by Tiara Bosh
“Thanks too,” she said sincerely. She jogged down and Ben noted she was just wearing low wedges, being both stylish and practical.
Elizabeth Hatton was full of surprises, that’s for sure.
* * *
“I caught Henry in the office this afternoon,” Ben told Alex that evening. “So he was able to update me on what’s been going on in the foundation.”
They were feasting on the homemade burritos Mrs. Goldstein prepared along with some bottles of beer. They were both in Alex’s kitchen, making use of the kitchen island.
“Anything I should know about?” Alex asked
“Stone Homes is on schedule – you must know that,” Ben said, assuming Kayla updates Alex as well. “Then we’ll be seeing the updated drawings for the school next week. Then the fund-raising event is all set end of next month – seven weeks away. Then Liz will be submitting her feasibility study this week on the New Jersey lot.”
“Liz huh,” Alex said, before taking a swig of beer.
Ben looked at his friend wearily. “Fine, maybe I was wrong about her. She’s doing great. According to Miranda she has already organized the files of the candidates for the three buildings of Stone Homes. She’s also made a database of our patrons. She seems to be a natural in this.”
“I told you so?” Alex teased.
“Ugh, I don’t think you’ll ever let me hear the end of this,” Ben said, half-jokingly.
Alex laughed. “Well just think RHS is lucky to have her. That’s what matters.”
“Yeah,” Ben said, finishing his second bottle of beer. He was stuffed.
Alex stood up, then said, “There was something I wanted to show you.”
Ben noticed Alex’s nervousness, which was out of character of him.
“What’s up, man?” Ben asked.
“Hold on,” Alex said, disappearing into the hallway that led to his bedroom. He came back with a small black paper bag.
It was when he brought out a jeweler’s box that Ben realized what was going on. Alex opened the box to show a diamond ring.
“Finally,” Ben said grinning. He was surprised, but not really. He knew all along that Alex was serious about Kayla. And he knew Kayla felt the same way.
“Do you think she’ll like it?” Alex asked. Alex looked so unsure that Ben would have laughed out loud; but Alex looked quite insecure all of a sudden that Ben knew how important this was to Alex.
Ben looked at the ring again. The ring had a round diamond flanked by smaller diamonds on each side. It wasn’t overly huge. Both he and Alex knew Kayla didn’t like anything too ostentatious.
“I’m sure she would love it,” Ben assured.
“I hope so,” Alex said, sitting back down, staring at the ring.
“So how would you ask her?” Ben asked. “Need me to do anything to help?”
“Was thinking just dinner here,” Alex said. “Kayla would want it simple.”
“Yes, definitely,” Ben said. “When will you do it?”
“Her birthday’s next Thursday,” Alex informed Ben. “I told her I’m having dinner prepared here to celebrate it.”
“It’s the perfect time and the perfect birthday present,” Ben said supportively.
“If she does say yes, I was thinking we can have a small party here the following Saturday,” Alex continued. “To celebrate her birthday too. Just you, Henry and Diane, Jenny and Ryan. Maybe Bobby and Cynthia would be able to go too.” Alex enumerated the people who played some role on how he and Kayla got together. “I can ask her if she would want to have her relatives over.”
“That party’s on me,” Ben offered. “Let’s have it in my place. My gift for the two of you. And I am going to be best man, right?”
Alex laughed. “Much appreciated man,” he said, patting Ben’s back. “That would be great. Of course you’re the best man. You know I don’t have any other friends.”
Ben laughed. Alex knew a lot of people but it was true, he only considered a few people as friends.
“Well what do you know,” he said, raising his beer bottle. “Alex Stone is going to get hitched.”
Chapter 13
Liz
“Hey Liz,” Philip said, walking into the library.
Liz looked at the time on her laptop. Her duty wouldn’t be over for half an hour still. It was Saturday afternoon and it was her schedule.
