Friday Night~Bull Tavern...(S3-E9)

It's Friday night and Luke and Laura have decided to eat dinner at Bull Tavern. The past couple days have been a bit crazy and it's kinda nice to unwind and relax.

After getting settled in. Roxie comes to say hello and serve them some drinks. While they wait for their dinner. They continue to talk about their day.

*Luke* "So you haven't talked to your sister at all since this morning?"

*Laura* "Nope, I did think about calling her..."

 *Luke* "So why haven't you?"

*Laura* "I just thought I should give her some space. I guess my Mom would be calling me if Michelle was hold up in her room."

*Luke* "Yeah, your probably right."

 Luke takes a swig of his beer. Laura continues to talk about what happened that morning at breakfast.

 *Laura* "I still can't believe you told my sister about Rufus Blue. Why did you?"

*Luke* "I don't know, I guess I figured it was a good distraction for her. Plus, maybe she will realize that sometimes your mistakes they work out for the better and sometimes they don't. I would have never met you if things didn't happen the way they did." 

 *Laura* "I know, I just don't like hearing you talk so nonchalant about her and what happened. I know it sounds a bit childish but I just don't like thinking of you being with her."

*Luke* "I'm sorry, Babe.  Just know, she is in my past and it's gonna stay that way. I have no reason to see or talk to her. Those days are behind me. I love you and only you."

*Laura runs her hand along Luke's thigh* "I love you, too."

Luke smiles at her lovingly and the two don't even realize that Roxie has come with their food they ordered.

*Roxie* "Hey, you two lovebirds I got your food here." 

*Laura* "Hi....Oh thank you, Roxie." 

Roxie sets there plates on the table and continues talking. 

*Roxie* "So....you two gonna tells me what happened with Benjamin and Michelle? He called Aric this morning and told him a little bit of what happened last night. I know Michelle spent the night at ya'lls place last night."

 *Laura* "Oh, really? He talked to Aric? Well, then you know what Benjamin told Michelle....About how he feels about her?"

*Roxie* "Yes, apparently he is in love with your sister. This is new territory for Benjamin. I hope he doesn't do anything to screw this up."
*Laura* "So, I guess you also know that my sister freaked out when he told how he felt about her."
*Roxie* "Yeah, but do you know why she ran off? When Aric talked to him this morning he said that she ran away and he thought that she didn't feel the same way. I guess he was trying to get some advice from Aric? I don't know..."

*Laura* "Well.... to make a very long story short. Michelle started the bet with him as way to get revenge on him for hurting Penelope. That is why she ran away."
*Roxie gasps* "Oh my! Are you serious? So she was only dating him to get revenge?"
*Laura* "I know.... it's kinda hard to believe she would do that. But she does have true feelings for him. She was supposed to tell him the truth about their bet this morning when he picked her up at our place."
*Roxie* "Do you know how it went?"
*Laura* "No, I haven't talked to her yet. Oh! Hey, don't forget we are having Thanksgiving at my restaurant for just friends and family, you and Aric are welcome to come." 
*Roxie* "Okay....sounds good."
Just then Aric hollers across the bar. 

 *Aric* "What are you three gossiping about over there?"
*Roxie* "We're talking about Benjamin."

*Aric* "So, no one is gonna tell me what happened? He is my best friend after all."
Roxie relieves Aric from the bar so that he can go and talk for a few minutes.
*Aric* "Mr. Jones needs his beer refilled."
*Roxie* "I'm on it. Just give yourself a break for a few minutes. I got the bar."
*Aric* "Your the best, honey." 
*Roxie as a matter of fact* "I know...." 

Aric goes and takes a seat at the table with Luke and Laura.

*Aric* "So, how is Benji? I haven't talked to him since this morning. He said he was on his way to pick up Michelle so they could talk."

*Luke* "Well, actually we don't know much more than you do."
*Aric* "How's that?"
*Luke* "You know how Cruz and I were teasing him last night about his feelings for Michelle."
*Aric* "Yeah. We talked about that this morning."
*Laura* "Michelle told me last night why she made that bet with Benjamin. She basically wanted revenge. She wanted him to feel how much it hurts to get your heart broken."

*Aric* "Ouch!! Poor Benji. So you haven't heard out how things turned out between them? You haven't talked to your sister?"
*Laura* "No, that is all we know. I guess if things had gone terribly wrong she would have called me already."

 *Aric* "Well, I hope they can work it out. I think your sister is good for him. He needs to settle down finally. I know this would make his Dad very happy."
*Laura* "She does care about him. But knowing Benjamin's history I just hope my sister isn't the one who ultimately ends up with a broken heart."
*Aric* "I agree with you. I'm gonna be on him like a hound dog on a fox. I am not about to let him screw this up. He needs a good woman. Not some floozy he meets at a bar or some night club."
*Laura* "You really care about him, don't you?"

