My Neighbor's Wife

Chapter 23

Lounging at Mrs. Lovett's Parlor, with his head on the baker's lap, Ben sighs contentedly. He closes his eyes as his best friend runs her fingers through his hair, lightly scraping his scalp, sending shivers down his spine. He is so glad that he has managed to find some alone time with her, for it seems impossible now since David has come along in her life.

"Ben, David and I are going to the ball that Judge Turpin is hosting." Mrs. Lovett says; her hand drifts from his head to his face, caressing his cheek with her thumb.

Frowning, Benjamin opens his eyes to look at the baker. He does not know why, but it seems that all the women are talking about the bloody party. When he went to the market a while ago, he can hear those lady merchants talking among themselves on how they wished they were invited. He does not know what is so special about it.

"Lucy wants to go, too- I don't. The Judge will be there and I don't want to see him." he groans, burying his face at Mrs. Lovett's swollen belly and hugging her waist. He looks like a child throwing tantrums.

Hearing the baker laughs, he looks up at her and sees her staring at him with a smile on her face. His heart skips a beat and he feels like he is melting. He still cannot explain these weird feelings he gets when it comes to Nellie, so he ignores them.

"But Ben, of course Turpin will be there! He is the host of the party. I do think that you should go; Lucy will love It." the baker says suggestively as she wiggles her brows up and down. "Besides, it will be fun. There will be lots of dancing."

Well, Mrs. Lovett is right. He loves dancing, and the idea of it appeals so much to him. It has been on his wedding day since he last danced, so he guesses that maybe he'll... attend. Also, it will be great if he and Nellie will be able to sneak in a dance for a song or two. He knows it may be quite impossible considering that his wife is there, but what's wrong with trying, eh? He is sure that she will be busy with Judge Turpin. Though he is against it, maybe he can let them dance while he is dancing with his best friend; he will just have to keep an eye on them.

Smiling, he has now decided that he will go to the ball and he will tell this to Lucy later. "Alright, I will go."

Mrs. Lovett just winks at him and continues on with stroking his face. He leans into her touch, savoring the feeling of her soft and warm fingers. He wishes that these kinds of moments will last, for these are the times when he feels that he is happy and at peace. He used to feel like this when he is with his wife, but not now. All they do is fight that he sometimes just wants to end things between them. But, he knows that this is the price that he has to pay for what he did. So, he will not leave and will forever try to fix things- as long as he can.

"Nellie, what do you think will happen if I leave Lucy?" he asks, just out of curiosity. He is immediately greeted by a whack on the forehead, causing him to frown at the baker. "I won't do it. I was just wondering."

Mrs. Lovett repositions Ben's head on her lap, before answering his question. She prop her feet up on the stool, and when she is comfortable enough, she answers. "First of all, Ben, why are you thinking of leaving Lucy? If you leave her, she'll be devastated- I'm certain of that. Also, do you think I'd allow you? I will not let my child grow without its father."

Sitting up, Ben takes Mrs. Lovett's hands and looks her straight in the eyes. In all seriousness, he asks. "Would you miss me?"

The baker looks down, seeming unsure of what to answer. She peers at him under her lashes, then plasters on a charming smile on her face; she murmurs. "Every single day that you were gone."

Ben, pleased with Mrs. Lovett's answer, grins and gives her a peck on her cheek. He then lays his head on her shoulder and intertwines his hand with hers. "Then I will not leave. Can't have you missing me, eh?"