Song: Halo by Starset (Honestly, they need more recognition)

---------------

I prayed Benji wasn't working tonight. He didn't mention if he did or not, so I'm crossing my fingers he doesn't.

How did I not see it before? Benji works there because his dad runs the place. I guess having the same last name can be a clue too, but of course, it went right over my head. And now I have to work at the party, see Mr. Meyer, and pretend I didn't just kiss his son less than twenty-four hours ago.

Does that mean my mom knew who Benji was the whole time?

Or even worse, did Benji know who I was before he even met me?

All of this new information clogged my mind and my temples started to throb. This wasn't going to end well. My nerves were on edge and I had no idea what to do. Getting through this night is first on my list and that's the only thing on my list. Maybe I shouldn't be so frazzled about this, but I'd die if my mom found out about Benji.

I've never formally met his dad, so I don't think he'll know me. He'll know my mom for sure and if Benji's working...he knows better. He wouldn't throw me under the bus.

An hour before we had to leave, my mom gave me the uniform her staff uses. Black slacks, a white button up shirt, and a black tie. She instructed that I wear my hair in a ponytail and wear comfortable shoes. I checked everything off my list after getting ready and met her downstairs.

"Stacy has the van loaded up already at the bakery." She sighed and fished her keys out of her purse. "She's going to meet us there."

I just nodded and followed her out to the car.

When we turned onto the main road, my mom spoke, "Emily's going to be there to help. I've already talked to Mia too and she's bringing Caleb. Mr. Meyer is going to let me borrow a few of his staff members as well because he says it's going to be almost twice as big as last year."

My heart sank. I knew Benji would be there. Since it's his dad, Benji was probably the first person he called. I'm glad I never met his dad or this would be a lot harder to hide. This was going to be fine. I'm not going to freak out when I get there. I freaked out enough in the shower.

When we got to the hotel, we pulled around the back where the staff entrance was. It didn't take long to spot Benji's old truck parked in the lot. It shouldn't be surprising, but chills swam over my skin.

"You okay?"

I blinked and looked at my mom. "Yeah?"

"Well get out of the car. Stacy's waiting."

I shook myself and got out of the car. Stacy was parked in front of the entrance of the back, the van doors are already open, and people are carrying things from the van. I've been so worried about my mom finding out about Benji, I totally forgot that Stacy actually knew about Benji.

We walked to the back of the van and my mom immediately started to pile boxes of mini pastries in my arms. She told me where to go and I just nodded. I continued my trek inside and emerged into an open room. There was table's set up with place cards and centerpieces that just screamed Christmas. In the middle of the room was a Christmas tree that stood so tall it almost reached the ceiling.

My mouth fell open as my eyes traveled up the tree. It was dressed in white lights and red and gold ornaments. Other gold decorations pressed into the tree, making the red pop more against it.

"If you're done looking at the tree like you want to eat it—"

I lowered my gaze and it fell on Benji just a few feet away.

"—then you can start setting out the food." He grinned at me now.

I raised a brow and took three steps closer. "Who died and made you my boss?"

"My dad finally trusts me enough to run this event on my own. Even though he's still going to linger to make sure I don't fuck anything up."

He gestured for me to follow him across the room and I fell into step beside him. "Yeah, I guess you forgot to mention your dad owns the hotel."

"Not own, just manages everything."

We came to a stop in front of a tabled lined with red silk and glass party trays. "My mom knows him. She's known him for years."

Benji took the boxes from my hand and sat them on the edge of the table. "I know, Lucy."

Just before I could respond, my mom came in with more boxes, Mia and Caleb following with more. I tore my gaze from Benji's and started to help put out the food. Benji's gaze still weighed heavy on my back and I fought to ignore it. Instead, I started conversation with Mia and Caleb to keep me distracted.

* * *

People started to arrive thirty minutes later and within the hour, people were swarming everywhere.

I lost Benji in the crowd about fifteen minutes later. He past by me and told me he'd find time for us to talk. His dad was lingering around like Benji said and my mom was whizzing through the crowd of people with a tray in her hand. I was to stay by the tables to make sure nothing on the trays ran out.

Mia and Caleb had the same job my mom did and Stacy stood on the other side of the table. She had given me a reassuring smile that my secret was safe with her.

When I scanned the room again, I finally spotted Benji. A couple moved away from my view and I noticed he was talking to my mom. They had to know each other before now. He's been in the bakery so much and not once did she say who he was though. Maybe I'm just overthinking this, but I can't stop thinking about it.

The tray filled with sugar cookies started to look empty and we already went through our two boxes. Stacy came over to me and pointed to the door that leads to the kitchen. "There should be a box in there, if not, come back and I'll give you the keys for the van."

I smiled and nodded once before I turned on my heels. My feet carried me to the kitchen and it was still as crowded, as it was when I first got here. No one paid any attention to me as I walked through and went to the steel table with our bakery goods. The labels on the outside of the white boxes singled one of them contained the cookies we needed.