“I’m early,” Philip said, grinning. Philip Mendoza was another one of the volunteers in the library. He was a nice Mexican teacher from a nearby public elementary school. She met him a few weeks back when she brought the books donated by her friends. He assisted her and her mom’s driver in carrying them to the library.
“Nothing to do, huh,” Liz kidded. “It’s also a slow day here.”
The library has been empty since she arrived an hour and a half ago.
“Finished grading my students’ test papers,” he said. “I wanted to walk outside so I found myself walking here.”
“Hope the test you gave wasn’t so hard,” Liz kidded.
Philip laughed. “Challenging enough; easy if they studied.” Philip taught math and science.
“Ah…to be a student again,” Liz said, grinning. Philip knew that she had an academic background too.
“Hey you might be busy,” Philip said, referring to her laptop. “I can just read the newspapers for today.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “Just working on a report for work. I can multi-task.”
She was finishing up the report on the new project site. She did a study on the adjacent buildings, the accessibility and the design regulations for the area. She ended with her proposed uses. She came up with three possibilities, so RHS would have a choice. She hoped they would like at least one of them.
“So how are you with your book?” Liz asked Philip, looking up from her screen. “I see you didn’t bring your laptop today.” Philip was working on a novel, and he usually used his time in the library to write.
It was his second already – a sequel. Liz read the first one as soon as she heard he wrote it, and she honestly appreciated the magical storyline that showed a fresh point of view. It was geared for the young adult, but nowadays adults appreciated those books as well.
“Been having a writer’s block since yesterday,” he said, frowning as he looked up from the newspaper he was reading. “I just need to get past that hurdle then I should be fine.”
“You need a break then,” Liz said, encouragingly.
Philip nodded.
Liz suddenly heard her phone vibrate.
“Excuse me,” she said, and saw it was Brian. Since the library was empty except for her and Philip, she didn’t bother stepping out. “Hey Bri, what’s up?”
“I come with semi-bad news,” Brian said dramatically. “Dave and I won’t be able to join you for dinner, but we’ll definitely follow for drinks. Dave’s boss invited their team for dinner and dates are welcome.”
Liz and Emily met Dave already a week ago over drinks and they liked him. He was slightly a bit more reserved than Brian – but was also artistic. He was quite insightful and he made an effort to get to know Liz and Emily. He also seemed to genuinely like Brian.
“No problem,” Liz said. “At least we still get to see you!”
“Thanks, hun,” Brian said. “Don’t worry, we will be there. I’ll call Emily too to inform her that it will just be the two of you for dinner.”
“I’m sure she’d be fine with it,” Liz assured him. “See you tonight!”
“Thanks, babe, see you!” he replied.
She ended the conversation, putting her phone back into her purse.
“Sorry about that,” she told Philip.
Philip smiled. “No worries.”
Liz looked at Philip then an idea popped into her head. Philip was tall and pretty good-looking if she said so herself. He had a really nice smile, and had that boy-next-door look. He had a good job, and wrote pretty well. Emily loved to read too, though Liz hasn’t had her read
Philip’s book yet. Philip was single, she knew that. When she was still with Jack, she freely asked him and he said he wasn’t seeing anyone.
Emily and Philip might hit it off.
“Hey, why don’t you join me and my friends tonight?” she asked. “I’ll introduce you to my friend Emily.” She added that last part in case he might think she was asking him out.
“Thanks, but I don’t really have much of a night life,” he said embarrassedly.
“It’s just dinner and drinks!” Liz exclaimed. “It’s the break you need. You gotta do something fun!”
Philip looked skeptical.
“I’m not asking, I’m already ordering you to meet us there. When you write your next paragraph tomorrow you’ll thank me!” she said, winking.
Philip laughed, and Liz knew he was going out with them tonight.
* * *
“Hey Em!” Liz greeted outside the restaurant. They chose a Greek restaurant for tonight.
“Liz!” she greeted back, hugging Liz back.
