My Unexpected Love: The Beaumont Series: Next Generation

by Heidi McLaughlin

  “I wish I knew why he was acting like this.”

  I half smile at my sister and keep my eyes focused on the water glass in front of me. “I had a feeling if you knew something, you would’ve said, but I also didn’t want to ask because I know you’ve both grown closer since your accident.”

  Peyton laughs. “I never told you this, but the day Noah came over to Mom and Dad’s to confess everything and tell me he’s not giving up on us, Kyle was there, and he tried to kiss me. When I told him I was in love with someone else, he asked if the guy was Ben. I told him no and he figured it out right after, but I started thinking, why not Ben?”

  Peyton shakes her head at my shocked expression. “Not for me, but for you. And so I’m curious, E. Why not Ben? Because from what I can tell he loves you more than anything, and he has since the day he was adamant I was in his bio class. That boy followed me to the cafeteria, and once he laid eyes on you, he was a goner.”

  “Which makes no sense since we’re identical.”

  Peyton shrugs. “We’re different in our own ways. Besides, I was a tomboy, and you were the cheerleader. You attracted far more boys than I did.”

  “Only because every guy in school knew you were in love with Noah or they were afraid you’d show them up with your mad sports knowledge.”

  Our waiter appears and refills our water glasses. I take it upon myself to order us some dessert. I tell him we want something sweet, filled with caramel, hot fudge, and cake. There has to be cake. Peyton and I laugh when he asks if we plan to share. That’s a definite no.

  “Does Noah know who he’s asking to be in the wedding?” I ask, determined to change the subject. As much as I’d love to rehash high school, those days are long gone. I can’t get them back, not that I’d want to. Ben’s birthday though, I’d love to go back to that night and not drink so much wine so I can remember what happened between us.

  “I know he’s made a list. He’s having trouble deciding who he should ask as his best man.”

  “Really?” Although, he has a lot of close friends.

  Peyton shakes her head. “Liam or Quinn.”

  “Wow. I thought for sure it’d be one of the guys from the team.”

  “I know. I was shocked. I thought he’d ask Alex, but Noah said that when he thinks of us standing up at the altar together, he feels as if it should be his dad or Quinn by his side.”

  “Well, this could be awkward. I mean, how am I supposed to hook up with the best man after the ceremony?” I ask teasingly. Peyton throws her napkin at me, in time for the waiter to appear with two monstrous sundaes. It’s a mountain of ice cream sitting on top of chocolate cake with sauce drizzled over the top.

  “Careful, the plate is hot,” the waiter says as he slides them in front of our faces. My stomach turns, and my brain starts to get a cramp even before I’ve taken a bite. We tell him “thank you,” and both look at each other.

  “We each should’ve ordered something different.”

  “I know, P. I think this is a stomachache waiting to happen.” I don’t care though and dig in, taking my first big mouthful of the deliciousness in front of me. “Oh my,” I say, covering my mouth. “This is so good.” My words are jumbled and sound nothing like what I’m trying to say.

  “Ssh, I’m busy.” Peyton looks lost in dessert heaven. She closes her eyes with each bite she takes and moans. “I need to come here for my honeymoon.”

  “Where are you guys going?”

  “We haven’t decided yet. We’ve bought a few travel magazines to look for places, but ultimately, Noah’s going to make the decision and surprise me.”

  “That’s sweet.”

  “It is, and I don’t mind as long as we’re together.” We let eating take over, neither of us talking until we’ve made a dent in the sundaes. “So about Ben?” Peyton leaves her question wide open, leaving it to my interpretation.

  “The more I think about his birthday, the more I think we slept together, and if we did, I didn’t treat him very well the next morning.”

  “Maybe you should ask him.”

  “I did. He said no, but I don’t believe him. I think he’s covering for me because I had been drinking. I remember arguing with him over something, and then nothing until I woke up.”

  Peyton sighs and sets down her spoon. I have a feeling I know what’s coming. I sit up straight and ready myself for her lecture.