On my way out, Benji appeared in front of the kitchen doors. It caused me to jump back and I fumbled with the cookies, almost dropping them until Benji caught them in his arms. "Easy," He breathed. "No one's fighting over cookies."

I sighed and took the box from him. "Sorry."

He followed me back to the table and I put the cookies onto the platter. Benji stayed close, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "Did you need something?" I asked and folded up the box.

"Yeah. I need help with the champagne and your mom said to get you."

"What?"

He held out his arms. "I can only carry so many."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, let's go." I handed the box to Stacy and followed him.

Benji led the way out of the room and through the kitchen. He walked through the exit doors of the kitchen and my brows knitted together as I glanced behind me at the swinging doors. "Uh, Benji?"

He slowed his pace to fall back to my side. "Hm?"

"Wouldn't the champagne be in the kitchen? The freezers? I don't know," I babbled quickly.

He threw me a smile. "We keep it in the cellar right below your feet."

Benji's answers weren't helping with my confusion, so I just went with it. My feet tried to keep up with his long strides, but it wasn't working out too well. I've already stumbled twice and nearly fell on my face. I kept my hands locked in front of me as Benji walked by other hotel workers and greeted them. All I could do was smile or I'd make the mistake of rambling again.

We came to the end of the hall and Benji opened a large wooden door. He gestured for me to go first and I slowly took a step forward. Peering down, I noticed a stony spiral staircase leading down to the cellar. I took a timid step forward onto the ledge and that's when Benji's hand was light on my lower back. Something about it was soothing then something about it made me nervous. He didn't push, just a simple touch.

I stepped inside and started down the stairs slowly. The space glowed a vibrant, warm color orange that reminded me of fall. It only got darker when Benji closed the door behind him and I could hear his steps fall behind me. When I reached the bottom, lights came on to illuminate the large space. The walls were lined with different types of wines and champagnes. Glass doors covered each section of different alcohols and a large oak table sat directly in the middle of the room. "What's the table for?" I asked.

"Different things," He answered, coming up behind me. "We do wine tastings and sometimes special dinners for people that reserve it." His arms slid around my waist and his hands clasped over my stomach. He pulled me against him and my smile fought its way onto my lips.

"Did you really need help?" I asked.

Benji leaned his head down into the crook of my neck. His lips vibrated against my skin as he hummed. "You should've known it was a lie the second I even asked you."

A small laugh fell out. "We aren't exactly hidden."

Benji turned me around and started backing me up. He grinned viciously as he made a turn and another turn down a row of wine bottles. He pressed me up against the shelves and leaned in close. "Did you know who I was?" I blurted before his lips could touch mine.

He leaned back again, his cloaked eyes finding mine. "Sort of," He muttered.

"Sort of? What the hell doesn't that even mean?"

"When I ran into you at Bombshell's, I had no idea who you were, Lucy. I swear. I thought you looked familiar, but on tour you see a lot of faces."

I scanned his face for a moment. "But you knew when you came to the bakery. You knew who my mom was and you didn't say anything. My mom has been working this party for years, how does she not know who you are?"

"I haven't really been home that much for two years and I didn't start working here until I came back home. This is the first time I've ever met your mom. She was surprised to know I was Danny's son. She recognized me from the bakery though."

Okay, now I can breathe. "We're still a secret?" I asked softly.

Benji smiled small and nodded. "I'll be your secret, Lucy."

"Your dad..."

He shook his head. "Only knows you're Amy's daughter. He doesn't know about anything else."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and searched his eyes. "And you're okay with that? Being my secret?"

Benji started to lean in again. "As long as I'm your only secret."

In a quick movement, I stood on my toes and attached my lips to his. His arm slipped around my waist and he pulled me taut against his chest. Benji's other hand drifted to the nape of my neck. He held me against his lips as they moved effortlessly against my own. I tasted something sweet on his tongue. A subtle vanilla, sugary taste that set me on edge.

I slowly pulled back, keeping my lips two inches away. "Have you already gotten into the cupcakes?"

Benji chuckled. "Guilty."

I pulled him back down to my lips for another moment that was gone too soon. It didn't take him but another second to pull me back in for more. I smiled against his lips as he kissed me again on the lips, the tip of my nose, my lips again, and then my chin. "My mom is probably wondering where we are."

"Probably," He murmured against my jaw. One kiss there and then he leveled his face with mine. "The party ends at ten. Could you somehow escape tonight? I wrote more to the song and I want you to hear it."

My smiled widened. "Yeah, I'll try to escape for a few minutes. But not long because I have to be at the bakery early."

He playfully pushed out his bottom lip.

"Stop being a baby," I teased and poked the spot where his lip ring usually is.

"Too bad. You have to deal with it." He pecked my lips once more and then turned away from me. I followed him down the row and into another one to gather the champagne we needed.

* * *

After the party was over, we had to stay to clean up our table. It didn't take long because we barely had anything left. What we did have left, we packed back in our white boxes and gave them to the hotel. It pleased Mr. Meyer. That's what my mom said anyway. I've only caught glimpses of him, not once did I talk to him in the span of three hours.

