The Baker, Part 2: Sous Chef

Chapter 37

Ben groaned when he felt a light weight set on his chest. He didn't come home until nearly four in the morning because filming for 'Sherlock' took so long. He had to run, jump, fight and he came home dead on his feet. So, whatever was waking him up was very unwelcome. 

When he managed to pry open his eyes, he actually smiled. Liam was on his chest, sleeping peacefully. He vaguely remembers getting into bed and seeing his son curled up to Cassie. He was too exhausted to question why. 

Stretching out a bit, he put his hand on his son's back and closed his eyes. A moment later, he felt something on his forehead. Opening his eyes once again, he saw Cassie standing over him. "I'll see you both tomorrow," she whispered. "Do you want me to put him back to bed?"

Ben shook his head, then tugged Cassie's hand until she was bent down and kissing him on the lips. "Drive safe," he groggily told her. "Call me when you get there." She gently brushed back his curls and said, "I will. Love you both." She pressed a kiss to Liam's head, then started to walk away. Ben held her hand until she was out of reach. 

He was able to go back to sleep after that and was able to sleep for a while. He did feel the weight on his chest leave at some point, but didn't think anything of it. The next time he woke up, it was nearly three in the afternoon. "Christ," he grumbled as he rubbed his face. 

It took him a few moments, but he got himself up and went downstairs. He saw Liam sitting in the living room, still in his pajamas and watching T.V.. "Did you eat?" Ben asked him. Liam, startled a bit, looked to his dad and said, "Mommy made me a bu'berry muffin and mac an'cheese."

Of course she knew he'd be sleeping all day, so he didn't expect anything less of her. "She said she made you food, too, daddy." Ben went into the kitchen and opened up the fridge. There were several containers with notes on them. One said, 'Liam Lunch', another said, 'Liam Dinner'. The rest were labeled to Ben. 

He smiled and pulled out a container that said, 'Benny after waking up past noon'. He opened it to some ramen noodles. He's never seen her make this before. The moment he put it into his mouth, he was in heaven. So was his stomach. 

"Alright, kiddo," Ben said as he sat on the couch with Liam, "what do you say to going out to dinner tonight? Just you and me." Liam's little face lit up with a smile. "Okay!" He happily shouted. Ben chuckled, "Alright, we'll go in a few hours. I'm going to go take a shower, so be a big boy and hold down the fort for me."

He went upstairs and turned on the shower before grabbing his phone. Cassie had called him, but didn't leave a message. However, she did send a text that read, Just got here! I'll be in that meeting all day, but if you need anything just call me. I love you and I'll call you when the meeting is over! xoxo.

That was around noon, so he imagined her meeting would be over soon. He didn't want to disturb her, so he decided to wait until she called him. He got himself into the shower and rinsed off the muck and grime of yesterday. When he got out, he shaved, then tried to contain his hair that was getting a bit too long now. 

By the time he got dressed, he figured it was time for him and Liam to head out for dinner. He got Liam ready in a few minutes, then headed out. "Daddy, where we going?" Ben picked him up so he could walk a little faster, then said, "We are going to have some burgers and chips at this really good pub." They were at the place in just a few minutes. 

Seeing as it was just a bar, Ben sat themselves at a booth and looked over the menu. "So there's no kids menu here, pal," he said to Liam, who was obviously looking for the kids stuff. "Looks like you're going to have to order from the big boy menu."

Liam threw his hand in the air and shouted, "I big boy!" Ben chuckled and rubbed his head. When the waitress came over, she took their orders (Ben ordered Liam a plain cheeseburger) and came back with their drinks a few moments later. 

"Don't tell mummy I'm letting you have this," Ben said as Liam happily sipped on Coca-Cola in a cup bigger than his head. "I won't, daddy," he assured. While waiting for their food, Liam kept asking questions about the rugby game that Ben was so engrossed in. 

"I want to play that!" He excitedly shouted. Ben chuckled as he told him, "You're going to have to ask mummy about that one. You ask her, not me." Their food came a few minutes later and Ben laughed at how big Liam's cheeseburger was compared to him. He cut it into four pieces, but Liam could only finish one and a half with some fries. 

Ben drank a couple of beers and watched the game while explaining the rules and plays to his nearly four year old son. A little later on, Ben found himself holding Liam close to his chest as he slept peacefully. Despite the cheers and other noise going on, he slept like a baby. 

Deciding it was time to get him home, Ben paid the bill, then walked home. He got his son dressed in pajamas and into bed. He thought he'd be bouncing around the room from all that soda, but he was glad it had the opposite effect. 

Just as he was about to get ready for bed himself, his phone started ringing. When he saw it was Cassie, a smile lit up on his face. "Hey, busy girl," he answered. "I was expecting a call a bit earlier." He heard her yawn, then say, "The meeting just ended. There was so much we had to go through, so we just decided to nail it in the head today. I'm so exhausted, but I know I'm not going to be able to sleep in that house without the two of you in it."

Ben tsk'd, then told her, "Just think, the sooner you go to sleep, the sooner you can wake up and come back to us. I'll bring Liam to work with me tomorrow and keep an eye on him as best as I can until you get there. Are you home yet?"

"Almost," she yawned. "I can't wait until my face hits that pillow." Ben laughed and shook his head. "Alright, well I'll let you go. I love you, baby." He could hear her close their front door as she said, "I love you, too, babe. Give Liam a kiss for me."

After hanging up, Ben got himself into bed. It really was difficult sleeping without Cassie there. Either that, or it was because he only woke up six hours ago. Doesn't matter because he missed his girl. It was a weird that she was the one who was away. 

He couldn't wait to have her back tomorrow.