Chapter 8: Totally Worth It
Song: Young Volcanoes by Fall Out Boy
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At first, I thought I was dreaming.
But my phone was ringing and it was ringing loudly.
I flipped on my side and lazily threw my arm to grab it from the charger. The charger was yanked from the bottom and I quickly answered it, thinking it was Mia. "Hello?" I murmured and lay back down on my pillow.
"Lucy," Benji whispered. "I have a mission for you."
I looked at the time on my phone and pressed it back to my ear. "It's three in the freaking morning. The only mission I'm on is getting enough sleep so I don't kick your ass."
"It's a top secret mission," He continued in a whisper. "I need you to come outside now."
"Benji," I hissed. "I'm not coming outside—"
"There's a lot on the line," He interrupted. "There's no time to get dressed. Put your shoes on and come outside."
Then there was a click and the line went dead.
Instead of getting out of bed, I looked at my phone. I was definitely confused and I didn't want to walk my sleepy ass downstairs and outside. But of course, I did it anyway. I got my shoes on and threw my messy hair into a ponytail before quietly making my way downstairs and out the front door.
I walked to the edge of the path to my front door and looked around. "Benji?" I said in a low voice. "Where are—"
Fingers dug into my sides from behind and I yelped in surprise.
I whirled around and slapped the arm of the culprit. A very giggly Benji. "You ass! Are you trying to get caught?"
He placed a hand over the spot I hit. "You hit hard."
"I'll do it again if you don't tell me why you're here."
Benji smiled and grabbed my hand. "Oh, yes. The mission. The very non-existent mission."
"Then what am I doing out here? It's freezing." I wrapped my arms around myself in attempt to warm myself.
He started pulling me out of the driveway and down the street where his truck was parked on the side of the road. He opened the door for me and I climbed inside with little difficulty. Seconds later, Benji was sitting next to me and starting the truck. "Here," He said and handed me his jacket sitting next to him.
"Thank you." I shivered once and hurried to slip my arms through the black sleeves of his jacket. His scent enveloped me and I felt content. "So, where are we going exactly? I thought you needed sleep for work tomorrow."
He drove away from my street and onto the main road. "My sleeping schedule is still pretty fucked from tour, so when I do sleep it's probably only four hours. Trying to fix it, but it's not working out well for me."
"That sucks." I sighed. "Now answer my other question."
"Oh, right." He laughed. "It's top secret."
I glanced at him and noticed he was still wearing the same thing he was wearing while at my house just hours ago. He wasn't kidding about the no-sleeping thing. "I can only hope my mom doesn't wake up."
"What a mess that would be, right?"
"If you mean being grounded until my hair is gray, then yes."
Benji glanced at me and smiled. "I won't keep you out long, I just wanted to show you something."
"Should I be scared?"
"Depends on who you ask," He quipped.
I rolled my eyes. "How long?"
"About ten more minutes. It's on the run down side of the city."
My eyes widened. "What?"
He glanced at me again, a smile playing on his beautiful lips. "It's okay. I won't let anything happen to you, Lucy."
And I left it at that. And ten minutes later, Benji pulled onto a dirt road. My heart was thudding against my chest. I had no idea where we were. Maybe he was bringing me out here to kill me. Oh, god. What did I get myself into?
Through the thicket of trees, I caught a few glimpses of a run down building. Then we emerged into a clearing and Benji slowly rolled to a stop in front of the building that looked to be condemned. There goes my heart again. It was beating too fast. "What is this place?" I found myself asking.
"An old factory that was closed down in the forties. It was a bread company that's no longer around."
I finally looked at him. "And you brought me here why?"
"Come on and I'll show you."
Timidly, I got out of the car and so did Benji. I met him at the front of his truck and he offered me his hand again. I glanced at him and back to his hand before slipping my fingers through his. He gave me an easy smile and we started walking towards the building.
There was a chain link fence surrounding it, but Benji found a hole wide enough for us to easily slip through. He kept a tight grip on my palm and now I was grateful. If Benji planned on killing me, he would've done it already. He brushed his thumb over the back of my hand and I felt more at ease, but still confused as to why we're in an abandoned factory.