“Were you waiting long?” Liz asked. Their reservation was for eight. It was only two minutes past.
“Nah, just five minutes?” Emily said.
“Alright, let’s go in then,” Liz said, hooking her arm with Emily’s. They took a couple of steps when Liz stopped short.
“What is it?” Emily asked, peering at Liz with worry in her face.
She grinned at her friend sheepishly. “I invited someone to join us. I was thinking you might get along.”
Emily eyes widened. “Liz! I could have worn a better dress!”
“You look great!” Liz said. Emily was wearing a nice floral dress with spaghetti straps. Liz was with her when she bought it at Nordstrom. “You always do. Come on. He’s a nice guy.”
“He better,” Emily muttered.
They were led to their table, and Liz saw Philip was there. He stood up as he spotted them. It was the first time she saw him wearing something a bit dressier – long sleeved button-down shirt over slacks. He looked pretty good; she hoped Emily though so too.
She stole a glance at Emily and Emily was looking at Philip with some interest.
Definitely a good start.
“Emily Perkins, this is Philip Mendoza,” she said.
“Hi, nice to meet you, Emily,” Philip said, offering his hand for a handshake.
“Nice to meet you, too,” Emily said. Liz knew Emily so well to know Emily was nervous even if she was projecting a cool front.
Liz watched as he pulled the chair for Emily. He was about to go to the other side of the table to do the same for Liz but Liz just raised her hand to say she was fine seating herself.
“Did you have a hard time finding the restaurant?” Liz asked Philip.
Philip shook his head. “There was a map in their website. I was also already familiar with the area.”
“That’s good,” Liz said. “Shall we order first? I’m starving.”
After ordering their hummus and gyros, Liz turned to Emily. “Philip is one of the volunteers at the library.”
“Oh, that’s great of you,” Emily said, smiling at Philip.
He shrugged. “I benefit from it too,” he said humbly.
“Philip is a grade school teacher, but he’s also a published author,” Liz clued Emily in.
“That’s cool,” Emily said, impressed. “What kind of book was it?”
“Young adult fiction,” he replied, smiling humbly.
“I’ve read it, it’s pretty good,” Liz said. She may have been selling Philip too hard, but knowing Emily and her standards, she had to spell out how much of a catch Philip was.
“I should read it some time,” Emily said.
“Thanks, that would be great,” Philip said, smiling. “Liz did say you read a lot too.”
“I actually do,” Emily said. “I’ll look for your book.”
“I can send you a copy,” Philip offered. Liz looked at Philip, impressed by his generosity. It must have been a good sign too that he was already offering her a gift.
“Thank you, I would appreciate it,” Emily said, and Liz found her friend blush.
Liz grinned. Looks like she got lucky with her first time playing matchmaker!
Chapter 14
Ben
Ben just arrived in the RHS office and was walking at the hallway when Henry came out of his office.
“Hey Henry, I’m joining you in the Stones Homes site meeting,” Ben told him. “It’s in an hour right?”
“Oh I won’t be able to go,” Henry said. “I have some other meetings with sponsors. I already told Liz she was going on her own.”
“I can go with her,” Ben said automatically.
“Okay great,” Henry said. “I’m sure she could handle it, but at least you’re more familiar with the history of the project.”
“Sure it wouldn’t be a problem,” Ben said.
“Just tell her then,” Henry said, then walked away.
Ben walked further down until he found Liz’s desk.
“Liz,” he called, resting his hand on the low table divider.
Liz looked up; he caught her by surprise.
“Yes, Ben,” she responded.
“I will be joining you at the site meeting,” he informed her. “Let’s meet at the reception in fifteen minutes?”
“Sure,” she said, smiling. “See you then.”
Ben went to his office to quickly check his email messages. He was only halfway through when he checked the clock to see twenty minutes have passed.
“Shit,” he muttered, standing up, and checking if he had his phone and his car keys.
He rushed out of his office, quickly greeted Miranda, and then headed to the reception area where he found Liz chatting with Steve who was doing reception duty.
