imagine not having him in my life. How could he make that choice? How could he want me gone?
I had no idea what I was going to do. I didn't want to give Bennett an ultimatum because there was a chance that I would either lose him completely or he would lose his dream. In the end, I didn't want Bennett to grow to resent me because of my involvement in ruining his dreams.
I sent a text to Connie. I needed her now more than ever.
Chapter Seven
When Connie walked through the door, I immediately burst into tears.
“Oh my God. What is going on?” She came to the kitchen table quickly and wrapped her arms around me. It felt so good to be hugged, though I felt like an idiot for crying like a baby.
“You didn't bring wine, did you? Because at this point I think I'm becoming an alcoholic with all my relationship issues.” I sniffed.
She got up to pour us both more coffee, and she grabbed a box of Kleenex and handed it to me.
“No, not this time. It's too early in the day for me. I thought you were studying for a test.”
“I was before my father decided to ruin my life.”
“Uh oh, this doesn't sound good. What happened?”
“Ugh, I'm so sick of talking about it. You must be sick of listening, that's for sure.”
“I am never sick of listening to your problems, that's what friends are for. I'm here for you, Emmi. What's wrong?”
I wiped my nose with the Kleenex as she sat down at the table with our coffee. I tentatively took a sip and the warmth soothed me instantly.
“I made a mistake.”
“I doubt that. You are pretty level headed, Emmi.”
“I called my Dad about Bennett.”
“Okay, that was probably a mistake.”
I laughed. “Yeah, tell me about it.”
“No, you tell me about it. What happened with your dad?”
“I called him and asked him how Bennett was doing. He was probably wondering why I didn't know.”
Connie nodded. “Does he know that you guys are still together?”
“I wasn't sure at first, but yes he definitely does. He just has no idea if it's serious or not.”
I took another drink of my coffee while I formed what I wanted to say. Connie was also drinking her coffee, waiting patiently for me to continue.
“So, I ask him and he tells me that things are going great and that he imagines that Bennett will be in the majors soon if he keeps up all his hard work.”
“Oh man. I bet he loves all those extra practices.”
“Oh, you bet he does.” I rolled my eyes, completely exasperated by my father. “So, I ask him for more info and by the sounds of it, he's going for Bennett. He wants him on his team, and I think it's only a matter of time before it happens.”
“Wow, really? Well, that's what you both wanted, right? Even Bennett wanted to be on your dad’s team, so it sounds like it's a win for everyone.”
“I think I'm going to lose him, Connie.”
“Why? Why do you think that?”
“My dad asked how things were going between Bennett and me, so I told him we were still seeing each other, but taking it slow. I was being really vague because I don't want him meddling even more than he already is. If he knew we were serious, I don't know how he would react.”
“Yeah, I understand that. It was probably the best thing to do.”
“So after he asks, he tells me that I need to leave Bennett alone.”
“What? Really? He told you that?”
“Yes, and I'm furious at him. He said that Bennett needs to focus and I need to let him do that. He said to leave him be, that it was a bad idea to get serious with Bennett right now.”
“Oh girl, I'm sorry. That must h
ave been hard to hear.”
“It was brutal. I wanted to scream at him to mind his own business, but it's pointless to get emotional when it comes to my dad’s business because he doesn't believe emotions should be involved at all. I'm just so angry. I think he's feeding all of this BS to Bennett, and he is obviously taking my dad’s advice because I have barely talked to him all week. That's the most frustrating part...what is wrong with Bennett? Why is he doing this to me...to us?”
“Oh, sweetie, I don't think Bennett is trying to hurt you. I think he's caught up in trying to build his dream. What your father said that day clearly had an effect on him because he's doing whatever your father wants now to make sure he gets in the major leagues. That's what you wanted for him, right?”
“Yes, of course, but I want him, too. Is that just selfish?”
“No, it's not. You obviously care a great deal about Bennett. You may even love him.” She smiled. “But going off on Bennett right now will not get you what you want. If you start freaking out and telling him to spend more time with you, then he is going to see you as a stumbling block that he doesn't need.”
“Then what can I do?”
“Exactly what your father said.”
“No. I can't.”
Connie nodded at me. “Yes you can. In fact, you probably don't have any choice at this point. You need to leave Bennett alone and let him come to you when he is ready. I really believe that he will come back to you. I think he will realize that he needs you just as much as you need him. Having a little patience right now will pay off later in a much bigger way, I assure you of that.”
“I'm so scared of losing him, Connie.” Tears were streaming down my cheeks. I took another drink of coffee as I wiped them away.
“I know you are, but you will be okay. I promise.”
“Okay, I guess I don't have any other choice.”
Connie shook her head sadly. “No, you don't. The boys are calling the shots right now. You will either get Bennett back or you will realize you deserve so much better. Either way, you are going to be okay.”