Tell Me What, Sweetheart?.....

 It's Sunday afternoon and Laura has plans to go out while Luke will be at work for the remainder of the day. She answers the door, to see her sister Michelle and her cousin Amari have arrived so they can all go shopping.

*Laura* "Hey! come in....I just need to finish feeding Phoenix then we can go."
*Michelle* "Okay...."

*Amari* "Oh, look at him! He is just the cutest...And gettin' so big!"

Phoenix sits quietly waiting for his food, while they

 get comfy around the table. 

 *Michelle* "So how did your 'date' with Shaun go?"
 *Amari* "Good....Really good..."

*Laura* "You went out with Shaun? When did this happen?"

*Amari smiles* "After the reception...We went to that late night 

coffee house a few blocks away...."

*Amari continues* "And again last night....we went to the movies. Then we talked for a while...."

*Michelle* "Yeah, that's why he hasn't left town yet...."

 *Laura* "Luke said he was staying cause their thinking of starting a band..."

*Laura lowers her voice*..."which is crazy, I don't see how they have any time. 

Plus, I think it's all Peter's crazy idea..."

 *Amari* "Really?! A band huh? Cause he hasn't mentioned anything about that..."
*Laura* "They're still just talking about it."

*Michelle* "Yeah, but ya'll have only gone out a couple times...."

 *Michelle continues* " Maybe he doesn't want to get your hopes 

up in case he does end up leaving."

 *Amari* "True...but I sure hope he sticks around."

Then Michelle's phone buzzes with a text message and she gets up to check it. Amari takes her seat at the table.

*Amari* "So was that your honey?"

*Michelle smiles* "Yeah, text me to say he's going into work for the rest of day."

 *Amari* "On a Sunday?!...Don't you think that's suspicious?"

*Michelle* "No....sometimes he does. His Dad has been giving him more responsibility lately."

*Amari* "Where's he work again?"

*Laura* "Trudeau Construction....his Daddy owns the company."

*Amari* "Oh, that's right! How could I forget....The rich, hot bachelor...."

Amari turns to Michelle.

*Amari* "So you two gonna get married? You that serious?"

*Michelle* "Maybe....he's gotta propose first...We haven't talked about it a whole lot. Every time I bring it up he gets nervous. I just think he needs a little more time."

*Amari* "Well....Don't wait too long...."

Turning to Laura

*Amari* "Speaking of marriage....how's married life? 

You two enjoy your night alone?" 

*Laura smiles* "It's been fine..." *Laura smiles brighter* "And we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

I can't believe it's already been a month since the wedding."

*Michelle* ''You sayin' you need me to babysit again?"

*Laura smiles slyly* "Maybe....it'd be nice to have a night like that again...."

*Amari* "Oooo girl, you got it bad. Good thing you married the man."

*Laura snickers* "I can tell you that's one of the reasons why I did marry him..."

The girls all start giggling and before they even realize it Luke has made his way downstairs.

Amari and Michelle are first to notice Luke standing there.

Then Luke walks to stand next to Laura.

*Laura a little startled and embarrassed* "Luke....Hey, you leaving already?"

*Luke* "Yeah....I'm actually running a little late."
Laura gets up to say goodbye picking up Phoenix with her, 
while Amari and Michelle speak quietly to each other.

*Michelle* "So what store do you want to check out first?"
*Amari* "Anywhere that's got some good sales, works for me..."
Luke leans in to kiss Laura goodbye and catches the attention of the other two ladies in the room.

*Michelle joking around* "Hey! not in front of the baby.....
get a room you two!"
Luke pulls away from Laura and turns to look at Michelle.
*Luke* "Then maybe Laura should take you up on that babysitting offer again..." 

Laura embarrassed cause that means he 
heard their conversation.

*Laura* "Luke!..."
Amari laughs at the whole situation and
 Michelle isn't fazed by it.
*Michelle* "Okay.." *she smiles* "...just let me know when y'all are ready."
Then Luke kisses her one last time on the cheek and leaves. 

The girls get up to get ready to go as well.

*Laura slightly serious* "Well, it looks like you got the green light to babysit again..."
Michelle giggles thinking about how Luke handled 
over hearing their conversation.
*Michelle* "Yeah...Like I said just let me know."

*Laura changes subjects* "So? Where do ya'll want to go...the mall?
That way Phoenix won't get too cold."
The girls all agree and get ready to head out the door.
*Michelle* "Since we're going to the mall let's check out Victoria's Secret..."

