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Benjamin Harris was embossed in gold on the outside. Assuming that was his name, Julia replied, "I believe he goes by Benjamin Harris."

Turning back to the ambulance, the woman said, "Thank you. We'll get him to the ER."

Almost surprising herself, Julia said, "I would like to go with him, but I don't have a car."

The woman turned to her and for a second looked unsure. Then she finally said, "OK, ride with us." Julia thought she probably believed the man was her uncle or father - or grandfather - and that she was a relative. Julia didn't correct her and climbed into the ambulance.

Julia was nineteen. With only two years of high school and no real skills she had been lucky to find the kitchen job in the small restaurant near the huge campus. She had been working there for the last two and a half years and the only possible thing she saw in her future was that someday she might make it up to senior cook. Most of the waitresses and a couple of the other employees were college students who looked on their jobs as something temporary to simply bring in a little spending money. None were planning to remain beyond graduation.

Julia sometimes looked at them in envy but saw no way she would ever be joining them. She often thought that she had been trapped and destined from birth. Maybe some people were just born lucky, with loving parents and money enough for a good life. If not rich, at least enough to live quite comfortably. Others, like herself, would never see beyond a poor existence. She never thought of that existence as miserable. No, she could often be quite happy and contented with her existence. It was just that she never expected her position in life to really change. She wasn't like the college girls who worked there. Oh, she got along with them quite well, even shared jokes and laughs. But when they left work it was to a different world. Sure, sometimes she wished her future could change. It was just that she didn't really see any way it could.

Julia's mother, Mary, had only been twenty when Julia was born. Her father had married Mary as soon as she had found she was pregnant. At least they had that, but neither of her parents had any real skills. Her father had worked as a laborer doing construction work of several types, but never seemed to find a long term, steady job. Until Julia was born her mom had worked as a waitress and again after Julia was old enough to start school. However, they never made enough to move away from the tiny apartment in an area where the schools were not the highest quality. It wasn't like some schools that were just glorified baby sitters where nothing was really taught - often because the teachers didn't know much themselves. No, Julia got a basic education and did well at her studies even if not the top.

One day when Julia was ten her dad didn't come home from work. The next morning her mother contacted the place where he had been working and was told that suddenly the previous afternoon he had stopped what he was doing, turned around and shouted, "I've had it! I've had enough of this fucking place and this fucking job!" He then started to leave the work site and when the foreman asked him where he was going he just shouted, "South. Somewhere, anywhere. I don't know. I've just had it."

Julia and her mom never heard from him again. The company did send her his last paycheck, but that was all. Julia was old enough that she could stay home after school while her mom began to work longer hours. She made enough that they got along OK and when Julia was a couple of years older she started to get some odd jobs and helped out somewhat with their expenses.

In May of her sophomore year her mom became ill. At first it looked just like flu or something but in a few days it got worse instead of better. After a week Julia called for help and her mom was admitted to the hospital. Her fever never broke and she died ten days later. The doctors never did determine just what she had had. Julia returned to the empty apartment and just stood looking around. For twenty minutes she just remained in one place, looking form one tiny room to another. Then she took a deep breath and out loud said, "I can't stay here. I just can't."

She moved to her closet and dresser and packed her few clothes into a battered suitcase. She took the small stash of cash that they kept in case of a real emergency. Eighty-four dollars. She took a small picture of her, her mom and her dad and, with one last look around, left, closing the door behind her. Out in the hallway she turned for a final look at the door. For a second she stood still, just looking. Then she wiped a small tear from her eye and, again out loud, spoke a quote she had once read. "Either I will find a way or I will make one."

At first she had no idea just where she would go. She had seen girls living on the streets in the city where she was and never wanted to join them. There were really no relatives she knew of and any friends she had were local and not close enough that she could ask them for help. Besides, she didn't want to stay there. She had to get out of that city.

She considered heading to the bus station but was practical enough that she didn't want to spend any more of her little cash if she didn't have to. Finally she took a deep breath and headed towards the US highway leading out of town. She caught rides with two older couples who took her as far as they were going and then was picked up by a truck driver. At first she was afraid he'd want something from her that she didn't intend to give, but he turned out to be a kind man and never asked for anything in return for the ride.