Benji walked around to the side of the building, using his phones flashlight as a guide to a door barely hanging on its hinges. He kept me close as we stepped inside. All I could see was a hallway. It was dark. There were papers everywhere, broken furniture, and too many leaves. I was terrified again.
We walked and walked down the hallway until we came to a pair of solid metal doors locked with a chain. The chain was already broken so Benji used his free hand to jerk it off and let it fall to the floor. The sound of the metal chain echoed through the empty hallway and sent chills down my arms.
We emerged into the main factory and my breath hitched in my throat.
The machines were broken down and covered in spider webs and dust. Old company logos sprinkled the factory floor. We weaved through the larger machines and Benji found a set of stairs leading to what looked like where the supervisor would stand. "How many times have you been here?" I asked.
"Several," He answered. "The band and I found it a few years ago. This is where we would sneak away from our parents and what not. The usual teenager stuff."
"I don't even want to know how you found it." I laughed lightly.
We made our way up the stairs and onto the metal landing. Benji pulled me to the left and sat down, pulling me with him. Our legs dangled over the ledge and Benji leaned forward over the round railing. "Look straight ahead." He pointed to the other side of the factory.
I followed his finger and looked. Some of the windows high above were broken and others were so foggy you couldn't see through. But one set of windows was completely broken and you could see the moon hanging high above. Dotting bright stars surrounded it and the sky seemed to have a slight glow to it. "It's beautiful." I sighed, leaning further over the railing.
"Tonight was perfect," He said. "There are no clouds and so many stars. I didn't want to waste a perfectly good opportunity." He playfully nudged me with his elbow.
I looked at him and smiled. "I love it. Thank you for showing me."
Benji looked to me and smiled back. "Of course." He reached for my hand again and laced our fingers together. "I should probably get you back."
"We can stay for a few minutes," I answered. "You did kidnap me in the middle of the night. The least I could do is stay longer."
He laughed and looked back at the broken window. "Well, thank you. All that hard work didn't go to nothing."
"You called me. I hardly consider that hard work," I joked.
Benji looked at me with a grin. "Getting you to come outside was hard work."
"Because some of us like our sleep, Benji."
He laughed again. "How much do you like sleep now?"
"A little less."
* * *
"Lucy!" My mom's voice bellowed.
I groaned and rolled to my side. "It's too early," I muttered.
"It's almost noon, Lucy," She grounded and yanked the blanket from my body. "I needed you at the bakery at noon. Why are you still asleep?"
I shot up and my eyes found her. "Noon? Is it seriously noon?"
"I think I know how to tell time," She said sarcastically.
I got out of bed quickly and pushed my hair out of my face. "Oh, gosh. I'm sorry. I was up late doing...homework and time just isn't on my side."
She glared. "Well, get ready. We need to go to the DMV and then I need you at the bakery."
I nodded quickly and she left my room, closing the door behind her. There was no time for a shower so I found a pair of skinny jeans in my closet and a plain black t-shirt. I walked into the bathroom to brush my hair, put it in a ponytail, and then I brushed my teeth. Before I left my room, I grabbed my phone from my bedside table and raced down the stairs.
At the DMV, all I had to do was pay for my license and retake my picture. I probably looked like shit, but whatever. I look like shit all the time so they'll know it's me. Then my mom took me back home and I drove my car to the bakery.
When I got to the bakery, my phone started ringing. I pulled it out of my pocket and saw Mia's name pop up on the screen. "Hey, Mia," I answered and got out of my car.
"Hey," she chirped. "How is my best friend?"
"Good," I breathed. "I woke up late this morning and my mom's about to kick my ass. How are you, Mia?" I opened up the door and stepped in. Stacy was already behind the counter slaving away.
"I've been better, I guess. Do you think I could stay at your house this weekend? If I have to deal with my parents I'm going to explode."
