Hey, whoa. I'm pretty sure when I said for better or worse, that included surprise ex-boyfriends with angels on retainer.
[There were no qualifiers. For better or worse is for better or worse.]
Unless you're rethinking things with this new information and that's something we can talk about. But I think you should take some time to process things before we make any rash decisions.
I'm not rethinking anything. I wouldn't. You have brought a stability I have needed for longer than you or I will ever admit. ( seriously, don't admit it. ) For me and for Ben. ( And that's meant everything. ) And, as much as I wanted to see where your head is at, I... am worried about Ben. And, I owe Dean his own conversation. And, I don't think Thanksgiving weekend is supposed to be this emotionally draining. Or is it? I've never had a big family.
I know Ben's feelings are a big part of this, but I don't want to lose sight of the fact that he's not the only one affected. So what kind of conversation do you need this to be? You could give him a call or we could have him and Elena over for dinner, just the four of us?
I don't know. Honestly, a part of me just has to talk to him alone? He deserves an explanation. ( she shakes her head. ) But at this point, I'm not sure I trust my own judgment.
[He wants to see where her head is at, and that will impact his answer. And while he's not sure he wants her to be alone with Dean just yet, he also knows that this is a conversation that could require delicacy and privacy.]
I don't know. I - know what's best for Ben. Or, I did. Raising him. I - lied. I told Dean there was no way Ben was his. But, I didn't actually know, I just - hoped. And, then he came back into our lives and I... I just let him back in. And here was are twenty years later.
( Should she even be in charge of what happens next? )
My old instincts say to confront him. Alone. But, you're a part of our lives now. One of the biggest parts. And you're involved. Directly. But, I don't know the best next step.
Dean seems like he was in an unstable place. I don't blame you for doing what you had to do to protect Ben. But Dean's feelings are going to be more complicated.
[As they should be.]
Look, I don't feel good about you going to have this conversation completely alone, but ultimately it's your call. I'll back your play, no matter what.
But, I agree. I'm sure my campaign manager would love an unsanctioned conversation with a fugitive. ( her lives really do collide. ) And do I do anything until Ben comes around. If he comes around. ( she moves over to her phone. ) Maybe there's somewhere by the hotel. We meet on neutral ground. The four of us.
I think Ben's journey is his own, and it's always going to be important but you and Dean ground that needs clearing. The sooner you both do that, the easier it will be to help Ben figure things out.
[He nods.]
I think that sounds like a great idea. You want to make the call, or me?
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everyonelives2025-03-12 08:39 pm
no subject
[There were no qualifiers. For better or worse is for better or worse.]
Unless you're rethinking things with this new information and that's something we can talk about. But I think you should take some time to process things before we make any rash decisions.
no subject
( She wraps her arms around his waist. )
I'm not rethinking anything. I wouldn't. You have brought a stability I have needed for longer than you or I will ever admit. ( seriously, don't admit it. ) For me and for Ben. ( And that's meant everything. ) And, as much as I wanted to see where your head is at, I... am worried about Ben. And, I owe Dean his own conversation. And, I don't think Thanksgiving weekend is supposed to be this emotionally draining. Or is it? I've never had a big family.
no subject
[He rubs her arms gently.]
I know Ben's feelings are a big part of this, but I don't want to lose sight of the fact that he's not the only one affected. So what kind of conversation do you need this to be? You could give him a call or we could have him and Elena over for dinner, just the four of us?
no subject
I don't know. Honestly, a part of me just has to talk to him alone? He deserves an explanation. ( she shakes her head. ) But at this point, I'm not sure I trust my own judgment.
no subject
[He wants to see where her head is at, and that will impact his answer. And while he's not sure he wants her to be alone with Dean just yet, he also knows that this is a conversation that could require delicacy and privacy.]
no subject
( Should she even be in charge of what happens next? )
My old instincts say to confront him. Alone. But, you're a part of our lives now. One of the biggest parts. And you're involved. Directly. But, I don't know the best next step.
no subject
[As they should be.]
Look, I don't feel good about you going to have this conversation completely alone, but ultimately it's your call. I'll back your play, no matter what.
no subject
( She lets go and steps back. )
But, I agree. I'm sure my campaign manager would love an unsanctioned conversation with a fugitive. ( her lives really do collide. ) And do I do anything until Ben comes around. If he comes around. ( she moves over to her phone. ) Maybe there's somewhere by the hotel. We meet on neutral ground. The four of us.
no subject
[He nods.]
I think that sounds like a great idea. You want to make the call, or me?
no subject
You can. Honestly, part of me just wants to take a nap. Tell me I wasn't always this old.
no subject
[And hopefully by the time they get through tonight they'll be able to at least clear some of the air.]
no subject
( And if plans are made and then he wants to join her in bed, he's more than welcome. )