His destination was a reasonably sized college town. As they drove pass the campus Julia looked out at a world so different from that which she had known. For long seconds she closed her eyes and dreamed what it could have been like if she were born into that world, but then resigned herself to it just being a dream. Still, the town looked nice, the truck driver was finishing his trip here and Julia suddenly decided she'd try this place. It was probably better than the one she had left.

It was late afternoon when she got out near the campus, thanking the driver. As she turned to leave he called, "Just a second." Julia turned around and he reached out towards her. Julia thought he was going to shake her hand and reached forward to take his. But instead of shaking he pressed a folded piece of paper into her hand and said, "Good luck." Before she could say anything, he quickly closed the truck door and started off. Julia looked at the folded paper and saw it was a twenty dollar bill. She felt overwhelmed and almost cried but shook her head and quite quietly said, "Thank you," to the empty space around her.

A small restaurant, The Hometown Kitchen, was just off the main road on a small side street and she suddenly realized she was hungry. After all, she hadn't eaten anything since the previous night. Even though her money was tight, she decided that she'd get something in the restaurant. She went in and moved to a small booth. A girl only a bit older than herself brought her a menu and she was happy to see the offerings were fairly inexpensive. She settled for a dish of stew which came with a small loaf of bread and asked for just water to drink.

When she had finished she was feeling a bit better. How often are troubles magnified by lack of a recent meal? She went up to the register to pay and while she waited for her waitress to come over she noticed a Help Wanted sign by the door. When the girl arrived and Julia had paid, she asked, "Is that sign right? Are you looking for help?"

The girl laughed and said, "I'm not, but the restaurant is. School is out for the summer and a lot of the students who were working here have left. Can you cook? I know they're looking for kitchen help."

"I can." Actually Julia had done quite a bit of the cooking. It was something she could do to free her mother for her job or for other work. "Who do I talk with?"

The girl looked around and checked that just then there wasn't much of any business. "Come on. I'll take you back and introduce you to John. He manages the place. I'm Sue, by the way."

"Thank you, I'd appreciate that. I'm Julia."

They started walking down a hall leading to the back of the building. Sue noticed the suitcase and asked, "Just get into town?"

"Not forty-five minutes ago. I have no idea where anything is or even where I want to go."

Sue again looked at her, but said nothing. Then she knocked on a door and when the knock was answered, opened the door and led Julia inside. A man in his thirties was sitting behind the desk. "John, this is Julia. She's interested in the kitchen position."

He stood and reached out to shake her hand. "Have a seat. We're looking for someone to do short order cooking as well as some cleanup. Have you had any experience at that."

Sue ducked back out into the hall and Julia explained how she had never held a job doing that but that she had been cooking and cleaning for her mom since she was nine or ten. John listened and seemed to look her over in deep thought for a couple of minutes. Finally he asked, "How old are you? Do your parents know you're here?" Was she a runaway? Somehow she didn't seem to be exactly that.

Julia took a deep breath and replied, "I'm sixteen and, no. My dad left some six years ago and my mom died last week. I just couldn't stay where I was."

John's face took on a serious look which she thought might be disapproval. She saw the job going away and resigned herself to getting up and leaving, but John motioned her to remain seated. At last he said, "I'm sorry about your mom. Are you really sixteen?" She nodded. "OK, I give you a try. Twelve to nine, Tuesday through Sunday." He named a wage which was actually a little more than she had hoped for. "If you work out OK, we can make it a permanent position."

"Thank you. I promise to do the best I can. Again, thank you." He then had her fill out some paperwork and show some identification and her social security card.

"OK, I think that will do it. When do you want to start?

"As soon as I can. I'll need to find a place to stay first. Would the day after tomorrow be all right?"

He smiled at her. "That will be fine." He handed her a business card. "If something comes up, call me. Otherwise I'll expect you the day after tomorrow." Then he stopped and looked at her for a few seconds. "I don't usually do this, but I have a feeling about you. Let me give you half of your first week in advance."

Surprised, she quickly said, "You don't have to do that."