"Of course," I replied. "Or you can come over tomorrow."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, my mom doesn't care." I walked through the bakery and made my way to the back room. I sat my bag down and sighed.
"Do you have plans tonight? Maybe we can watch movies or something."
"Uh, I do...with Benji. I'm going to visit him at work."
Mia was quiet for a second. "Really?"
"Yeah," I answered simply.
"You guys seem to be getting pretty close," She noted. "I love it. As long as he treats you right then I have no reason to kick his ass."
I snorted. "We're good, Mia. Thanks though."
She laughed. "Well, I have to get back to class before Mr. Joseph kills me. Call me tomorrow and let me know how it goes tonight."
"I will. Bye, Mia."
I hung up my phone and stuffed it back in my pocket before heading out to the bakery. The first thing Stacy would ask about is Benji. She really likes him and that makes me happy. I just wish my mom were the same as her sister. I'm pretty sure my mom would like Benji too if she could look over a few things.
* * *
The Four-Seasons hotel was thirty minutes away from where I lived and I had no idea where to park. There was valet, but I'm sure that's for the guests.
I pulled to a stop to pull my phone out and call Benji. He answered on the fourth ring. "Where should I park?" I asked.
"Just pull around to the side and I'll come get you," He whispered.
I didn't even get a chance to answer him before he hung up. But I did as he said and slowly pulled around to the side of the building. Benji's tall shadowed figure stood close to the building. I pulled to the other side of the path, parking my car under the shadow of trees lining the pavement.
Benji emerged from the darkness and I climbed out of my car.
I could only see a hint of a smile cross his lips. "You got here at the perfect time," He continued to whisper.
"It's past one," I commented and fell into step beside him.
"Which is perfect." He opened the side door and let me slip through first.
Benji appeared in front of me and I almost fell over. He was definitely right about the uniform. He wore a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a red bow tie, his lip piercing was missing, and his hair was slicked back out of his face. It was like looking at a different person. And I thought he couldn't be more attractive...
"I have a lot to show you," He said, breaking me from my trance. "First I have to make a pillow delivery and then we'll pay a special visit to the kitchen. Ron, the head chef, always leaves me things in the fridge when I have the late shifts."
I smiled at him. "Sounds pretty good to me."
We walked down the hallway and Benji came to a stop in front of swinging doors. He pushed them open and we were standing in a giant room. On one side there were way too many fluffy white pillows to count. Another wall contained sheets and blankets. It smelled like fresh linen and I wanted to bury myself in all of it, possibly never get out either.
Benji grabbed two pillows from the large stack and walked back out with me following close behind. I tried to keep my eyes focused on Benji's back, but they wondered all over. When we stepped out into the main lobby, my breath got lost on its way up. Everything was drenched in gold's and white. It was dead right now considering the time and I had a little bit of time to take it all in.
There was a security guard standing by the door and another man sitting at the lobby desk with a newspaper in his hand. He only looked up at Benji and nodded in his direction. He didn't say a word to me or even look my way. I just shrugged it off and followed Benji to the elevator.
We rode it up to the third floor and stepped out.
The room was only a few doors down and Benji came to a stop in front of it, knocking twice and standing straight. I stepped back a few feet to keep out of the way and so the guest didn't think a creepy girl was following Benji and staring at him. Benji's definitely one to stare at.
The guest was very nice to Benji when he accepted the pillows and slid him a bill that Benji gratefully stuffed in his pocket. The door clicked shut and Benji turned to walk with me again. "Did that guy just give you twenty dollars? For delivering pillows?"
Benji glanced at me with a smug grin. "That's Mr. Robinson. He comes here once a month for a business trip. He's always super generous with his tips."
"You deserve it anyway," I replied.
He pressed the elevator button and the door opened up easily. We stepped on and rode the elevator to the second floor. This floor was dark and vacated. This is when Benji grabbed my hand and led me through the maze of tables until we went through another set of swinging doors. Benji flipped on a few lights and I noticed we were in an enormous chefs kitchen. I've never actually been in one of those giant kitchens at a restaurant and I imagine it would look like this. Everything is clean and stainless steel.