  “I’m very proud of you. I know you’ve struggled since my accident, but it seems like you’re trying hard to make a change. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by me that you haven’t had a drink since we arrived.”

  “I’m trying, P. I really am. Dad put a lot of things in perspective and this situation with Ben, it’s because of something I’ve done. I have to fix it because not having Ben in my life isn’t an option.”

  “He’s your Noah,” she says.

  I look at her for a long minute before tears start to fall. Ben is my Noah, and it’s taken me years to realize it. Maybe once it sinks in, I’ll figure out a way to right my wrongs with him.

  16

  Ben

  Despite having traveled many times with the James’ family, I’m not prepared when I enter baggage claim and see a man standing there with my name on a sheet of paper. If it didn’t say Benjamin Miller with the firm’s logo on it, I probably would’ve continued to walk by and do my own thing.

  “I’m Ben,” I say to the man, sticking my hand out to shake his. He gives me a small smile and reaches for my hand, not to shake it, but to take my bag. In broken English, he tells me to follow him. I do, not because I need a ride, but because he has all my things on his pushcart and while I have a longer than normal stride, this man is weaving in and out of the New York airport population like his tail is on fire forcing me to jog to keep up.

  The words sorry and excuse me are flying out of my mouth as quickly as the steps I’m taking. I bump, slam and sideswipe my fair share of people as I follow my driver. When he finally stops, I almost crash into his back. He turns and glares at me over his shoulder. I want to be like “what” but heed the advice of every online forum I read about New York, and keep to myself.

  Once we’re in the parking garage, this Mario Andretti walking version slows down and walks a normal pace. Maybe what I witnessed back there was a challenge between him and the other drivers as if they need to be the first ones out of the airport or they’re being timed.

  My driver doesn’t ask where I need to go and I don’t volunteer the information because frankly, I have no idea where I am. A major drawback of being in an unfamiliar city, I’m utterly lost. However, I’m excited to be here and get my feet wet, so to speak. One of the things my brother put in his note, was for me to explore. He listed places I need to check out, most of them within walking distance, and the ones that weren’t, he gave me directions via the subway.

  I pull out my phone and text him, letting him know I arrived. I leave out ‘safely’ because it’s yet to be seen if I’ll make it to my destination in one piece.

  Brad: Good, I’m glad. Have fun. Work hard. Meet a nice woman.

  The last part stings, but Brad’s right. I don’t know how to get over the feelings I have for Elle, but I need to try. It’s not healthy for me to continue to pine for someone who isn’t ever going to reciprocate my feelings. It’s not fair to me, nor is it fair to ask her. In all the time I’ve known her, she’s never indicated we are anything more than friends. This should’ve been my clue years ago.

  After what seems like an eternity but in reality is about thirty minutes, the driver pulls up in front of a building. He opens my door and rushes to the back to grab my luggage. I can’t believe this is where I’ll be living. The building is enormous and surrounded by others equally as tall with a few smaller ones mixed in. Honestly, this is a dream come true, a city high rise. I don’t care if it’s only for ten weeks. This is like something out of a television show.

  The driver leaves my suitcase at my feet and is down the road before I can than
k him. I watch everyone around me. Men and women of all ages move at a frantic pace. I used to think Los Angeles was fast, but I think New York is winning the foot race. A few people who are walking toward me veer off to their right and climb the wide concrete stairs leading to my apartment. For some odd reason, this makes me giddy. They’re my neighbors or will at least be sharing an elevator ride with me.

  I do the same after picking up my suitcase. All in all, it’s about twenty steps until I’m opening one of the glass doors. There’s a couple of men in dark suits sitting behind a massive desk. I approach them with a renewed confidence.

  “Hi, I’m Benjamin Miller. I believe you should have the key to my apartment.”

  He presses the buttons on the keyboard and the lack of expression he had, has now morphed into confusion. “Mr. Miller, I’m not showing you as a tenant.”