A wide smile crossed his face. "I know I don't have to, but I have the feeling you can use it now."

Julia felt herself turn slightly red, but all she managed to say was, "Thank you."

John paid her in cash and when she went back out front, Sue came over to her. "Thank you, Sue."

She smiled. "I take it you got the job." Julia nodded. She glanced around at the nearly empty room. "Do you have someplace to stay tonight?

Slowly Julia shook her head. "No, I'd planned to try and find an apartment somewhere tomorrow. Is there an inexpensive motel somewhere close?"

"Inexpensive? Around here, not likely. But, look, for tonight why don't you come back with me. I have two roommates but they're gone for the next week. I'd be happy for the company."

"Oh, I really don't want to be trouble. I mean you and John have done so much for me already."

Sue could see she looked like she was about to cry. To head that off a little she said, "Really, I would enjoy having someone t talk with. I'm off here in another half hour. Have a seat and then we can go. I'm sure that would beat paying what a motel will want - or sleeping on the street."

Almost overwhelmed with the good luck she had been having, Julia finally agreed and sat in a booth until Sue was ready to leave.

The next morning Sue pointed her in the right direction and, because many students had left for the summer, before that afternoon Julia had found an apartment available for summer sublet. It was a small studio but she would have it to herself. Actually, although it was a bit smaller, it was nicer than the apartment she and her mother had shared for years and Julia was quite happy to find it.

Over the next two and a half years she settled into a reasonably happy existence. She liked her job and the people working there. True, most, like Sue, were students and each May found some leaving for elsewhere and a new life. Julia was a dependable, hard worker and she and John got along quite well. She did realize that the job was not likely to offer much in the way of promotion but she was in general quite content with her life as it was. Sometimes, especially when talking with Sue or one of the other students, she felt a longing, a wish that she could somehow go back to school and improve her lot, especially financially. However, with forty-eight hour work weeks and an adequate, but quite limited, salary, she saw no real possibility of that happening. All in all she was resigned to her life as it was, but quite content.

As the ambulance quickly made its way the three miles to the hospital, Julia watched the man. He was still only semiconscious but seemed to be resting easier. She supposed this was likely due to whatever was in the IV the EMTs had started although they had said nothing about what seemed to be wrong. It was obvious that even if they had an idea of his problem, they were in a hurry to get him into the ER where more knowledgeable treatment would be available.

Upon arrival they quickly moved the stretcher into the doorway where they were met by a resident. They said a few things to him and then let the hospital people take over. When the hospital personnel found that Julia was not an actual relative, she was told to wait in the lobby. She took a seat and as the two EMTs walked out past her, she heard one of them say, "I wonder it he is THE Benjamin Harris." The other just shook her head and then they disappeared back out the door. Julia had no idea just who THE Benjamin Harris was. She didn't recall ever hearing the name before but guessed he must be someone fairly well known locally.

Now as she sat waiting she asked herself just why she had been so intent to accompany a man she had never met. She didn't really feel responsible for him or anything like that. Not to mention she was bone tired after the long day and should be home. She finally decided she couldn't pin point a reason, but that somehow he had made some connection with her, mostly from the look in his eyes as she had questioned him. Some of that look might have been gratitude, but that wasn't really the major thing. Just what was the biggest thing, she couldn't say. Still, she felt she had to wait and hopefully find that he was OK. Or, if not, at least she'd know.

She leaned back in the chair, resting her head against the wall, and soon slipped into sleep. She was suddenly awakened by a touch on her shoulder and one of the nurses saying, "Ms Walker. Ms Walker, Mr. Harris is conscious." For just a second she wasn't sure just where she was or what was happening and then she remembered she had given the man's name as well as her own when they had brought him in. In fact, she realized she was still holding the leather case she had brought from the bench.

As she came awake, the nurse continued, "Mr. Harris asked about the woman who had called for help and when he found that you were here, asked to speak with you."

Julia looked a bit surprised. "Is he well enough that I can see him now?"

"Yes. Actually he's fine now although we're going to keep him a day just to make sure."

"If it's all right, I would like to talk to him."

She smiled. "Sure. Come along and I'll take you to him."