*Amari* "Why? You trying to get pregnant too?"
Now it's Laura's turn to giggle at her sister's expense.
Michelle thrown off by Amari's comment.
*Michelle* "No...Benjamin gave his credit card."

*******************************************

While the girls are out shopping and  spending some cold hard cash or plastic, across town at Trudeau Construction, Benjamin is showing his Dad some blueprints of a house he wants to build. Justin sits and listens while his son rambles on.

*Justin* "Son, this is all great but don't you want to run all
this by Michelle? Do this together?
*Benjamin* "Yeah I know, but I've have had years to think about this...."

*Justin* "Just slow down son, you don't need to be in any hurry. Besides you
haven't even proposed to her yet. When do you plan on doing that?"

*Benjamin* "Soon enough......"

*Benjamin continues* "I got everything already to go,  the reservations are set,
now I just need to wait....."
*Justin* "Sounds like you got it all planned out....where are you taking her?"

Benjamin is about to tell his Dad all about his plans when the

 door to Justin's office quickly swings open...

In her sweet southern charm,
she speaks, greeting the two of them.
*Erica* "How's my two favorite boys, doin'?"

*Justin* "Mom! I thought you were in Europe."
*Erica* "I was..."
But as she is replying Sarah comes in....

*Sarah* "I'm sorry Mr. Trudeau, I told her you
were in a meeting...."
*Justin* 'It's quite all right, Sarah...."

Sarah exits and heads back to her desk. 
Relieved to know she is not in trouble.
*Justin* "So what brings you back home from your trip?"

As Justin is talking Benjamin walks around 
to greet his Grandmother.
*Erica* "First....some shuga from my Handsome Grandson!..."

*Erica* "Where are your manners boy? Remove that hat..."
*Benjamin* "Sorry Nana...."
Benjamin takes off his hat and sets it down.

He bends down and gives his grandmother a big hug, it's been awhile since she's been home. She likes to travel a lot.  She kisses him on the cheek then pulls back to have a look at him.

*Erica* "My goodness....look at you! As handsome as eva!"
*Justin* "Mama...what brings you home?
I'm assuming it's business related...."
*Erica* "It is, Justin."

*She continues her eyes darting to her son* "I heard some very
unsettling news about the company."
She lets go of Benjamin and steps back. 
Both of them confused and speak nearly in unison.
"Unsettling?"

*Justin* "Mama, the company is doing great, we have contracts all over the state!"
Her tone going from light and cheerful to serious.
*Erica* "Well, that's why I came.....to hear it straight from the horses mouth..."
She turns and sets her bag on the table.

 Justin and Benjamin are hanging on her every move,
 waiting for her to speak. She walks around the table 
and leans against one of the chairs.

*Erica* "I heard your gettin' into bed with competition...I came to
tell you this aint happenin'! Justin have you forgotten what happened all those years ago?!"
*Justin* "Mama, it's a good move! We could grow so much
 larger with this merger!"

*Benjamin confused* "What happened? What's she talkin' bout?"
*Justin* "Something that happened years ago son.
It's water under the bridge now. At least to me it is...."

*Erica* "You seem to be forgitten' I'm still the majority stock holder, son.
And I say this merger ain't happenin'...."
*Justin* "Calm down....at least look at the numbers."

 *Erica* "Oh sweetie....you ain't seen me mad yet. I don't need to look at the numbers.
Your father will be rolling in his grave! He did not start this
company to have you rip it to shreds!"
*Benjamin looking at his father* "Are you gonna tell her?"

 *Justin* "No I think you should.....she is your Nana after all."
Benjamin turns back to his Grandmother and
 takes a deep breath.
 *Erica* "Tell me what, Sweetheart?"

*Benjamin* "The reason Dad wants to merge is I'm planning on marry
 Scott's youngest daughter and together we will run the company...."
*Erica* "Over my dead body!....You are not marry anyone
from that family!

Benjamin completely stunned by her 
reaction and speechless....
*Benjamin* "But....But Nana! I love her! I want to settle down and have a family with her....And I'm
marrying her merger or not!"

*Erica* "You do and I'll make sure this company goes to your brother Colton!
You won't see a penny more. See how happy your new bride will
 be when you've been disowned and dead broke...."
*Benjamin scoffs* "Colton?! He's too young still....Besides, you....you
don't have the power to do that!"
*Erica* "Oh Sweetheart! Yes I do!...."