*Aric* "Yeah, I do. He is like a brother to me. We have been through a lot together.  Our Mother's were good friends before his Mom passed away.  So we played together a lot as little boys."
*Laura* "Oh, I thought that ya'll met in high school."
*Aric* "Nope, Benji and I go way back.....Well, I'm gonna let you two eat."
They acknowledge that he needs to go back to work. Aric gets up from the table to go and check on some of the other customers. Luke and Laura sit quietly while they eat their food. 

As they are finishing dinner a couple walks into the bar. Luke immediately recognizes his old friend. They are both utterly surprised to see each other.

*Stranger* "Luke? Luke Cooper.....?
*Luke* "Yeah!  How's it going?.....what's up man!"
Luke gets up from the table to greet him. The two friends give each other a handshake and strong pat on the back.  

*Luke* "How the hell have you been? Are you visiting... working a concert?"
*Stranger* "I'm good....things have been good. Actually, I guess we just moved here. We have been kinda bouncing around from city to city."

*Luke* "Come sit down and join us.  I'll order us some drinks. It would be great to catch up a bit."
*Stranger* "Oh, I don't want to bother you guys. You look like your enjoying your evening."
*Luke* "It's fine."

*Stranger looks to his date* "You okay with this?"
*Date* "Oh, yeah......It's totally fine."
So the couple takes a seat across from Luke and Laura.

*Luke* "This is my girlfriend Laura.  Babe, this is Peter Morrisey. We worked together for many years."
*Laura* "Hello! So nice to meet you....."

 *Peter* "Likewise.....this is Fionna. We met right before the sh*t hit the fan. So we decided to leave together before it got worse."
   *Luke* "So....your not working for Rock Candy anymore?"

*Peter* "Haven't you heard?  Rock Candy is not a band anymore. Rufus went solo about a year after you left. I quit not long after you did. Things went downhill after......"
*Luke a little uncomfortable* "Oh....Yeah, now that you mention it I do remember hearing something about that. So are you working for another band?"
*Perer* "No, Fionna and I decided to just leave the business completely. We needed a change of pace."
*Luke* "I know what you mean. It's nice to not have to pack up and leave every week."

*Peter* "So, what about you? Did you ever open a record store like you wanted to?"
*Luke* "Um...yeah. Yeah I did."
*Peter* "That's great! How is it working out?"
*Luke* "I'm doing pretty good.  I'm actully looking at buying the building right next door. To expand the shop, plus we plan on renovating the apartments above it so we can live there."

*Peter* "Oh wow! Sounds like you are doing pretty good. So, I guess by we you mean you two are planning on living together?"
*Luke* "Yes, but we already live together. We have been together for a couple years now. It's been...What? 3-4 years since I left?"
*Peter*  "Yeah, that sounds about right."

*Luke* "Hey, you should come back to our place. We can continue catching up there. It's starting to get busier here and the noise level makes it hard to hear."
*Peter* "I would love to but we had plans to have a quick drink and continue walking around. It's a great way to get familiar with a new city."

*Luke* "Okay, let me give you my cell number. So if you want to come by and check out the shop one day you can. Plus, Laura is a chef at a local restaurant Ma Cherie if you want to try some good local food to eat another time."
*Peter* "Definitely, I would love to see your record shop. We are still in a hotel right now. Once we finish moving our stuff into our new place. I will swing by."
*Luke* "Great....So, I guess you are planning on living here?"
*Peter* "Um.....maybe. Like I said we have been kinda trying to decide where we want to settle."
*Luke* "Okay...well I guess we'll see you around."
*Peter* "Yeah it was good seeing you and thanks for the drinks."

Luke and Laura say goodbye to Peter and Fionna. Then they wave off to Aric at the bar to let him know they are heading out. Today has been quit a day for them. First everyone is sucked into the drama surrounding Michelle and Benjamin. Then someone from Luke's past happens to show up at Bull Tavern that same day. Hopefully there won't be anymore surprises for a while. The past couple days have been crazy enough.....


 

 

Michelle's Confession Part 3...(S3-E8)

Michelle and Benjamin walk out the door and stop on the front porch.

*Benjamin* "So....where do you want to go to talk?"

*Michelle* "Oh.... somewhere quiet and private so we can talk without being interrupted. You have any ideas?"

  *Benjamin* "Mmmmm....We can go back to my place?"

*Michelle* "What about......."

