The Day Before You Came

Chapter Seventeen

Frida looked at herself in the mirror and touched up her red lipstick while chewing on a mint. She adjusted the clasps that held her bangs a little and smiled to herself. She checked her wristwatch, it had already been long enough.

Benny was outside at one of the restaurant tables, they had stopped by for dinner before heading to Björn's house. Anni-Frid knew a good Mexican restaurant where sold succulent tacos and didn't hesitate to invite Benny, although he put up resistance when it came to paying the bill.

Frida left the bathroom when a group of teenagers, very scandalous for Frida's taste, entered. She went to the table where she and Benny had dinner, he was entertained on a call, his face had a slight frown and when she got close enough heard something about "bills" then she deduced that it was a job call.

Frida sat down and Benny motioned for her to wait a second, to which she replied with a smile.

"Okay, so we'll see you tomorrow, I'll be at your office at 11:00,"

Benny's tone of voice made Frida think. In the time they had known each other, he had always addressed her in a unique way, his tone was softer compared to when he spoke to someone else, although he never lost that depth that characterized his voice.

She came out of her thoughts when she heard Benny calling her.

"Anni-Frid?"

"Yes, excuse me, what were you saying to me?"

"If you're ready we can go" He said, giggling a little at her distraction.

"Of course, dear." Frida got up and they both went to the small parking lot where Benny's driver was already waiting for them.

The ride to Björn's house was, as always, very pleasant. Edmund, the driver, couldn't help but chuckle once in a while. Despite not paying attention, he occasionally heard his boss and his new girlfriend laugh heartily and it was impossible not to catch it.

When they reached their destination, Frida pressed her bag against her, she was nervous. The night before she had made the decision to jump into the void with Benny, when she said she wanted to be completely his she had done so with absolute sincerity. She had never felt so safe and somehow Benny gave her the courage she needed.

Frida rang the bell and they waited for a few seconds. Benny took her hand drawing her attention and she lowered her gaze to him.

"You look beautiful," he said kissing her hand and giving her a smile.

That was enough to dispel any remnants of insecurity within Frida. She smiled back at him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek just before the door was opened by a rather cheery Björn.

"Hey Andersson!"

"Ulvaeus!"

"What a joy!" Björn patted Benny on the shoulder with euphoria, which made them both laugh. "I thought you wouldn't come anymore,"

"I followed your advice and had dinner before I came,"

"That's my friend, follow my advices and you will be successful in life," said Björn raising his glass in simulation of a toast.

"But we're already here,"

Björn, who until now wasn't aware of Frida's presence, directed his gaze towards her.

"Oh, hello!" He said trying to put his posture back together.

"Hi, how are you?" Frida said politely.

"Björn," Benny chimed in, "She's Frida,"

Björn seemed to understand as his eyes widened with real surprise, "Nice to finally meet you, Frida," Björn said shaking her hand, "Although I probably already knew you from before so much that Benny talks about you"