She then led Julia along a short hall and into a room where Mr. Harris, assuming that really was his name, was in a bed with an IV and a number of wires attached. He was sitting partway up and looked much better than before.

The nurse turned away at the door and left Julia with the man. He suddenly smiled and asked, "Are you the young lady who save my life?"

Julia, embarrassed, felt her self go slight red and managed to stammer, "I didn't really do anything. I just called for help."

The man suddenly looked more serious. "Don't try to minimize it. There must have been three dozen people or more who walked by after it became impossible for me to do or say anything. Most of them saw me and no one bothered to do anything or even find out if I had a problem. In another ten minutes it is likely that I would have died. You really did save my life."

Surprised, and still embarrassed, Julia said, "You looked like you were in some kind of trouble and I couldn't just ignore it. It's hard to believe anyone could."

"They not only could, but they did. Again, thank you for what you did."

"You are most welcome. I guess it was just lucky I happened along then."

"Not as lucky as I was." This was accompanied by a wide smile which Julia could not help but return.

After a few seconds, Julia said, "I'm Julia Walker, by the way. Are you Benjamin Harris? Oh, if so, I have your case here. It was left on the bench."

"I'm most pleased to meet you Julia and, yes, I'm Benjamin Harris and I'm quite happy to get the case back.." He stopped for a few seconds and then said, "How is it you happened to be walking along there just then? That is, if you don't mind my asking."

"Not at all. I just got off work and was going to catch a bus home." Then a little sheepishly she added, "My car isn't working at the moment."

"Where do you work, if I might ask?" He quickly added, "I don't mean to pry. I would just like to know a little bit about my rescuer."

Again, a little embarrassed at being called a rescuer, Julia answered, "I don't mind. I work at The Hometown Kitchen. That little restaurant just up the street from where you were."

"I've seen it but I've never been there. I do know a lot of students work around there."

"I'm afraid I'm not a student, Mr. Harris. I just seem to be able to cook OK and John, the manager, has kept me on for the last couple of years."

Harris looked more closely at her as he said, "Just Ben, please. And do you mine if I call you Julia? I feel we should be close enough to use first names."

She smiled in return. "No, I don't mind." The she said, "I understand they are going to keep you here for a day for observation. I'm off tomorrow. Would you mind if I came back to see you? I'd like to get to know a little more about the stranger I sent to the ER."

"I certainly wouldn't mind. In fact, I'd like to learn a little more about the woman who saved me. I'd guess you already know more about me than I do about you."

Julia looked a little confused. "I don't know anything about you except your name. Should I?"

Ben looked surprised. "No, no real reason why you should." Then a thought suddenly came to him. "You said your car isn't working. How did you get here and how are you planning of getting home?"

"They let me ride in the ambulance." She gave an embarrassed smile. "I wanted to come and let them think I was your daughter or niece or something. I'm going to see if there's bus I can get to take me home."

Benjamin looked up at the clock. "Not likely at two in the morning." Julia looked startled and stared at the clock. She must have slept a bit longer than she had thought. Ben went on, "Can you hand me my jacket please? It's hanging right over there."

Julia stood and took the garment over to him. He reached into an inside pocket and brought out a wallet. He pulled a bill from inside and held it out to her. "Here. Take a cab" He pulled another bill and added, "If you're coming back tomorrow, take one then, too."

"I couldn't take you money." She glanced at the bills and her eyes opened wide as she saw they were a twenty and a fifty.

He saw her startled expression. "You really don't have any idea who I am, do you?" She slowly shook her head back and forth. "Have you heard of Harris Enterprises?"

Julia's eyes open wider. "Is that you?"

He laughed. "It was. I built it but have more or less retired and left the running of things to others. Still I own over half. Seriously, That money doesn't mean that much to me and - please don't be offended - but I suspect it does to you. I don't think that even begins to be a fair exchange for what you did."

"I really didn't do that much."

"You did from my perspective. Please accept it, Julia. I would hate to think of the trouble you'd have trying to get home after all you have done."

She drew a deep breath. "All right but when I come back tomorrow, I want to know more about you."

He smiled. "That's a deal. I will look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Julia.