As Michelle is about to say where she wants to go. Laura walks out the door.

*Laura* "Oh! Hey! I thought you two were gone already."

*Michelle* "Almost, we're just deciding where to go."

*Laura walks up to Michelle* "Okay, well I'm off to work now. I guess I'll talk to you later?"

Michelle nods and says goodbye to her sister.  Laura leaves them at the porch and gets in her car and drives away. Now they are completely alone and feeling that awkwardness over what took place here last night.

*Benjamin* "So uh you want to go back to my place? Or do you have some other place in mind?"

*Michelle* "Um....No. I..I... mean. Your place is fine. I can't think of anywhere else to go."

*Benjamin* "Okay, well let's get going. I have to meet up with my Dad for lunch. He wants me to be there for some big contract he has coming up with a new client."

After about a 20 minute drive back to Benjamin's place. Michelle just keeps hashing over and over how she is going to tell Benjamin the truth about their bet. Neither of them has said much to each other on the ride over there.

*Benjamin* "Well...here we are. Sorry for the mess I was hunting with my Dad last weekend and I haven't got around to picking up the place."

*Michelle* "Oh, don't worry about it. It's fine."

Michelle walks over to take a seat on the couch. Before Benjamin takes a seat he removes his hat and jacket. 

Michelle gets sucked into the moment and cannot take her eyes off him. Imagining he doesn't stop with just the hat and jacket.

Benjamin can't help but notice the lusty look in her eyes. He has seen plenty of women look at him that way. 

*Benjamin uses the moment to break the ice* "What's wrong? Is my fly down?" *Benjamin checks the zipper on his pants*

*Michelle chokes on her words* "Um....no..no. But your hair is a mess."
*Benjamin* "Yeah......"

Benjamin sits down next to her and runs his fingers through his hair. Michelle looks away as though she is checking out the room. Butterflies are starting to swarm in her stomach and she is not sure she can go through with it. Benjamin points to the table and tells her she can set her bag there.

Michelle does just that. She is usually quite confident but her nerves are getting the best of her. She turns to face him, it's now or never she tells herself.

*Michelle* " Okay. Well, I guess we don't have much time since you got a business meeting. So I am just gonna come out with it and tell you why I bolted on you last night."

Benjamin looks her up and down and just nods yes to what she just said. He gestures for her to come and sit back down next to him.

 Michelle sits but tries to keep some distance between them. She begins...

*Michelle* "Okay.....if you flip out after I tell you this. Then I totally understand."

Benjamin now even more eager to hear what she has to say.  

*Michelle speaks then pauses* "It's about.....You know.... the bet we made with each other."

*Benjamin nods*  "I figured it might be about that."

*Michelle* "Well, I.....I convinced you to take the bet because of how things ended with Penelope."

*Benjamin* "Yeah, I remember. You were pretty hot under the collar that night."

Michelle struggling how to say what she needs to say.  She is feeling more and more nervous by the second. She touches her forehead. Sweat is already beading. She takes a deep breath.

*Benjamin* "I think I know where you are going with this."

*Michelle* "You do?"

*Benjamin* "Well, we made that bet because you wanted to prove a point. That I couldn't be with a girl and not expect anything more than just being friends."

*Michelle* "Um....yeah."
*Benjamin* "I took the bet thinking I could win easily but as I got to know you better it didn't matter much to me.  Honestly, I really don't care about that bet we made anymore. I enjoy being with you and talking to you."
*Michelle* "Yes but, that is what I wanted you to think the bet was for."
*Benjamin* "What do you mean?"
*Michelle* "The bet was a cover story."
Benjamin just looks at her. He is not sure what she is trying to say.

 *Michelle continues* "Remember that day we first met at the BBQ?
*Benjamin* "Yes, I remember it very well."
*Michelle* "Well, I only went there so I could meet you. I was curious. I wanted to see what you looked like. I was not happy with you and how things ended between you and Penelope. She was devastated by it."

*Benjamin not sure he likes where this conversation is going* "Okay...."

*Michelle* "Soooo...... after we talked for awhile at the BBQ.  I decided to act like I was interested in you and that is why I gave you my number.  Hoping you would call me and ask me out. That way I could convince you to take that bet with me."

*Benjamin sounding a little frustrated* ''What!?"

 Michelle gets up and fiddles with her bag looking to see if she has a tissue. She is afraid to say anymore. Seeing he is already getting a little frustrated by what she has already told him.
*Michelle tears welling up* "I......can't....
*Benjamin* "Just say it. You can't say this much and then leave me hanging...." 

*Michelle tears rolling down and keeping her back to him* "I hated you. I wanted to crush you like you did to Penelope. I wanted you to fall for me. That way you would finally see how it felt to have your heart broken."

