Chapter 1117 - Happy Birthday, Jeff (2) (1/2)
It was time for the birthday celebration to begin officially.
JoAnna went on the stage and spoke into the microphone while servers entered and silently served the first course: ”Thank you everyone for coming here to celebrate Jeff's birthday. It means a lot to all of us. As you can see, lunch is being served and we will stay here until three o'clock. Each of you has a pamphlet on the table which will give you a variety of options you can do until eight o'clock at what time we will gather here for dinner…”
”Is this seat taken?”, a deep male voice came from behind Penny who was focused on JoAnna.
Penny glanced on the side and saw finely pressed pants of someone who is standing behind the empty seat next to her. ”Not taken.” She said while focusing back on the stage.
”...Today's event will end at eleven in the evening with fireworks. I hope you enjoy!”, JoAnna ended her speech and walked off the stage.
Penny followed JoAnna with her sight and was confused to see that she sat at the table with Sophia and Sarah and that all three sisters are looking at her. Glancing at her table, everyone was looking at her as well. Is something funny? Did she mess up her makeup? She touched her hair thinking that something is out of place.
”This hairstyle suits you very well.”, man next to her said and suddenly Penny realized that his voice is familiar.
She turned slow motion and her eyes fell on Benjamin who was smiling at her.
Penny thought that she is about to pass out.
”What are you doing here?”, she asked when she found her voice.
”Sarah and Aiden believe that your family is not a threat anymore so… here I am.”, Benjamin said and then added: ”If you want me.”
”Oh, God!”, Penny exclaimed and hugged him with all her might.
Benjamin hugged her back, closed his eyes and smiled. His Penny is back, and they can be together.
Penny glanced at three Hill sisters who were still looking her way with big smiles on their faces.
”Thank you”, Penny mouthed to them.
”I have so much to tell you.”, Penny whispered to Benjamin.
Benjamin confirmed that he has a lot to tell her too. So many things happened since they saw each other last time. ”I think it's not appropriate if we leave now. After lunch, we can go wherever you want.”
Penny wanted to go with Ben right away, she missed him immensely. But she has to agree that this is a birthday party and they should not leave before the party even started.
While thinking about where to go, Penny remembered that JoAnna insisted for her to get a suite at the resort.
”But I will not stay overnight…”, Penny did her best to reject JoAnna's offer politely.
JoAnna pushed the cardkey into Penny's hands. ”You never know… What if you need a place to rest?”
”I can manage one afternoon without rest.”
JoAnna didn't accept the cardkey Penny was trying to return. ”Then you will not use the room. Drop off the key at the reception on your way home. But if you change your mind, the room is yours until Monday…”
Back to present…
Penny smiled and leaned into Ben's embrace. They can stay here until Monday. Two nights of catching up and enjoying each other's company. Now Penny understood the empty chair by her side as well. It was strange because all seats are pre-assigned, but at that time she didn't think much about it.
Ben touched the gold pendant around her neck. It's five linked hearts which he sneakily gifted her for Christmas.
She glanced at the pendant and then looked at Ben. ”I'm wearing it all the time.”
He smiled. ”Luckily, we didn't need to wait five months.”
Penny confirmed. ”Every day was an eternity…”
”Hey!”, Emma protested. ”Aren't you going to introduce us?”
Penny then realized that Steve, Bridgette, Charlie, Emma, Jasper and Ellie are watching them. She straightened up and cleared her throat awkwardly. ”This is Benjamin… My boyfriend.”
Benjamin lit up at her introduction. It's the first time that she gave him a tittle. A boyfriend. It made him feel giddy like a teenager.