Chapter
Six
Vanessa's
Return
Most of the staff of The Merryweather was standing on
the marble stairway leading to the entry doors of the hotel. Eyes
were popping as Cameron Swank made his way to the entrance with a
smiling Vanessa Mackenzie at his side.
Vanessa saw Ben standing in the background before the
limo came to a complete stop in front of the resort. Her heart
pounded as she looked straight ahead not wanting to be caught staring
in his direction. He looked wonderful. So handsome in his uniform.
She winced as she remembered the way she had spoken to him the last
time she saw him. He had shocked her when he made the decision all
by himself that the two of them would remain in Camden Corners. She
was still a little miffed when she thought about how impulsive he had
been in renting the old Blackburn cottage. She loved that old place.
As a child she would imagine herself living there when she grew up.
In her imagination she was always married to a prince and had seven
babies. Seven was the number of baby dolls she had on her bed at
home. Her prince did come along but because of her stubborn streak,
that was where the story ended. Vanessa hadn't been back home since
the day she left. Her family and friends visited her on occasion.
Her best friend, Candy Taylor kept her up to date on Ben and his
female companions. Every time Candy came to town, Ben was dating a
different girl.
“It's a good thing we didn't stay together, Candy,”
said Vanessa several times. “He seems to like to play the field
and he probably would have cheated on me if I'd accepted his
proposal.”
“I'm not so sure about that Vanessa. Anyone in town
who has been with him says he is very attentive but it never goes
very far. I think it's because he's a one woman guy and you are the
woman.”
“If he felt that way, why didn't he stop me from
moving here? If he really loved me he would never have let me get on
that train.”
“Maybe if you really loved him, you wouldn't have
gotten on that train yourself. I know you aren't happy here. Why
don't you come back home? You know it would thrill your family.
Changing your mind wouldn't be the worst thing you could do. It's
been almost four years, Van. Please think about coming home.”
“I will be coming back for the opening of The
Merryweather next month. How is it coming? I can't believe Tracy
and my cousin have accomplished such an overwhelming task.”
“Vanessa, I can't wait for you to see it. It is going
to be a fabulous addition to our town. Camden Corners is coming up
in the world. It's great you will be at the opening. Are you coming
as Cameron Swank's escort? I can't believe that is part of your job
description.”
“I like being Cameron's escort. He is really a super
nice guy. You know if it was discovered he was a homosexual, his
career would be ruined. I hope someday attitudes change but in the
meantime, I want to help in any way I can.”
“I'm not knocking it. I just wish you had a real
life. When was the last time you had a real date?”
“Don't you remember that cameraman I had a date with?”
“Yeah, two years ago and that lasted about a week
before he got back with his wife. Vanessa, you haven't had a real
date since you left Camden Corners and you know it.”
“Should I tell Ben you are coming to town?”
“No, maybe he won't see me. I'll be staying in
Cameron's suite while I'm there and I'll be working except for the
times I am making a public appearance with him. It's only for the
weekend. What are the chances Ben will be at the big parties at the
hotel?”
Candy was tempted to tell Ben about Vanessa coming home,
but respected her wishes. Besides, she didn't know what his reaction
would be to her so called job.
Ben was busy all afternoon and into the evening
attempting to control the crowds. He had no idea there were as many
dignitaries invited and people from surrounding towns were all
anxious to get a look at them. His friend Jim and a few of the other
fellows in town helped him set up barriers. Ben would be glad when
the weekend was over. He thought he might like to talk with Vanessa
but it looked like she had a new man in her life and probably didn't
even remember him.
“Vanessa, I've arranged for a rental car for you. Why
don't you visit your family or some of your friends? I hate the
thought of you being stuck in this hotel room all weekend,” said
Cameron.
“Thanks, Cam. You really shouldn't have done that. I
won't be leaving these rooms unless I'm with you. My folks are going
to meet me in my cousin, Holly's office later. I'd rather not be
seen around town.”
“You mean you'd rather Ben Murphy didn't see you. I
have never known anyone so stubborn. You know you are still in love
with the guy. Go tell him how you feel.”
“I can't Cam, he's moved on with several other women
and I'm not about to stand in line waiting for him to get around to
me.”
“Vanessa, what will I do with you? At least go down
to the pool. It looks very secluded, you won't be bothered by
cameras or exes.”
“Cameron, stop worrying about me. I have work to do
and I'll be just fine.”