 Benjamin jumps up off the couch. He never could have imagined that that was what she was going to tell him. 

*Benjamin is now on the defensive* "What the hell! So...you think because of Penelope you have the right to play with my feelings! Wow!  I.....I....I cannot believe you started this relationship with me because of what happened between her and I! I told you that night on our first date how things were.  She was way too clingy!  She pushed me too much.  Sh*t! She would freak out if I barely looked at another woman. I couldn't even order us coffee or she would criticize the way I talked to the waitress. It was insane!"

Michelle turns around to face him. Now she too is getting angry.

*Michelle* "Oh! Here we go again!  Acting like what happened between you two wasn't your fault. Benjamin! You cheated on her! All she did was love you and you broke her heart. That is why I wanted you to feel her pain. She was a wreck Benjamin and you just didn't care...."

 *Benjamin tired of explaining why* "But we weren't a couple!  She knew that! I just couldn't deal with her accusations anymore. 

*Michelle* "But they weren't accusations! You did cheat on her. Did you ever make it clear to her that you weren't exclusive."

*Benjamin* "No! But we weren't clicking and she couldn't see that. Plus, we hardly had anything in common. The sex was good and that was it!"

*Michelle so furious she could blow steam* "Ahhhh! I can't believe you just said that. See, that is exactly why I did what I did. You can't treat women like that. We are not just some sexual being to feed your ego!"

*Benjamin* "But that is what you are not getting.  That is all that our relationship was. She knew it but didn't want to accept it. We were both consenting adults. I didn't make her do anything she didn't want to.  She would call me at twelve o'clock at night.  Not the other way around. All I'm asking is for you to see my side of the story."

*Michelle* "Fine! If you admit what you did to her was wrong then I will admit she can be clingy at times."

*Benjamin* "Hell, no! We weren't exclusive. I never asked her be my girl.  She was fun in the sack and that was it."

*Michelle screams* "You are such a....a...AHhhh!!"

*Benjamin* "A What!? Say it! You know you want to."

*Michelle* "Forget it. I want to know  is how many other women were there?"

*Benjamin* "I don't have to answer that...."
*Michelle just glares at him waiting for him to answer.*
*Benjamin* "Fine! I don't know. Three maybe."

*Michelle scoffs* "And what about us, Benjamin? Have you ever cheated on me? Because we haven't even slept together and it's obvious you can't stay faithful."

*Benjamin* "Wait!... Stop. What the hell, I'm the one who should be mad at you right now. Your the one admitting to starting this relationship on false pretenses. Last night I told you that I Loved You! I meant every word of it and it wasn't easy for me. I have never told a woman that! Never."

Michelle starts to calm down a little. Benjamin continues....

*Benjamin with anger and hurt in his voice* "Now, you got what you wanted, Michelle. I fell hard for you, and I even took you up on that crazy bet. I treated you like a respectable young lady. I have been good to you and I have NOT been with another woman. Now your telling me you were prepared to throw all that away. Because you were hell bent on revenge. Are you ready for me to say.....There's door!  You won your stupid little bet. You broke my heart and I learned my lesson. Is that what you want? Is it?"

By the time he is finished he is right in her face looking her straight in the eyes. She can see he is serious and what he is telling her is coming  from his heart. And that he means every word of it. Michelle breaks down. She is scared he is going to dump her and never want to see her again. He looks so hurt and angry....

 *Michelle tears forming again* "No! No I'm not ready to give up on us but if that is the way you feel then I will understand. I'm sorry I started that stupid bet. I'm sorry!"

*Benjamin sighs* "Ahh!! Hell......upset as I am about what you did. I still want to be with you. Although I don't know how long it will be before I can trust you. I am willing to give it a try."

*Michelle* "Really?"

Michelle cannot believe what she is hearing. She was so sure he was going to kick her to the curb the minute she told him the truth of their bet. Her knees buckle and she falls to the couch sobbing. Relieved that the truth is finally out.

 *Michelle wiping tears from her eyes* "I cannot believe you are taking this so well. Are you sure you are not still in shock over what I just told you?"

*Benjamin* "Honestly.....I probably am.  I am mad about what you did. Did I deserve it? Mmmm..Maybe I did."

*Michelle* " Does this mean you forgive me?"

*Benjamin* "Ah Yeah. I guess so. I know we are gonna need to be honest with each other if you want this to work out."

*Michelle* "So you still want to be together?"

*Benjamin* "That's what we both want right?"

*Michelle* "Yes it's want I want." 

