By the time Sebastian was back Bethany was back to one hundred percent. She was her usual bubbly self.
"Pack your bags." Sebastian said, dropping his suitcase on the bed.
"What? Why?" Bethany asked. She closed her book and sat up.
"We're going on a road trip. Consider it your birthday extended." He opened his dresser drawers and started pulling things out.
"Noooooo. You've already done so much for me." She stood and walked around the bed to get between him and his suitcase. "Not to mention my birthday was almost three weeks ago and I probably won't even be able to get time off."
"So ungrateful." He tsked and stepped around her to drop a pile of underwear into his suitcase. "Call and get the time off and then start packing. We'll be gone at least two weeks." Bethany grabbed her phone of the bed and called April.
"Hi, hon, how're you doin'?" April asked. "Enjoying your day off?"
"So much. Is Janine around?"
"Yeah. Why? You finally giving your two weeks?" April asked. "I handed in mine this morning. I'm done putting up with her bs. She can't do nothing to me now and my lord does the freedom feel fantastic!" Benny chuckled.
"Good for you April. I'm not technically, but I'm requesting two weeks off and I definitely won't be here so I feel like that might be the end anyway. Since we all know how well making time off requests goes. Can you tell her I'll be gone and if she throws a fit tell her it's for good? I've been sending out resumes and frankly I'm done with her bs too. She can kiss my ass." April laughed.
"Girl, I love your zest for life! Of course I'll tell Janine and I will relish in the look of rage I'll get in return." Bethany laughed. "Let's have coffee when you get back and you can tell me all about your adventures with your man. I assume you're going with your man?"
"I am. And we'll definitely have coffee. I'll see you in two weeks, April. Thanks so much."
"Of course, hon. Have fun!" They said their goodbyes and hung up.
"You're quitting?" Sebastian asked when she hung up. "I thought you said things were getting better."
"Eh, kinda, but I've been looking for another job because frankly Janine's really stressing me out and it's just not a good environment for me." She rummaged through the closet and pulled out her suitcase and dropped it on the bed opposite Sebastian's. "Now, can I at least know where we're going?" She asked, walking over to the closet and begin the task of deciding what clothes to take.
"Somewhere exciting. And hot. Wear comfortable shoes."
"Very specific. Thank you so much." She shook her head.
"My pleasure. Don't forget your swimsuit." He closed his dresser drawers and joined her at the closet.
"You are maddening." Benny said while carefully rolling her shirts and pants up to make things fit most efficiently.
"You love me."
"Yeah yeah. And you love me. Doesn't make you less maddening." He put his arms around her waist and pulled her back against his chest.
"Hey, I really do love you." She looked up and smiled.
"I know that. And I really love you." He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. "You should brush your teeth."
"Wow. Way to ruin the moment."
"Hey, I only tell you because I love you." She patted his cheek and then went back to rolling her clothes.

———
Before they even left city limits April called back to say Janine didn't want her to come back. Honestly that's what Bethany had expected and she didn't care. In fact it was almost freeing in a way to know she didn't have to stress over going back to that office again.

———
"Why are we in San Diego?" Bethany asked, turning her gaze to Sebastian.
"Why do you ask so many questions?" He asked, lifting his shades.
"Why do you refuse to give me a straight answer."
"It's so much more fun this way." Sebastian grinned and let his shades drop again. She shook her head and went back to staring out the window. The rest of the drive was silent aside from the doors playing through the speakers. Bethany gasped when they reached their hotel.
"This is where we're staying?!" The building was beautiful, with huge windows and ocean views.
"Yup." They parked and Sebastian came around to open her door. "M'lady." He offered her his hand. She grinned and accepted.
"Such a gentleman." She said. He smiled and kissed the back of her hand before letting it go. "And a cliché." Bethany added.

———

"Wow." Bethany said, standing as close to the window as she could without touching it. "Can we stay here forever?" She turned to face Sebastian, who was still standing by the door, using his phone. He looked up.
"Hmm. I think I'd miss my own bed too much, but don't let me stop you." He joined her by the window. "It is beautiful though. Wanna go for a swim?"
"Yes!" She ran over to suitcase and laid it down. Sebastian found himself thinking, not for the first time, just how lucky he was to have her in his life.

