C12 Chapter 12

"Back so soon?" Brandon called, as soon as he heard the door open.

"From where?"

He looked up and saw Brian staring at him. He suddenly remembered they had a follow up meeting today.

Thirty minutes into their meeting, Beth poked her head in, winced, waved at Brian and tip toed to him.

"Try this out." She dropped a pack of chocolate cookies on his table.

"You'll thank me later."

With that, she left.

Brian watched Brandon fight to not watch her go, with a cheshire grin on his face.

Looking back at him, Brandon rose a brow, "What?"

"Nothing. As we were saying...."

A solid hour later, Brandon and Brian were shaking hands in final conclusion of their meeting. Brian owned a heavy machinery company and had come to Brandon with some ideas he'd had, hoping for a merger of some sort. They'd finalized it.

"Oh, I heard Kaitlyn all excited over an assignment type thing your company is carrying out. Good news around the corner?"

"You can say so," Brandon said on an exhale.

"I've been thinking of something."

Brian lounged back in his chair, "What's that?"

Brandon let his head drop against the head rest of his chair and shut his eyes.

After a few minutes of silence, he said something that had Brian exhaling.

"I can't do this anymore."

"Elizabeth?"

He nodded.

"She's started trusting me. That's a very huge step for her."

"How do you feel about her?" Brian asked quietly.

All Brandon did was raise his eyes to lock with Brian's and Brian saw his answer.

"I'm in trouble," Brandon deadpanned, chuckling dryly at himself.

Now that he and Brandon were on the same page, he could finally ask,

"What are we going to do?"

Brian sighed, raising a hand to run it through his hair.

"Everyone's been working so hard. I'm thinking of throwing a small evening gathering for everyone to unwind. I'll tell her then."

"Everything?"

"Everything."

"When?"

"In three days."

Brian nodded, feeling proud of his friend and scared for him. Pride and Ego was a dangerous thing, he knew that first hand. He knew how hard it was for Brandon. He'd known many females and heaven could second that... But he'd never been in love before. Not until now.

"She'll be very angry."

"I know." Brandon nodded, locking eyes with Brandon. There, Brian saw a look he knew only too well. It was one he'd worn several times himself.

Unwavering determination.

"No matter what, I'm here for you."

Brandon nodded, appreciating his best friend's companionship.

"That's what I'll do. You, tell Sherlie."

Brian tensed. He knew this was coming. He knew he'd have to tell Sherlie whenever it was that Brandon came to his senses. It was better she found out from him rather than from Beth when she found out from Brandon. He knew it. Knowing, however, didn't stop his fear.

Sherlie and Beth had been best friends since they were kids and thus, were highly protective of each other.

Highly.

"Tell her I plan to tell Beth. It might make her feel better."

Brian let out a heavy sigh, nodding.

"I'm sorry I put you in this situation." Brandon said with as much sincerity as he could muster. Looking up and into his eyes, Brian spoke,

"No more bets?"

Brandon nodded once, meaning his every word as he said, "No more bets."

Beth returned soon after Brian left, watching Brandon with a mischievous look on her face. It was the way she narrowed her eyes and tilted her pursed lips to the side that made him squint at her.

"Hey Brandy," she greeted.

"Hello...." He drawled, giving her a once over, wondering what her game was.

"So, your mom called."

His face turned into a mask of guilty shock and reluctance.

"I wonder how she got my number...."

He partially rolled his eyes, "I'm going to blame you for this one."

"Me? What did I do?"

"If you had just given her your number when you went over, then she wouldn't have had to threaten me for it, then, go through my phone. One of the reasons why I don't go over." He ended, mumbling the last part.

Beth rose a brow and crossed her arms, "Threat? She threatened you?"

His fingers let go of his pen as he rolled his head to ease his sore neck, "Yes."

"I see. Might I know what said threat was?"

"No."

She rose both brows, fighting off the urge to laugh, "Why?"

"Nothing. Just no. Come here."

"Whatever you say, Oscar."

His mouth fell open before his face scrunched up in embarrassed betrayal, "She ratted me out."

Beth bellowed, croaking out, "I think Oscar is a pretty cute middle name, Brandy."

Rolling his eyes, he huffed "Everything is cute with you."

Her laughter only increased. Brandon got out of his chair, strolled to her with a lazy smile on his face, picked up her laughing body and deposited them on the black leather couch by the wall. Weak with laughter, she fell over. Brandon picked up her legs and placed them in his lap, groaning with a smile that refused to go away.

"Stop laughing!"

"Who are you to tell me that, Brandon Oscar Wade? You're not the boss of me."