Stacy took the van back to the bakery and I got into the car with my mom. Mia and Caleb already left and Emily never even showed up. Either Mom was going to call her or she's going to tell Jason to talk to her. Knowing my mom, she'll probably do both. We didn't need the help, but still. She didn't call or anything. My mom barely noticed until an hour into the party.

When we got home and inside, my mom wrapped her arms around me and hugged me. "You were great tonight," She said and kissed the top of my head before letting me go. "I should've let you help before."

"I'm just glad I could help," I said genuinely. "It wasn't so bad."

"Well, we're catering a wedding on New Years and I'd like you to help."

I nodded. Where else would I be?

She brushed a hand over my arm and smiled. "I'll see you in the morning. Your dad must already be in bed."

"See you in the morning, Mom."

She turned to go up the stairs and I followed. I walked into my room and loosened the tie around my neck. The door closed behind me and I started to unbutton the shirt, letting it fall off my shoulders. Benji will probably call or message me any minute and I just wanted to get out of these clothes.

I settled on a pair of jeans and a sweater for now until I came back inside. Next, I removed my ponytail and massaged my scalp. Sometimes I really hated wearing my hair up.

Right on time, my phone came to life on my bed. A message from Benji lit up the screen, letting me know to meet him outside. Trying not to look too eager, I took my time walking down the stairs and quietly out the front door. Benji was standing at the edge of the driveway, a hand in his pocket and the other occupied by his phone. He was still dressed in his work uniform, but his hair was disheveled and the piercing was back through his lip. The sleeves of his crisp white shirt were rolled up and the bowtie was missing.

The sight made me want to fall over.

A few steps closer and he lifted his head and put his phone back into his pocket. He smiled, but didn't say anything as he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards his truck. He still parked on the other side of the street as always and he opened the door for me to get in. The guitar he was playing last night sat snug in the middle and he pulled it out before I got in. The guitar followed and then Benji got in, closing the door behind him.

I turned my back to the door, resting against it and I brought my knees up to wrap my arms around.

"Sorry it's so late," He said and glanced at me. "Dad needed me to stay a little longer to help out the staff."

"It's okay." I smiled. "I think I'd rather see you then sleep right now."

A look of surprise contorted his features. "And I can't believe this is the same girl that threatened to kick my ass when I woke her up at three in the morning."

I laughed. "Yes, but it was worth it. Late nights with you are definitely worth it."

He looked away from me and smiled. If it wasn't so dark, I'd probably be able to see Benji blush. There's something about it when a guy blushes. I leaned over towards him and kissed his cheek. "Play for me."

Benji was still smiling when he picked up his guitar and situated it in his lap. "This can either be the first verse or the second. I have the melody down, but still need to finish writing it." He laughed nervously. "If you don't like it, tell me. I'm a big boy, I can handle it."

"I'm sure you can," I joked.

He threw me a smile before he started to play. He created a melody soft and soothing. It was the same one from last night, but I couldn't remember it being so soft. A few seconds in and he started to sing. Benji's voice matched the pitch of the guitar fluidly and my heart was doing a weird thing again. Sometimes I felt it beat too hard against my chest and then another second I forget it's beating at all. Goosebumps welled up on my arms without me really knowing. Thank God I was wearing a sweater.

Benji finished the song and sat the guitar on his other side, leaning against the truck door. "I'm actually quite proud of this song." He looked at me and I couldn't stop my smile.

"I can understand why."

His lips curved and he looked out the windshield. "I'm glad you like it so far. Hopefully you won't be too disappointed with the finished product."

I laughed lightly. "I highly doubt it. Is it going to be acoustic?"

He wiped his palms down the front of his pants. "Probably. It's something the band and I will discuss together. We'll either do full band or acoustic. Maybe both." He shrugged and looked at me. "Band effort."

"It'll turn out great either way."

"And you're not just saying that because it's about you?" He teased.

I leaned forward and grasped his wrist. "Of course that's why I'm saying that," I said sarcastically and started to pull him towards me.

Benji laughed and moved towards me without pulling. "I knew it."

He used a hand to unbend my legs and I stretched them out in front of me. Benji nudged into the small space beside me and I turned on my side to face him. His face, only mere inches from mine. The space we laid in was small, but I liked to be close to Benji. His hand settled on my hip and he stretched out his other arm for me to rest my head on. He curled it against the back of my head, letting his fingers slip through my hair.

He pressed a small kiss to my forehead and my eyes fell shut.

Benji's fingers weaved in and out of my hair, occasionally letting his fingertips brush my scalp. I tried not to fall asleep, but it was difficult. He wasn't talking to me and it was too much effort to open my eyes again.

The last thing I remember was Benji's lips against my temple as he sang to me.

-------------------

Each chapter I write turns into my favorite one lol. I already have the next chapter planned out (Mainly dealing with Benji's family), I just need to write it. I'm aiming for at least 20 chapters. Not so short after all I guess. Oh well.

Please vote and comment!!! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the story! :)