“Liz, sorry I’m late,” he said apologetically.
Liz shrugged. “It’s okay,” she said, giving him an assuring smile.
“Let’s go,” Ben said, then nodded at Steve before heading to the office doors.
As they went out to the elevator lobby, Ben quickly looked at Liz’s shoes and noticed she was wearing flat ankle boots. “Shall we take the stairs?”
Liz nodded, grinning. “Definitely.”
They both jogged down the stairs.
“My car’s at the basement,” he informed her.
“Oh, sure, no problem,” she said.
They reached the basement level, then he led her to his car.
He walked to the passenger door and opened the door for her. “Hop in,” he said smilingly, to make her feel more comfortable.
“Thanks,” she said, getting in.
Ben walked to his side of the car and got in. He started the car, with the music playing softly.
“So what’s the latest with Stone Homes?” he asked, as he made his way out of the building basement parking. He opened the car window to wave at the parking security personnel. “Henry said we’re on schedule?”
“Yup,” Liz said. “We had the topping off ceremony for the three buildings last week. Sorry you missed it.”
“It’s okay,” Ben said, smiling assuredly. “Price to pay for having more than one thing on my plate.”
“Finishing works at the ground floor have been going on for the past months,” she continued. “Windows will be completed within a couple of weeks.”
“That’s great,” Ben said, as he made his way through Broadway Street. “Alex and I have been following some of the emails – not all though since Alex is in the middle of filming and I’ve been meeting a lot of people in L.A.”
“You do your best,” Liz said. “And that’s why there’s Henry and the rest of us to run things for you.”
“It’s hard letting go of all of the responsibility,” Ben admitted, as they reached a stop sign. He looked at her. “Alex and I started the foundation probably with our heads in the clouds. We were quite hands on then. But we vied to come up with larger projects to fulfill more dreams, but it also meant we had to hire more
people to help.”
He wasn’t sure why he was revealing more than he should; he and Liz hardly knew each other. But Liz looked really interested in what he was saying, and somehow he felt she would understand.
“But you were generous enough to share your dreams with all of us in the office who believe in your advocacy as much as you do,” Liz said.
Ben looked at her, as her words sunk it. He never thought about it, but she was right.
“You’re right,” he said aloud. He smiled at her in gratitude.
The stoplight turned green so he started driving again.
“So do you have to be in L.A. the whole time Alex is filming scenes?” Liz asked. Then just after a second she said. “I’m sorry, that question was inappropriate.”
Ben laughed. “No worries, everyone in the office are friends. And to answer your question, no, I don’t have to be there in the set. I sometimes just get called in for production meetings sometimes so I might as well be in the city. I make use of the time to set my own meetings.”
“That’s pretty hectic,” Liz said. “Then you also keep track of what’s going on in the foundation.”
“Well it could be, but Alex and I are very grateful,” Ben said.
“It’s good you’re quite positive,” Liz commended.
Ben grinned. “You haven’t seen the other side of me yet.”
It was only when the words left his lips that he realized that she may have already seen that side of him when she first started with RHS.
He frowned. He owed her an apology. He was about to, when Liz spoke.
“Maybe I can set a meeting with Kayla about the New Jersey lot?”
“Yes that would be great,” Ben said, exhaling out. “Set the meeting outside office hours – Kayla is only doing it voluntarily and not under their firm. The foundation will pay for the meal of course. You can leave the office early or come in late the following day to make up for the time. I’ll inform Henry.”
“I don’t mind, but thank you,” she told him.
“Alex and I are quite excited about all your proposed options,” he continued. Liz submitted the proposal last week and Alex and Ben were both impressed with her in-depth study of the site. She even interviewed some of the people who lived nearby, also the owners of the mom-and-pop stores in the vicinity, to find out what uses would complement what already existed. She came up with a sports complex, a social enterprise compound, and a mixture of both that offered housing as well.