Benielle: It's Complicated

Thirty-Two

*Ben calls Michael back*

Michael: "Ben! What happened to you yesterday?"

Ben: "Hey boss. I had to leave early with Rider. His wife got sick and I was on babysitting duty."

Michael: "We missed ya. You should have stuck around anyway. Get-togethers aren't the same without your jokes and high spirits."

Ben: "High spirits... Are we talking hard liquor? Am I funnier when I'm tipsy?"

Michael: "You're just always funny. And how often can you say you knocked a few back with your boss?"

Ben: "Actually work parties happen quite often in this industry."

Michael: "True. Where was Danielle last night?"

Ben: "I saw her briefly but she didn't end up going to the barbecue."

Michael: "Ha! Well I guess we know who her favourite is then."

Ben: "We got in a little kerfuffle."

Michael: "Oh geez, again?!"

Ben: "It's complicated!"

Michael: "Yeah, it's been complicated since the 90's."

Ben: "Well I mean she moved on at one point, so maybe I need to do the same."

Michael: "That is the most proactive thing I have ever heard you say."

Ben: "Thank you! Good day, then, sir. I'll see you on set tomorrow."

~The next day on set~

Michael: "All done for the day! How do you feel?"

Danielle: "Relieved, but work is fun."

Michael: "No scenes with Ben today."

Danielle: "Yeah I noticed."

Michael: "You alright?"

Danielle: "Yeah... Just a lot going on."

Michael: "Don't fret, my darling. Life has a way of working itself out."

*Danielle gives a small smile as Michael goes back to the stage*

*Danielle watches from the side as Ben and the kids film some scenes together*

*She hears a phone vibrating on a side counter and checks to see whose it is*

*She realizes it's Ben's phone and sees text messages on the screen*

From Cecile: Oops, totally forgot to send the pic yesterday!

From Cecile: By the way, totally down for another coffee meet-up, and this time I'll actually order one with you hehe

*Danielle frowns, sighs, and put the phone down*

*She grabs her bags and leaves, sending Ben a simple text on her way to her car*

From Danielle: I miss you

*After filming, Ben checks his phone and sees the messages*

*He makes his way to his dressing room for some alone time, trying to decide whose message to respond to first and what to say*

Ben's POV:

Am I a bad guy if I decide to play the field? I've had such a runaround with Danielle, but god I love her. On the other hand, Cecile is something fresh and new. I mean, if nothing more, it could turn into a pretty fun friendship. I think I could balance both at the same time. I'm so damn indecisive, even in my head.