Benji pulled me over to a fridge that was easily two times bigger than the one we have at the bakery. There were three lined side by side and a large freezer next to those. But Benji went for the one closest to the wall. "Ron makes the best macaroni and cheese. If you say you don't like mac and cheese, this friendship will be terminated."
"Then I guess I'm lucky," I replied with a smile.
"Good." He pulled a giant bowl from the second shelf and closed the door. "You'll never eat anyone else's mac and cheese once you've tried Ron's." He placed the whole bowl in the microwave and started it.
"I trust you since you do like my cupcakes."
Benji went on to collect a couple of plates and forks. "Of course you'd say something like that." He looked at me and smiled. "After we eat I'm going to show you the tenth floor."
He gestured towards a small table against the wall with two stools accompanying it. I went to sit down and Benji went to get the food before joining me. We both filled our plates and I was too anxious to take my first bite. "You were right," I stated after I swallowed. "Definitely the best mac and cheese I've ever had. Don't tell my dad or he'll kill me."
Benji smiled. "If I do ever meet your dad, it's the first thing I'll tell him."
The thought of Benji meeting my dad was both funny and horrific. My dad's protective, but not as protective as my mom. I think my dad would be more open about Benji than my mom.
She'd scream.
* * *
We arrived on the tenth floor and were greeted with a short hallway leading to a set of opaque French doors. "This whole floor is dedicated to a pool?" I found myself asking.
"Pretty much," Benji answered. "There's also a spa on this floor, showers connected to the pool area, and other things. No kids are allowed on this floor."
"Then why are you on this floor?"
One...two...three...four—"Hey!" Benji protested. "I'm not a child."
"Sure about that?" I laughed.
I glanced at him and he shrugged. "Maybe..." He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlocked the doors, pushing one open and letting me through first.
The door quietly closed behind us and Benji didn't bother turning any lights on. He didn't need to. The pool was glowing a vibrant blue and on the ceiling was a slate of black with scattered warm white lights that made it look like stars. "Holy..." I trailed off, still looking around.
Ahead was the fantastic view Benji was talking about. I slowly walked around the side of the pool that felt like a mile long. It was easily longer than my house and prettier even. I stepped closer to the wall of windows and looked out at the view. The hills climbed and fell, the forest in the distance was alive because of the wind, and the sky was blank and cloudless. The view was beautiful.
I had to step closer. It felt like I was being pulled.
Benji came up beside me and I felt his stare on the side of my face. He didn't say anything. Maybe he was waiting for me to say something first. "It's beautiful," I said softly.
He looked out of the window now. "Some things can't compare."
I looked at him. "Like what?"
The corner of his mouth quirked into a crooked smirk. "I'd rather keep those to myself." He glanced at me and back to the view.
"You're no fun," I retorted and took a step back. "Come on tell me and I'll be your best friend."
He snorted and turned around to face me. "Who's the child now?"
"Still you." I grinned and continued walking backwards. "Besides—"
"Be careful—"
But it was too late.
I was submerged under water before I could stop myself from falling.
Way to go, Lucy.
Now I'm going to die from embarrassment, might as well not even try to get out of the pool now. When I opened my eyes, I saw Benji's blurry legs in my vision. I didn't even know he jumped in after me because I'm a dumbass. An arm went around my waist and I was pulled above water. I gasped for a breath and Benji was pushing the hair out of my eyes. "Are you okay?" He rushed, placing a gentle hand on my cheek and leaning down to look in my eyes.
"Yeah," I breathed. "I know how to swim."
"It sure didn't look like it." He was panting now. "Did you hit your head or anything?"
I shook my head. "I'm fine. Thank you." I tried to smile at him, but I still kind of wanted to hide and never show my face to Benji again.
He easily returned the smile.
Then it slowly fell.
"What—"
"Shhh..." He started looking around and everything went silent. That's when I heard the sound of heavy boots hitting the floor. Benji hissed a curse and quickly pulled me out of the water by my hand. When we got out of the pool, we were both dripping and I was shaking from the cold. He didn't stop once our feet hit the floor. He kept a tight grip on my hand as he pulled me into a new direction.