  “One second.” I slip my backpack off my shoulders and dig through the packet of papers Mr. Jacobs gave me before leaving. I hand him the slip, showing my address on there.

  “I’m sorry, but you’re in the wrong location.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, see here…” He sets the paper down on this counter and shows me the address, which honestly means nothing to me. “You’re about a twenty-minute subway ride away.”

  “But the driver brought me here, and I don’t even know where here is. I just arrived from Los Angeles, and he was waiting for me and…” Panic starts to set in. What if the driver was at the airport for another Benjamin Miller? I mean, it’s entirely possible. I do have a common name and mistakes happen, right?

  While I’m in a full-blown freak-out, a woman approaches the desk and talks to one of the men sitting there. “Hi, I’m here to see Margie Smith with Omni, Inc.”

  “Wait, is Omni in this building?” I ask the man helping me. He nods and types something into the computer, and instantly he’s grinning.

  “Benjamin Miller, an intern with Margaret Smith?”

  “Yes!” I glance to the gal next to me. “Thank you. You just saved my life.” She smiles but says nothing. She’s handed a badge and quickly disappears through the metal detector by the security gates. “Well, I’m thankful she said something.”

  “Me too, because I was starting to feel real sorry for ya.” He places my badge on the counter. “This is temporary until Omni issues you a permanent one. Take any of the elevators on the right-hand side.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Welcome to New York, Mr. Miller.”

  Towing my luggage behind me, I scan my badge and wait for the plastic windows to slide open so I can pass through. I’m sweating bullets right now, and my heart is beating unbelievably fast. For a second, I almost turned around and went back to the airport, giving in to my fear that I don’t belong here, but it’s stupid to feel that way. Omni’s team chose me. I’m meant to be here.

  The elevator ride is very short, but when I step off the elevator and turn toward the window, I see the tops of buildings. I walk over and look down and feel my throat drop. I don’t know how high up I am now, but the cars on the street look like those little ones I used to play with when I was a kid.

  Behind me, the glass front wall of Omni, Inc., is there, waiting for me. I press the button on the keypad and wait.

  “May I help you?”

  “I’m Ben Miller—” It’s all I can get out before the door buzzes, and I’m able to step in, and that’s when it hits me. The smell of success is all around. Five or six people are waiting on the leather sofas, and off to the right, staff are milling about. To the left, offices are overlooking the same view that I’ve just looked out over.

  “Ben?” The woman behind the desk motions me forward.

  “Hi, yes. I’m Ben.”

  “I’m Heather, you’re early, but please follow me.” I do as she says, following her down the hall. I’m not dressed appropriately for being here today and am wondering if I missed an email or something. I don’t remember anyone saying I had to report for work today. “Didn’t feel comfortable leaving your luggage at your apartment?” Heather remarks. I look down at my suitcase and shake my head.

  “The driver brought me straight here.”

  Heather sighs. “Of course he did. You can put your stuff here.” She stops at a cubicle with three and a half gray fabric walls, a desk with some drawers, a computer, a phone, desk chair and a cabinet. “This will be your workstation.”

  I step in and set my stuff on the desk. As much as I’d love to sit at the computer and spin in the chair, Heather is waiting. I follow her down the hall, trying to pay attention, but the view is almost too much to pass up. I have a feeling I’m going to spend hours looking out the window and admiring the city from above.

  “Margie, I have a wayward intern for you.”

  I half smile at Heather as I pass by. I don’t like being labeled as a wayward thought. I’ve never missed an important date in my life, and I’m not about to start. I know my mind has been elsewhere, but I’m focused on this job.

  “Mrs. Smith, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for this opportunity.”

  “You too, Benjamin.”

  “Please, call me Ben,” I say. I stand in her office, probably looking like a frightened schoolboy. I can’t help but wonder what her view looks like, but walking behind her desk to look seems rather unprofessional.

  “Would you like to have a seat?”

