Best Kept Secret (Best Kept #1)

Chapter 12: I'll Be Your Secret

Song: Halo by Starset (Honestly, they need more recognition)

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I prayed Benji wasn't working tonight. He didn't mention if he did or not, so I'm crossing my fingers he doesn't.

How did I not see it before? Benji works there because his dad runs the place. I guess having the same last name can be a clue too, but of course, it went right over my head. And now I have to work at the party, see Mr. Meyer, and pretend I didn't just kiss his son less than twenty-four hours ago.

Does that mean my mom knew who Benji was the whole time?

Or even worse, did Benji know who I was before he even met me?

All of this new information clogged my mind and my temples started to throb. This wasn't going to end well. My nerves were on edge and I had no idea what to do. Getting through this night is first on my list and that's the only thing on my list. Maybe I shouldn't be so frazzled about this, but I'd die if my mom found out about Benji.

I've never formally met his dad, so I don't think he'll know me. He'll know my mom for sure and if Benji's working...he knows better. He wouldn't throw me under the bus.

An hour before we had to leave, my mom gave me the uniform her staff uses. Black slacks, a white button up shirt, and a black tie. She instructed that I wear my hair in a ponytail and wear comfortable shoes. I checked everything off my list after getting ready and met her downstairs.

"Stacy has the van loaded up already at the bakery." She sighed and fished her keys out of her purse. "She's going to meet us there."

I just nodded and followed her out to the car.

When we turned onto the main road, my mom spoke, "Emily's going to be there to help. I've already talked to Mia too and she's bringing Caleb. Mr. Meyer is going to let me borrow a few of his staff members as well because he says it's going to be almost twice as big as last year."

My heart sank. I knew Benji would be there. Since it's his dad, Benji was probably the first person he called. I'm glad I never met his dad or this would be a lot harder to hide. This was going to be fine. I'm not going to freak out when I get there. I freaked out enough in the shower.

When we got to the hotel, we pulled around the back where the staff entrance was. It didn't take long to spot Benji's old truck parked in the lot. It shouldn't be surprising, but chills swam over my skin.

"You okay?"

I blinked and looked at my mom. "Yeah?"

"Well get out of the car. Stacy's waiting."

I shook myself and got out of the car. Stacy was parked in front of the entrance of the back, the van doors are already open, and people are carrying things from the van. I've been so worried about my mom finding out about Benji, I totally forgot that Stacy actually knew about Benji.

We walked to the back of the van and my mom immediately started to pile boxes of mini pastries in my arms. She told me where to go and I just nodded. I continued my trek inside and emerged into an open room. There was table's set up with place cards and centerpieces that just screamed Christmas. In the middle of the room was a Christmas tree that stood so tall it almost reached the ceiling.

My mouth fell open as my eyes traveled up the tree. It was dressed in white lights and red and gold ornaments. Other gold decorations pressed into the tree, making the red pop more against it.