———

After their swim they had dinner in the hotel restaurant. Bethany opted for a salad, as it was the only thing that sounded even remotely good. Sebastian chose something with seafood in it. Whatever it was he enjoyed immensely, but the smell of it made Bethany's stomach turn.
"How can you eat that?" She finally asked, pushing her salad away. "It smells terrible." She eyed it, suspicion evident in her eyes, "no offense." She added.
"It really doesn't smell that bad." Sebastian said, taking another bite. Bethany took a deep breath through her mouth and shook her head.
"Maybe it's just me. I dunno. My stomach is kinda. . ." She held her hand out palm down and shook it to demonstrate how her stomach felt. "I think I might go take something for nausea and then soak in the tub and see if that helps." She stood and Sebastian started to follow.
"I'll come with you."
"No, it's ok. Stay. Finish. I'll be upstairs. It's not like we'll be doing something together anyway."
"We could." Bethany pursed her lips and he laughed. "Sorry."
"Maybe some other time." She pressed a kiss to his cheek and then left the dining room.

———

Once finished with his dinner, Sebastian decided to go for a walk since he'd probably end up watching tv if he went upstairs.

When he did finally go back to their room Bethany was asleep on top of the bed with the tv playing softly. Sebastian toed off his shoes and changed out his suit, living him in his boxers and grabbed a t-shirt from suitcase before sitting on his side of the bed with his book. After an hour he put his book down and turned the light off, despite how early it still was.

———
"Keep your eyes closed." Sebastian said for the fourth time.
"They are! I haven't opened them. I promise." Bethany smiled and held her bag a little closer. "This must be some surprise."
"It is. I promise. Alright you can open them now." They were in a parking garage. Sebastian got out first and opened Bethany's  door for her. "We don't have far to walk. I promise it's gonna be worth it." Bethany a raised a skeptical eyebrow. Sebastian just gave her a cocky smile and grabbed her hand.

———
The walk was indeed short and before they knew it they were standing outside a theater. The marquee read "Live! Sir Paul McCartney!Tonight only!"
"No!"She turned to look at Sebastian with wide eyes.
"Yes. Happy birthday, Bumblebee." She couldn't contain her squeal of excitement. She turned around and wrapped Sebastian in a hug. Squeezing him tightly.
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." She bounced the entire time they stood in line and the entire time they waited for the concert to start. And when Paul came on stage Bethany grinned and cheered with everyone else. Sebastian loved seeing her so happy. She sang along to every song and kept her fingers laced with his. Her eyes were shining and she couldn't stop smiling. Sebastian wasn't overly fond of the Beatles. But he would never hear them without thinking about her and how much she loved them and that gave him reason enough to love them. Bethany's favorite part of the concert came during Hey Jude.
"Na na na na na na. Na na na na hey Jude. Now just men. Just the fellas. C'mon fellas." Sebastian sang along and Bethany smiled up at him. He smiled at her and kept singing. She was struck again by just how much she loved him.
"Now just the girls. Just the ladies. C'mon ladies." Bethany sang with everything in her, gripping Sebastian's hand so tight it was a wonder he wasn't complaining.
"Everybody all together now." Paul grinned at his audience as they sang his song back at him. "Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful."