  “Sure.” I sit down in one of the chairs facing her desk. My hands grip the wooden armrests, and right now, I feel like I’m in the principal’s office, about to get the scolding of my life.

  “How was the flight from Los Angeles?”

  “Long, hot, and a bit crowded.”

  “You would think with modern technology. We’d be able to make it from coast to coast a bit faster.”

  “I agree. I think Elon Musk will make it happen in our lifetime.”

  Margie smiles. “I imagine he will. You’re going to be working side by side with Talia Roberts. You both start on Monday, and this is the project you’re going to be working on.” She passes me a thick blue folder with the name Eo on the front.

  “As in the band?”

  “Yes, you’ve heard of them?”

  “A little. They don’t get much airplay in Los Angeles.”

  Margie nods. “Which is exactly what you and Talia will change. Eo was nominated for eight Grammys and didn’t win one. Their manager wants to change that. They have a new album coming out in early summer, and we want to deliver the best marketing campaign we can.”

  Oh, how I’d love to call Elle and tell her what I’m going to work on, but I can’t. I won’t. Knowing she’d be in the thick of planning with me does bring a smile to my face though and I know I can call Mr. HPJ and ask him for advice gives me the boost of confidence I’ve been missing.

  “You seemed pleased with this project.”

  “I am. I have a few friends in the music business. I’m assuming it’s okay to bounce ideas off of them as long as I keep our client’s privacy?”

  “Of course, but remember, Talia is your partner. You both must agree on a marketing plan.”

  “I understand.”

  “Great, see you Monday.”

  “Thanks.” I stand and carefully hold the folder upright so as to not spill the contents. “Oh, can you tell me how to get to the subway from here?” I ask before realizing Brad put them in my letter.

  “Heather will be able to give you directions. Make sure you see her before you leave so she can take you to security.”

  “I will, thank you.”

  “Oh, and Ben,” Margie says my name before I leave her office. I look at her expectantly. “Welcome to Omni. I have a feeling you’re going to fit in rather nicely here.”

  “Thank you.” I smile and turn toward my cubicle. This time, I do sit in the chair and take it for a spin. Might as well get this out of my system before I start work.

  17

  Elle

  Our plane touches down and reality sets
in. Our spring break should’ve been all about Peyton and her upcoming wedding, but it was spent trying to put my life back in order. Hard truths were said by my sister, a lot of tears shed, but in the end, Peyton has helped me see the error of my ways. I know I have an uphill challenge, not only with Ben but with my personal health as well.

  As soon as the door opens, I follow Peyton down the stairs, almost falling when she starts screaming. I reach for her. However, she’s gone before I realize what’s happening. My hand goes to my forehead to shield the sun so I can see what’s going on. Someone's waiting near the hangar who I assume is Noah. How Peyton knows it’s him, is beyond me. Maybe it’s the connection they share, the same type I want to have with Ben if he’ll have me. If I were Ben, I’d run the other way after the way I’ve treated him.

  When I reach the waiting car, Peyton pulls away from Noah. I stop and look at her, and that’s when it hits me. She had a fantastic week in Aruba, but it’s Noah who makes her unbelievably happy. Peyton has a different glow to her right now.

  “Hey, Noah.”

  He approaches and hugs me. “Fun time?”

  “Only the best with the James’ sisters.”

  “Yeah, I know firsthand how fun you two are.” Noah winks and takes my suitcase from me. I climb into the backseat, while Peyton takes the front. “So what’s the plan?” I ask her.

  “We’re going to head to Mom and Dad’s. Do you want to go?”

  “Of course she does,” Noah says as he starts the car. “Who doesn’t want to go surfing with us after spending a week at the beach. Did you gals even go into the ocean?”

  “Yes, we did. We went parasailing, scuba diving, and rented jet skis,” Peyton says. She pinches Noah’s cheek. Their cuteness should make me sick, but I want what they have. I want to be happy and in love. I want people to look at me and whomever I’m with, be it Ben or someone else, and roll their eyes and be jealous of the love we’re sharing.