Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Now, I’m interested, but I won’t do anything without Ben’s approval. He’s calling all the shots now. “I need to talk to Ben,” I tell my uncle. “It has to be something he’s okay with because I promised I’d be there for him.”
“Honestly, I could use him as well. I need someone to run our social media, and it’s a great work from home type job. Right now, Betty Paige and Mack are doing that new video app for me, but the rest just sits there.”
“Let me talk to Ben. You know I want to say yes, but not without him. I’ve learned my lesson about putting my career first over him. I can’t lose him.”
Liam tells me he understands and says we should get back home before our phones start ringing. He shows me the rest of the new spaces and takes me to the top floor where there’s a vacant apartment and a small dance studio.
“Too bad Aunt Yvie isn’t here.”
“Oh, believe me,” he says. “I’ve tried to entice her back. There’s a gym going in down the street and I keep sending pictures to Xander.”
“Why are you trying to get everyone to leave Los Angeles?” I ask as we walk back down the stairs.
Liam shrugs. “It’s weird. I have great memories there, obviously, but since being back here, Beaumont is home, and I want my home to thrive. I want people to come here, to spend their money here.”
“Uncle Jimmy will never move here,” I say as Liam holds the door to his SUV open for me.
“He might, but Eden won’t.”
We make idle chit chat about Plum on our way back to my grandpa’s. Liam tells me he loves their sound and can’t wait to work with them as well as telling me how much fun my dad is having on tour. I can’t say I’m not jealous, because I am, but Ben’s happiness is more important.
When we get back to the house, we find everyone outside, including Betty Paige, who’s carrying Oliver around on her hip. Liam and I grab plates, and I find a spot next to Ben.
“Did you eat?”
He nods.
“How much?”
“Elle,” he says my name as a warning.
“Ben,” I repeat his tone. “You need to eat. How much did you eat?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Nope, you don’t. But you do need nutrients. You’ve already lost noticeable weight. What can I get you?” I ask him. “There’s potato salad, baked beans, chicken, some skewer things. I saw pie. Chips and dips. Anything, Ben. I just need you to eat.”
He relents and gives me a couple items that sound good to him. I get it, his taste buds are all out of whack and nothing sounds good. Unfortunately, the alternative is a feeding tube, and I don’t want that for him.
I bring him back a plate with a little of everything he asked for. I’ll be happy if he eats what I give him at this point. I peel some chicken off the bone and hand him a piece. Thankfully, he takes it.
“Where’d you go?” he asks.
“Remember when we came through town yesterday and Liam told us what he had done with the building?” Ben nods. “He took me to his studio.”
“Oh?”
“He wants me to find talent in Beaumont and help them make demos.” I fill him in on everything Liam said, and how Ben could work as well.
“Are you going to do it?”
I shake my head. “I’m not working, remember.”
“I think you should.”
“I don’t want to leave you, Ben. This is where I need to be.”
He leans over and kisses my forehead. “And I’m here, surrounded by family. I think if we’re here, you should do what makes you happy.”
I open my mouth to say something, but he holds his hand up.
“I can do my part and we can create together, like we used to. Being here, things are different. I’ll never be alone.”
“That’s very true.” I look around at the big family we have.
“Besides, it’ll give you something to do while I’m sleeping.” He laughs.
“I’ll think about it.”
“Sure, you will,” he says. “That’s code for you’ll push it aside because you think it’s the right thing to do. I’m telling you, take the job. I want you to do what you love while we’re here. Besides, you’ll be five minutes away, and no tours.”
“No tours,” I tell him.
“Do you think you can show me the studio later?”
“Of course, but you have to do something for me.” I eye his plate.
He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”
20
BEN
It’s been three weeks since we returned to Beaumont. The second round of chemo or my next batch, whatever I’m supposed to call it, is over and this is my down week. Although, with it being Friday, I only have the weekend to enjoy myself before I start all over again. The first few days are okay, but by mid-week, I’m exhausted. Mentally and physically. Not to mention I hardly eat because throwing up isn’t fun. The only food I can keep down as of late is soup, and I’m sorry but there’s only so much soup a guy can take. Unfortunately, the alternative is a feeding tube, which Elle keeps threatening me with. I know I’m not getting enough to eat but forcing myself only makes me feel sicker.