———
"Where are we going?" Bethany asked.
"Stop asking questions." Sebastian said with a grin. He placed his hand on her back and led her backstage. He showed security their passes and they were let through.
"Second door." The security guard told them.
"Thanks." Sebastian replied. They walked down the hall and into the second door. Bethany took in the pictures and posters on the walls.
"Sebster, I wish you'd told me I would've-" She stopped and got wide eyed as she saw Paul McCartney.
"Hello." Paul said. Bethany reached behind her and grabbed Sebastian's hand. Proof that it was actually happening.
"H-hi." She finally squeaked out.
"I'm Paul." He offered her his hand.
"Bethany Harris." She said, shaking his hand.
"It's nice to meet you."
"You too. Um, your music has helped me through a lot. And you're a huge inspiration to me. And just thank you for doing what you do." It all came out sounding like one sentence. Bethany blushed and Sebastian could tell she was nervous and getting anxious.
"Oh, thank you. Did you enjoy the show?" Bethany nodded.
"So much. You're an amazing musician."
"I'm afraid I didn't catch your name." Paul directed at Sebastian.
"Sebastian." He held his hand out. Paul accepted it. "Great show."
"Thank you." Sebastian mentioned he was in a band and he and Paul started talking music, recording, touring and such. Bethany was feeling overwhelmed. She could feel a panic attack coming on. Her chest was feeling tight and she couldn't focus on anything. Her hand went limp in Sebastian's and he looked down at her.
"Hey, Bumblebee, look at me." He dropped her hand and turned her to look at him before gently grabbing her face in both hands. "Breathe. It's okay." She nodded and closed her eyes. She took in the feeling of his hands on her cheeks and took a few deep breaths. She rested one of her hands over his and nodded again.
"I'm okay." She said softly. She opened her eyes. He gave her a quick kiss and she turned to face Paul again. She blushed again. "Sorry."
"It's okay. Very sweet. How long have you two been together?" He gestured between the two of them.
"Almost six months." Bethany said, smiling up at Sebastian. He wrapped his arm around her waist.
"That's wonderful. Would you like a picture?" Bethany nodded.
"Please." They took two pictures, one of all three of them and one of just her and Paul.
"Would you like an autograph as well?" He grabbed a poster off a table against the far wall.
"If you don't mind."
"Not at all, darling. Anything in particular you'd like me to write?"
"I don't-um-?" She looked at Sebastian.
"How about Happy Birthday, Bethany?" Sebastian suggested.
"It's your birthday?" Paul asked.
"It was actually last month. But this, coming to the concert, was one of my presents." She said with a smile.
"Happy belated birthday." He started writing. "I think that should do." He offered her the poster and she smiled when she read it.
"Thank you."
"Of course, darling." Paul smiled.
"Check your bag." Sebastian whispered to her. Bethany shot him a questioning look, but did as told. She found her sketchbook tucked in with her other things and smiled. She pulled it out and flipped it open, rifling through it until she found the page she wanted; a full page sketch of Paul. She gently ripped it free and offered it to him.
"Oh my goodness. That is absolutely brilliant. You're incredibly talented, young lady." His eyes took in every detail of the sketch. Bethany blushed furiously. "Would you sign this for me?" Still overwhelmed from the praise she couldn't even get an answer out, she just nodded and accepted the pen he offered her. She scribbled her name in the lower right hand corner. "Thank you for this and for coming and thank you for your support. I love to meet my fans, especially the younger ones. You're all so creative and brilliant." He took in the sketch again.

———

Bethany couldn't wipe the smile off her face and was practically bouncing off the walls because of the adrenaline. When they got back to the hotel Sebastian asked, "Was it a good surprise?"
"Yes! It was amazing! Thank you so much!" She wrapped her arms around his waist. He smiled and hugged her back. "Can't believe I just saw Paul McCartney in concert and met him in person!" She let go of Sebastian and took a step toward the bathroom.
"Are you okay?" Instead of answering she bolted into the bathroom and lost the contents of her stomach. He followed her and frowned as she retched again. She spit and flushed the toilet. "Are you okay?" Sebastian asked again. Bethany sat there, frowning at the toilet for a second.
"I think so. Probably just all the adrenaline and pent up of nerves or something." She stood and washed her hands then brushed her teeth.

———
bennyharris

❤️liked by andyblack, krisisaverted and 5,677 others
bennyharris HOLY SHIT! WHAT A NIGHT! I GOT TO MEET PAUL MCCARTNEY LIVE AND IN PERSON! I CAN DIE HAPPY! THANK YOU SO MUCH sebastiandanzig I LOVE YOU 😘

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user1 that's awesome! Ur so lucky!
user2 hey I was at that show too
sebastiandanzig glad you had a good time baby 💕
user3 tbh I really want Paul to my first concert I'm hoping to see him next month
krisisaverted lucky duck let's get coffee when you get back