“Alright but I'm going to the bar by the pool. Tracy
Robinson said it would be off limits to the public. Don't work too
hard, dear.”
On his way down the stairs, he saw a good looking fellow
in a sheriff's uniform. He was talking to Tracy Robinson. That has
got to be Ben Murphy. He looks like someone Vanessa would be
interested in.
“Hello Mr. Swank, I hope your accommodations are
satisfactory.”
“I couldn't ask for anything more comfortable, Tracy.
Please call me Cameron,” he said noticing the name Sheriff
Benjamin Murphy on the other gentleman's nameplate.
“Ben, do you mind if I call you that?”
Ben was surprised to be called by name. “No, sir. I
don't mind at all. I enjoy your show very much and catch it every
chance I get.”
“Thanks, Ben. I enjoy playing the part. I'd like to
buy you a drink so we may talk. I'm sure, unlike my character, you
don't drink on the job but maybe you would enjoy a glass of soda
while I indulge in a nice cooling beer.”
Ben was curious as to why this television star would be
interested in talking with him. He wondered where Vanessa was and
why she wasn't hanging on his arm now.
“Ben, I'm sure you are curious as to why I singled you
out. I hope you will keep what I'm telling you under your hat. You
see, I am not interested in the opposite sex as most men are. It
would ruin my career if the public found out my preference. The
reason I'm telling you this is because there is a young lady upstairs
who obliges her bosses at the production company and places her arm
in mine when I appear in public. Her name is Vanessa Mackenzie. I
think you know her.”
“Yes, I do know Vanessa. It's been a long time since
I've seen her.”
“Yes, four years, I know that because Vanessa talks
about you often. She still loves you, you know. I wonder how you
feel about her. I'm asking because I don't want her to be hurt if
you aren't interested.”
“Mr. Swank...”
“Please call me Cameron.”
“Cameron, Vanessa left Camden Corners four years ago.
She was furious with me then and she hasn't contacted me since. I
made some decisions about our lives without discussing them with her
first. I realize I was wrong to do that but she seems to be very
happy with her life and I'm happy with mine just the way it it.”
“Oh hogwash, Ben! You are just as stubborn as Vanessa
and you are both foolish to go on like this. Vanessa won't even
leave the hotel for fear of running into you. She spotted you when
we drove onto the property today and she let out a wail that
frightened the driver. I can see the pain in your eyes just
mentioning her name. Here, take the key to my suite and go surprise
the dickens out of our girl. I'd still like to be seen with her
tonight but after the gala, we will have a little spat and I'll
become involved with someone else by weeks' end. That's the kind of
guy Cameron Swank is.”
“I think Cameron Swank is a pretty great guy. I'm
taking a chance that she won't throw me out on my ear. Thanks
Cameron.”
Ben took the back stairs two at a time. After four
years, he found he couldn't wait to come face to face with Vanessa.
He gingerly knocked on the door and then stuck the key
in the lock and turned it.
“Hi Cam, that didn't take long. How was the beer?”
“The root beer was very good. I think it was Dad's.
My favorite.”
Vanessa turned with a start. She recognized Ben's
voice. “How did you get in here, Ben?”
“Your friend Cameron says you still love me. That
works out quite well because I never stopped loving you, Vanessa.
I'm sorry I was presumptuous four years ago when I planned out our
lives without even consulting you. I'll give up my job and my home
and move to New York if you will still have me. Where I live and
work are of little importance without you in my life.”
“Oh Ben, I have been a silly fool. I was sorry I
moved to New York a week after I left Camden Corners. I have missed
you and my family and friends for all this time. I was afraid to
come back to town because I couldn't bear to see you strolling around
town with someone else. I love you Ben. I always have and I always
will.”
“We have wasted so much time. I hate to wait even two
more days but you are Cameron's for the weekend. If it weren't for
him I wouldn't be holding you in my arms this very moment. I think
we should name our first born after him. What do you think?”
“I don't think our son would like to be called Sidney,
do you? That's Cameron's real name, Sidney Plank.”
“Maybe we will just send pictures. Vanessa, let's get
married on Monday. We can keep it quiet until Cameron finds a new
escort.”
“Any thing you decide will be fine with me. I just
like to be asked first.”
“O.K. Will you marry me on Monday?
“Only if we can start the honeymoon this afternoon. We
have until 7:00 tonight. Then I'll have to get ready for my date.
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