*Benjamin to his father* "Does she?"
*Justin* "I'm afraid so son....Mama I really think you
need to stop and look at the whole picture here......"
 *Erica* "I am not gonna let this happen....and Benjamin will not marry the competition!
*Justin* "Aren't you happy he wants to settle down! We've both been waiting for this day..."

 *Erica* "Not if it's gonna be with one of Scott Lavigne's children!"
*Justin* "Mama!....You haven't even met her...or spoken to Scott in years!"
 *Erica* "I don't need to Darlin'....Benjamin needs to marry someone like that sweet secretary you have out there.....A woman who can bare me great-grandchildren and stay at home."
 *Justin* "That's a bit old fashioned....don't you think?"
While Justin has been hashing it out with his mother, 
Benjamin gathers his belongings, he can't take 
listening to a minute more of this....

*Benjamin* "I'm outta here. I ain't listening to this sh*t anymore! 

I love Michelle and I'm marry her! And I don't give a rats ass what you think!"

Then he storms out, heading towards the door.

*Erica* "Benjamin Trudeau! This ain't ova yet! Not by a long shot..."
*Benjamin* "It is in my book!"
Benjamin doesn't turn around, he keeps going, slamming
 the door behind him on his way out.

*Erica* "Well....I neva!....That boy is still as spoiled rotten as the day he was born!"
Justin throws his hands up, running his fingers through his hair, he's thinking about doing what Benjamin just did and walk out, but that just isn't an option or a good move on his part.
*Justin* "And you don't think you had any part in that? You and I
both doted on him after his Mama passed..."
*Erica* "As a child, yes.....yes I did, but he's a grown man now, you need to stop babying your boy Justin! He's being bread to run this company, and I'm here to make sure it gits done right!"

*Justin* "He is ready to run this company!"
*Erica* "Not from where I'm standing...Your father, god rest his soul, was too easy on you. I will not make that mistake with Benjamin..."
*Justin* "Don't bring Daddy into this....you know he preferred to be out there building and working, as opposed to the harsh dealings of the business side of things.
Erica gathers her purse and dismisses her son's last comment. 
She then turns and heads for the door.

*Erica* "We'll talk more later tanight,...I have some other
business I need to attend to before the day is ova.
Bye, Sweetheart..."
She leaves Justin stunned and speechless, Mama was always good at ruffling feathers, especially when it was something that wasn't to her liking. Justin shakes his head, thinking he should have saw this coming but, Mama hasn't been around much lately, so he quickly dismissed the thought of her protesting this merger. He now knows he made a huge mistake....


******************************************

Later into the evening Benjamin comes home after 
spending some time talking with Aric, and notices 
Michelle did quite a bit of shopping with his credit card...

He sighs still upset over what his grandmother said to him, 
he heads to the fridge to grab a beer and sit on the couch.

*Benjamin hollering upstairs to Michelle* "You left a bunch of bags on the couch!"
*Michelle hollering back* "I'll be down in a sec!"
Benjamin grabs them, and sets them on 
the floor so he can sit down.

Rocky who's been following him since the 
minute he walked in the door, whimpers, he wants to 
cuddle with him up on the couch.
*Benjamin talking to the dog* "Not now....git down!"

Michelle finally sneaks downstairs and stands 
against the wall showing of her new lingerie.
*Michelle* "What'd ya think, Baby?"
Benjamin still a little preoccupied on 
today's earlier events.
*Benjamin turns to look at her* "What?"

Michelle moves to the couch straddling his lap.
*Michelle* "I said....What'd you think? You like it?"
She tries to pull the beer out of his hand and bend down to kiss him but Benjamin slides her off his lap and gets up.
*Benjamin* "I'm not in the mood.....had a really sh*tty day...I'm gonna shower."

*Michelle* "Really, Benjamin?!"
Benjamin exits the room with his beer and
 Rocky close on his heels.

Michelle sits on the couch, her ego a bit hurt by his rejection, she starts to wonder if Amari was right. Why would he work on a Sunday? It did only start a few weeks ago. Then starts to think that maybe he is seeing Penelope again after seeing her at the wedding after all this time. Michelle decides to sit and stew on it a while and watches some TV. When she finally goes to bed some hours later Benjamin is already asleep. Oh well! So much for a romantic evening.....


The End.....for now!
^_^