*Benjamin* "I feel the same way, Darling. I am not ready to give you up. I still want to try."

*Michelle* "So what do we do now? Start over fresh?"

*Benjamin* "Yeah. I think we could try that. No more lies though."

*Michelle* "Okay. I promise. So now what?"

 *Benjamin runs his hand up her inner thigh* "Well, you know....we still have a little time and, I know one way we can spend it."

*Michelle pushes him back* "Really, Benjamin?! Really?! After all that just happened here. After everything I just told you and your still thinking about sex! Unbelievable...."

 *Benjamin* "I'm sorry! I can't help it. Do you have any idea how long it has been for me? It's torture. And that outfit your wearing is not helping."

*Michelle turns away* "I see now why you forgave me. You still want to get in my pants before you send me packing don't you?!"

 *Benjamin* "Ah C'mon! That is not fair! I wasn't pressuring you last night when I told you how I felt about you. You haven't even said it back. How do I know your still not scheming to break up with me."

*Michelle sucks in air* "How dare you! I confessed everything to you. Then the minute we get close to each other.....You have to make it a bout sex! Why!?"

Tensions rise again between them. 

*Benjamin gets up* " What's stopping us? The bet is over. Mmmm... I think I know why this bothers you. You're a virgin aren't you?" 

*Michelle appalled by his question* "What? Me? No!...no I am not a virgin." 

*Benjamin* "Well, how the hell am I supposed to believe you! You have already lied to me once."

*Michelle* "Because it's the truth! I just don't think every waking minute were together has to be about sex."

*Benjamin* " It hasn't. Isn't that what that bet was all about! We have been dating for nearly six months ,Darling. Not once have we came close. You always stopped to remind me of that damn bet. And now, I see why it was so easy for you to push me away."

*Michelle trying not to answer his question* "You know what? I'm done here. Maybe you should just take me home now."

 *Benjamin sighs he feels bad for pressuring her* " Hold on. Stop. I'm sorry. It's just that I  want you to be honest with me. Are you afraid I will get mad about it or loose interest in you if you are a virgin?"

 *Michelle still nervous about answering him* "Benjamin....I......"

*Benjamin stops her, he can see this is hard for her* "It's okay. You don't have to answer it. I waited this long. I can wait for when your ready. There are just gonna be a lot a cold showers for me in mean time."

*Michelle* "Benjamin?"

*Benjamin* "Yeah?"

*Michelle* "I love you...."

 Benjamin pulls her in and kisses her. 

The two sit back down on the couch and just sit quietly for a few moments.

 *Michelle finally get up the nerve to tell him* "To answer your question truthfully. I'm not a virgin. I was with one guy, a few times back at college. He used me to get what he wanted and then blew me off. I was devastated just like Penelope was. So, I swore to myself I wouldn't let that happen again. I threw myself into my studies and ignored every guy who came up to me after that. Penelope is the only one I ever told. I never even told my sister what happened."

*Benjamin* "I'm sorry you got your heart broke. I guess this explains more why you did what you did when things went bad between me and Penelope."

*Michelle* "Yeah, I think your right. I'm sorry I took that anger out on you....."

They sit there silent for another moment.

*Benjamin* "Good Grief! This has been one crazy morning."

*Michelle* "Tell me about it. I was sure I was going to be walking home right about now."

*Benjamin* "Actually, what you did was not that bad. I have had some women want to do worse things to me than break my heart."

*Michelle* "Oh. I don't doubt that one bit. Women can be brutal when it comes to being cheated on. Just promise me you'll never put me in that position."

*Benjamin squeezes her against him* "I promise. Well, I better get you home so I am not late for that business meeting. Besides if we sit here any longer I'm gonna have to go and take one of them cold showers."

*Michelle laughs and gets up to grab her bag* "Okay, besides I need to shop for some new clothes anyways."

*Benjamin comes up behind her* "I have an idea. Why don't we make a fresh start by me taking you away for a weekend. I want to be with you Michelle. I don't want to wait anymore. I'll make all the reservations. All you will need to do is pack a bag."

 *Michelle smiles at him* "You know what... I'd like that."

*Benjamin* "Good, it will be a weekend you will not forget."

Michelle's body shudders at the thought of a whole weekend alone with him.  She carries herself as a very mature and experienced woman but all that is really a ruse.  Now that he knows the truth will this affect the next step in their relationship? She does want this but she is afraid to be seen as a young, inexperienced girl. She is frightened that he will loose interest in her once she gives herself to him completely. Maybe he is confusing love for lust and once that lust has been satisfied he will no longer feel that he loves her. Then she will be the one left with a broken heart. Again......

The End!! 

For Now......^_^