Chapter 62 - Sarah
SARAH
Knowing that I was on my way to see Ben was already exciting. But the fact that he also had a surprise waiting for me made me happier than a kid on Christmas morning.
Talking of surprises, hopefully it wouldn’t be long until Ben’s would be ready. I’d give the guy who was taking care of it a call tomorrow to check his progress.
Once I’d seen off the retreat guests and helped Jane tidy up, I skipped to Ben’s flat.
I’d missed him so much, which was crazy. It wasn’t like I hadn’t seen him for months. It’d barely been forty-eight hours. And we’d texted before bed and during the day, so that made it even weirder.
At first, I’d reminded myself not to get used to this. If anything, we should be winding down the contact in preparation to go our separate ways. Then I remembered Jane’s advice to tell him how I felt. So I’d do that today.
The fact that he’d got me a surprise was a good thing, right? Guys didn’t get surprises for fuckbuddies. That must mean that he thought we were more. Maybe the surprise was that he was staying after all?
The suspense was killing me. Not long to find out now, though.
Ben buzzed me in. When I got to the top of the stairs and saw him, my stomach did backflips, somersaults and excited karate kicks.
I knew there was more to him than his looks, but honestly. When the powers that be created Ben, they really pulled out all the stops.
‘Hello,’ he said in his deep, plummy voice and my knickers disintegrated on the spot.
‘Hey.’ I stood in front of him, grinning like an idiot. Would it look too desperate if I jumped him right now?
Probably.
And given the conversation we’d had at the beach, it was better that I didn’t. It was important that he knew that I was interested in him for more than just his physical appearance.
Ben leant forward and planted a soft kiss on my lips.
‘Come in. Your surprise is ready.’
‘I’m so excited!’ I said.
I didn’t think a guy had ever given me a surprise before. Well, not a nice one anyway.
‘How was the rest of the retreat?’ Ben asked.
I’d updated him on our texts last night but hadn’t spoken about it since.
‘Amazing! The guests raved about it, and the feedback on the forms pretty much gave us full marks across the board. They all said they want to come back.’
‘Excellent! Theo and Jess will be delighted! Now close your eyes. No peeking.’ Ben took my hand and I did as he’d asked. After leading me across the flat, he stopped. ‘You can open your eyes now.’
‘Wait, what’s this?’ I said.
‘I think you’ll find that this object with four legs is what is commonly referred to as a desk, the thing in front of it with wheels is known as a chair and the silver item with keys is usually called… what’s the name again?’ He rested his finger on his chin playfully. ‘Ah, yes, that’s a laptop.’
‘I know what they’re called, smarty pants! But what I don’t get is what they’re doing here.’ I frowned, ‘Are they… for me?’
‘Yes. That was the idea.’
‘You got these for me?’ I repeated, still not able to take it in.
I was completely lost for words.
The solid oak oval desk was beautifully crafted and looked like something that a millionaire would commission a specialist carpenter to make for the office in their fancy mansion.
The chair was one of those expensive-looking ergonomic ones.
And that wasn’t just a laptop. It was a Mac which cost a pretty penny.
And wait.
I recognised one of the logos at the bottom of the screen. That was the software I’d heard a lot of authors used for writing and formatting their books.
When I scanned the walls where the desk was placed, my mouth crashed to the ground. Ben had even put motivational quotes in pretty pink-and-white frames like ‘Future Bestselling Author’, ‘Write the Story the World Needs to Read’ and ‘Careful, or You’ll End Up in My Next Novel’.
There was also a posh notebook and pen resting on the desk.
And… OMG.
There was even a sign that said ‘Sarah’s Writing Corner’!
‘Ben, this is… I don’t even know what to say. It’s incredible and really generous. Thank you so much!’ I threw my arms around his neck.
He started choking and I realised that maybe I’d squeezed him too hard.
‘Sorry!’ I sprang back. ‘Didn’t mean to strangle you. It’s just, I can’t believe this! And it must’ve cost a fortune! I don’t know how long it’ll take me to pay you back, but I will.’
‘It’s not a loan, Jeffries. It’s a gift.
I don’t want a penny from you. This is an investment in your author career.
I built this desk so you can be comfortable.
Sitting in bed or on the sofa to write is okay sometimes, but it’s not ideal for your back or wrists.
You’ll be writing a lot of books, so you need to preserve them.
And the software will make the process smoother.
Especially the formatting one. Once the book is finished and edited, you’ll be able to create a proper book in seconds. ’
‘Wait. You made this desk?’
‘Yes.’ He shrugged like it was no big deal.
‘When? How?’
‘This weekend. I’ve always enjoyed carpentry. Father didn’t like me doing it, though, because it was manual labour. Said it was beneath us, which is obviously bollocks, but I’ve helped out with properties Theo and I have worked on in the past and I did more of it when I was in the States.’
Did this man’s talents have no end?
‘So that’s why you had the tools I saw when I was unpacking?’
‘Yes.’
‘You’re such a dark horse! I had no idea! It’s beautiful. You have a real talent. Can you make bookcases too?’
‘Of course.’
‘Wow. Well, maybe I can put in an order for some, whenever you have time. I’ll pay you, obviously.’
‘You’ll do no such thing!’ He scoffed. ‘You really like it?’
‘No, I love it!’
‘Thanks.’ He beamed.
‘But I’m still surprised that you did all this. Especially buying me formatting software. I haven’t even finished one book yet, and when I do, it could be shit.’
‘It won’t be.’
‘How do you know?’ I asked.
‘Because I believe in you, Sarah. I know that when you finish, it’ll be brilliant. And I’d love to read it when you do. No pressure, though. Whenever you’re ready to share it of course. Or maybe you’d prefer I didn’t? Whatever works best for you.’
I blinked away the tears that were forming in my eyes.
Ben believed in me.
Ever since I’d arrived in Sunshine Bay I’d been surrounded by so much love and support for my writing.
Jess had always encouraged me. Jackson and Jane cared enough to buy me a book to help with my writing.
Now Ben had spent what must equate to thousands of pounds buying me stuff to help make my writing easier and more comfortable.
And he’d said he thought I’d do well. Without even reading a single page of what I’d written.
The cherry on top was him offering to read my work when I was ready.
I was dumbfounded.
‘That’s… I’m… thank you. It really means a lot that you believe in me. Especially given the love-hate relationship you have with romance novels.’ I smiled.
‘I’m a romance fan now, remember? And something tells me that your book will become my new favourite.’ Ben wiped away the tears that had rolled down my cheek. ‘I was hoping this would be a good surprise. I didn’t mean to make you cry.’
‘They’re happy tears! All my life I’ve always felt like I wasn’t good enough or wouldn’t go far. So I’m just feeling a bit emotional that someone believes that I can make something of myself.’
‘You’ve already made something of yourself.’ Ben smiled. ‘What you’ve done for the library is amazing. And this is only the beginning. Trust me. Keep going and you’ll be even more successful. I just know it.’
‘Thanks. I’ll be sure to give you a shout-out in my acknowledgements!’
‘That’s very kind, but not necessary. If you want to thank me, just do your best and keep going.’
‘I will.’ I nodded.