"I will be if you accept my proposal, Elizabeth Francesca West."

"Ugh," she sat up, swinging her legs off his thighs, "Way to spoil the mood."

He went for her legs and re-placed them on his thighs.

"Beth,"

"No."

"But why?"

"You know why."

"I really don't."

She was about to speak when he said, "I know you have your reservations but please, for my sake, think about it. Over and over again. Don't stop thinking till your answer is yes."

"Yes?" She asked in almost disbelief.

He suddenly clapped, "Yes. It's settled."

"Wait, what!?"

"You're going out with me."

She scrunched up her face, "What the- no, I'm not."

"Yes, you are. You just said yes."

"It was a question! And we weren't even talking about a date."

He suddenly smirked, "Who said anything about a date? Look who's quick to label it now."

She slapped her palm to get forehead.

"You have to be the most impossible person I have ever met."

"The pot calls the kettle black. How hypocritical."

She shot him a look, paused in thought, then stuck her tongue out at him.

He breathed out a smile, "Everyone has been working hard and I'm impressed. For a job well done so far, I have organized a small get together for everyone."

She smiled, obviously happy at his thoughtfulness, "That's amazing. Thank you."

Only Beth would thank him for helping or pleasing others. Only Beth.

"That's what you tricked me into saying yes to?"

Lazily tracing his fingers down her legs, he hummed in affirmation.

She looked up in thought, "When?"

"Friday evening."

She suddenly bit her lower lip, casting him a wincing glance.

"Elizabeth,"

"I have to work. You know how busy Friday nights are. Jackie's is basically a bar at night." She placated.

"I-"

"I won't have you talking to Jackie for me."

He rolled his eyes, "Jackie knows how involved you've been with Wade Industries for a while now. This has everything to do with you too."

She whimpered cutely, "But the rush hour..."

"It can be handled by someone else."

"It'll reduce my pay at the end of the month."

"I'll pay for your brilliant ideas and steady effort and that's final." He said, giving her a steely look when she frowned. "Besides, you have a lot of piled up vacations, Jackie herself told me that. That covers all the time away from the coffee shop, and them some."

Her slouched in unhappy reluctance.

"Woman, why not say yes to having fun for once in your life?"

"Because I..... I have nothing fancy to wear." She literally whispered out the last part, but he caught it.

Not minding how she stiffened when he leaned in, he pulled her onto his lap and held her there. When she had problems meeting his eyes, he gently took her chin between his fingers and turned her eyes to his. Her eyes barely met his before they dipped away. He fought to control a smile, seeing as their close proximity affected her. Not in a negative way.

Gently squeezing her waist, he called out to her.

"Elizabeth,"

With a long close mouthed sigh, she rose her eyes to his.

"You would look phenomenal in a shower curtain."

With that, seriousness flew out the window. She threw her head back and laughed, fighting to keep herself seated and upright. Brandon just watched her with a soft and fond smile on his face.

"Poop shoes too."

She guffawed, managing out "What the heck are poop shoes!?"

"Heck if I know. You said it two days ago."

She snickered, "When I say it, it's laced with wisdom. When you say it.... It sounds like poop."

He gave her a deadpan look, "Yes. Because it's meant to sound otherwise."

Shaking her head with a smile, she said, "I'm serious though."

"I'm serious too, baby."

Her heart rate suddenly picked up, together with the goosebumps that assailed her skin. It was always like that whenever he called her 'baby'. She favoured the pet name without knowing why. He called her that a few times, exploiting her weakness without knowing it. And the way he said it too.... like she was a glass of very fine wine that he couldn't get enough of. The way he looked at her whilst he said it was the exact same way she'd caught him looking at her sometimes. Sherlie also claimed to have caught him on countless occassions. That was another reason why Sherlie insisted that Brandon was her boyfriend because according to her, 'Such adoration isn't displayed by the eyes for someone you see as just a friend. It's too intense to be that simple.'

But he wasn't! He really wasn't, even though he called her baby sometimes. He just called her that... Flippantly. To prove familiarity.

Right.

"But, if that is what is stopping you then we can get you something to wear."

"You know i can't do that." She said quietly, releasing a humorless chuckle.

"I can't afford it, not right now."

"How about-"

"Brandon," she called softly, gazing up at him. "I can't have you going through the trouble of buying me something to wear."

He frowned. That statement was all kinds of wrong.

"It's no trouble at all."

"I'll feel guilty," she lowly said, a small smile gracing her face.

"Okay. How about I take out of what I'll be paying you for your work, to pay for whatever you pick out?"