We ran to the other side of the room and Benji pulled open a black door. He let me go in first and then he came in behind me, closing the door and left us in complete darkness. I tried moving around, but we were trapped in a small space. My chest was pressed against Benji's and his arm was tight around my waist. "Security," Benji whispered.
I didn't reply because my vocal cords weren't working at the moment.
Benji was so close to me again and I was enjoying every second of it. Considering the circumstances anyway. I felt his breath fan against my cheek from breathing too hard.
For some reason, I started laughing. I felt Benji's stare and I couldn't stop myself from laughing.
"Why are you laughing?" He asked.
"It's a bad habit," I replied. "Laughing in awkward situations. I don't know, it just happens."
"You're very weird," He said jokingly.
And it made me laugh even more.
Then Benji started laughing and this was turning into quite the disaster.
"Who's there?" I heard a booming males voice call.
Benji quickly placed a hand over my mouth and leaned in closer to me. "Three minutes and he'll be gone."
I nodded and he slowly removed his hand. That was a bad idea because I wanted to laugh again.
What felt like three hours later and not three minutes, we heard the footsteps fade away and the doors close. Benji was the first one the bust out laughing and then I soon followed. "That was so close." He choked on another laugh.
I nodded in agreement. "Could you get in trouble?"
"Depends," He said casually.
"On what?"
"How much trouble I get into." He placed a hand on the side of my neck.
I couldn't see him in the darkness that cloaked us. But I felt him. He brought me in closer, his arm still around my waist and his thumb lightly brushed over my jaw. He walked me back into what felt like a shelf and my breath got lost on its way up again.
His breath fanned over my lips and my insides were twisting and my stomach was tied in knots. I lifted a hand and placed it on his chest, curling my fingers around the wet fabric of his shirt.
I felt the tips of his lips brush mine and then slowly, he closed the distance between us with one pull. His lips were soft and warm just as I imagined they would be. My body warmed instantly to his touch despite my drenched clothes.
He released the hand from my neck and gripped my chin between his pointer and thumb. He tilted my head back a tick and our mouths parted in sync. I had no idea what I was doing, but whatever I was doing, it felt right. When I felt the urge hit me in the chest, I stood on my toes and slowly slipped my arms around his neck. The kiss only deepened and his tongue barely brushed mine in the process.
Everything was moving fast and slow at the same time. My only thoughts revolved around Benji's lips and how I could kiss him for years.
You know the feeling of finishing all your homework?
Kissing Benji felt better than that. I was fully encased in the feeling of his lips and everything it brought me.
When he pulled away, it felt like someone took away my candy.
Then he pressed his lips to my jaw, roughly kissing his way down to my neck and over my collarbone. He peppered kisses along the other side of my neck, moving to the center and kissing his way back up my throat. A kiss to my chin and then his lips landed back on mine with the force of everything we've held in.
He slowly bent forward and slid his hand to the back of my thighs so he could lift me up. My legs wound around his waist and my back was pressed against the shelves again. He kept his palms flat against the back of my thighs to hold me steady while my arms draped over his shoulders.
I let my hands slip into the back of his hair and my fingers curled into a fist around his strands. A moan tumbled from his lips and attached to mine. The sound made my heart speed up.
My head was spinning and it took everything in me to pull away from Benji to take a breath. Benji was breathing harshly and it mingled with my own. I pressed my forehead against his and let me fingers play with his hair.
"Totally worth it," Benji said.
I laughed lightly. "Definitely."
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This chapter was almost 1500 more words than what I usually write lol. I got a little carried away with the kissing scene, but it's exactly how I pictured it in my head. Don't say it's too soon either because it's really not lol. I've read books where they kiss in the first or second chapter. Also this book is going to be short so...
ANYWAY!!! I hope you guys had a good holiday!! :)
Please vote and comment? :) PLLEEEEEAASSSEE?
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