She scoffed, "This is going to be a grand thing-"

"No it isn't." He said sincerely, shaking his head. At that point, he looked so innocent, she couldn't help but raise her hand to cup the side of his face.

"Everything is always grand with the rich." Before he could speak, she carried on softly, roaming her eyes all over his face.

"Knowing you, you won't take me to a simple thrift shop. If what you'll be paying me will be enough to pay for a grand dress then... I'd rather not spend it all on a dress." She ended, gazing into his eyes.

"Beth,"

"B, let's do this. I'll look through my wardrobe. I think I'll be able to find something. If not, I'll come steal you and make it up to you."

"Baby, you-" he started after a heavy sigh but she cut him off, fighting off an excited shudder.

"Stealing you would be more fun anyway." She added a wink for effect. If she 'stole' him so they could have fun, would it be right then to tell her about the bet? He wanted to tell her as soon as possible. Needed to tell her. Maybe it would be better if they were alone. That was the only reason he agreed. Either setting was fine. Seeing his reluctant nod, she beamed and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you."

Seeing her smile, he sighed again, not able to resist. He pulled her in and kissed her cheek, enjoying the sight of the dazzling smile she gifted him. At least she accepted the pay from him.

That was a victory. As soon as she left, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hey, buddy."

"Hey, Steven."

The next day, Beth awoke to Sarah's call. Drowsily stumbling over to Sarah's room, she knocked the slightly ajar door and walked into the rather dark room. Allowing her heavy eyes to adjust, she proceeded to pull open the curtains, stifling a yawn. Turning after completing the task, she stopped breathing.

Sarah was pale. A lot more paler than usual.

"Mom?" Beth called, fear lacing her voice.

"Elizabeth," Sarah wheezed out. Swallowing down her fear, she rushed over, kneeling and taking her mom's hand in hers. Upon feeling her temperature, Beth's eyes widened, panic taking over her.

"Mamma, you're burning up. What's wrong? What happened?"

"Calm down," Sarah managed to laugh, "My chest just hurts and I feel light headed. That's it, nothing major."

Beth heaved and huffed, trying to think of what to do in her scatterbrained state.

"For how long? What-what can I do? Is the pain a lot? Of course it is, you're pale. Okay, uhh..." She rose her hand to her head, feeling lost. Her eyes shot to Sarah's when she heard her choke out a laugh.

"Mamma, please take it easy. Why are you laughing?"

"You know, the way you are behaving reminds me of your father."

Smiling a sad smile, Beth stroked her mom's hair, "I'm sure he'd know what to do."

"Actually, he wouldn't. He would flounder and flounder then calm down, only to erupt in Italian and flounder some more." Sarah ended with a nostalgic smile on her face.

Stroking her mother's hair once more, Beth softly spoke, "Mamma-"

"Did I just hear the toaster go off?" Sarah interrupted, suddenly frowning.

"The toaster? No. I'm just waking up. Have you gone downstairs this morning?"

Blinking repeatedly, Sarah turned to Beth with a blank look on her face.

"I.... I think... I don't know."

Beth was just in time to stop the troubled sigh before it escaped her mouth. Another thing she'd noticed quite recently was that Sarah had been too forgetful and imaginative. There was only one time when she got like that and that was only a few weeks before she had to be taken in for surgery in the past.

"Let me go check. Just to be sure." Placing a light kiss on her mother's forehead, she smiled gently and left. Upon getting downstairs and into the kitchen, she looked around, fighting the burden that had taken root in her chest. Her hands began to tremble. Nothing was turned on. Deciding to get started on breakfast, she moved to pick up a knife. A lone tear escaped her eye.

Taking in shaky breaths, she wiped it away and went to pick out some vegetables but then there came another tear. Then another. And another. Swallowing down her sobs, she closed her eyes, taking in deep breaths in a bid to get a grip. The soul deep ache in her chest took new root in her throat, making it harder for her to breathe. Tightly gripping the edge of the counter, she squeezed her eyes shut and bit down on her lower lip to keep her sobs down. Fighting to get steady breaths in minutes later, she finally decided that she was fighting an already lost battle. Slowly crawling up the stairs, she found her way into her room, retrieved her phone, and went back into the kitchen. Putting off calling until she felt like she was being choked by pain, she turned on her screen and dialed a number.

"Hello?"

Beth inhaled shakily, trying her best to sound strong, "Hey."

"Beth?"

Hearing the sudden concern in Sherlie's voice broke her. A withering sob escaped her mouth, leading the way for more.

"Beth? Beth! What's wrong? What happened?"

Leaning down till her forehead was pressed against the cold countertop, she mumbled,

"I think it's back."