It was after three before Julia got to bed and nearly nine when she awoke. She ate a quick breakfast. As she looked at the cash remaining from the seventy he had given her and saw there was more than sixty left. A sudden thought struck her and she headed out of her apartment and towards the small florist shop around the corner a block away. Inside she bought a single rose and then called for a cab.

Although Julia lived on a limited budget she still had a cell phone, even if not an I-phone. She had a few other luxuries she had been able to obtain over the last two years. She didn't watch much television but her apartment did have a cable connection. She had heard the others who worked at the restaurant talk about everything available on the internet and had found a laptop. A couple of years old, true, but it still did everything she wanted. And of course there was her car, also a bit older. As she thought of this, she made a slight face. Well, it would be a car again when she could come up with the money to have it fixed.

The cab took only a few minutes to get her to the hospital. At the desk she asked and was told Mr. Harris's room number. They also said they expected him to be released the next day. She took the elevator up to the fourth floor and walked down the hall to Room 454. The door was open and she looked inside to see Mr. Harris sitting up and reading something., She gave a quick knock and entered, saying, "Hi. How are you feeling today?"

He looked up and a wide smile crossed his face. "Hi, Julia. Actually I feel fine and everything looks as right as could be. They still want to keep me another night until they can confirm what caused the problem, but we're already pretty sure."

Julia moved over and handed him the rose. "I just thought you might like this."

Ben looked totally surprised and very pleased. "It's been a long time since a beautiful woman gave me a flower."

Julia laughed. "Well, I'm not really a beautiful woman, but thank you for saying so."

Ben studied her for several seconds. "Don't sell yourself short. You are definitely a pretty woman. Very, very pretty."

Julia was not used to thinking of herself in any terms like that. She knew she wasn't ugly or anything. She stood five foot seven, was slim with a fairly good figure. She had dark red- brown hair which fell below her shoulders and deep green eyes. Still she never considered herself really beautiful or anything. Perhaps part of that was because she really had very little social life and little chance for anyone else to tell her so. She had dated some men but not frequently and didn't spend a lot of time at other social activities.

Again slightly reddened, she replied, "I think you must be as blind as my mother was. She named me after Julia Roberts. You know, in the movie "Pretty Woman". I just don't think I came out quite the same."

He was looking closely at her. Slowly he said, "Julia, you impress me as a rather intelligent person. Somehow I can't see you remaining a cook in a small restaurant all your life. Maybe, if it is something you really enjoy, I could envision you as the master chef in a large hotel or five star restaurant. If you don't mind my asking, just what are you considering for your future?"

Julia as first was taken somewhat aback, but then she replied, "Mostly it seems that what will happen is beyond my own choice.."

A frown crossed Ben's face. "Just why is that?"

"Well, I never finished high school and now with the hours I work I don't really have time. Besides school is so expensive." Then she suddenly found herself telling Ben her entire history. How her father had left them and the problems she and her mother had had. Then her mother's death and her escape to this town and about landing the job at the restaurant.

Ben listened in silence and suddenly Julia realized what she had been doing. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to go on and on. It's not like I'm really unhappy with my life or anything like that. I guess I'm just caught up in circumstances." Then she suddenly smiled and tried to change the subject. "But I've been talking too much about me. I'd like to hear some more about you. For example, just what happened to you last night? That is, if you don't mind my asking."

The thoughtful look which had covered Ben's face changed to a smile and he answered, "No, I don't mind. I have a condition which can cause a cardiac arrhythmia. The upper part of the heart will have extra beats and if it gets too bad, not enough blood is pumped to the lower chambers and thus not into the rest of the body. I take medication - one pill a day - that normally controls this quite well so it is prevented. However yesterday, although I took my medicine as prescribed, the arrhythmia appeared and became quite severe. Not quite A-fib, but when you came along I was going in and out of it. Another few minutes and I would probably have been dead."

"You mean the medicine didn't work as it should?" Julia asked.

"No, it didn't. In the ER they put some of the drug directly into my bloodstream and everything cleared up immediately. The doctor looked at my pills and thought they seemed odd. A little more crumbly than they should have been and just slightly off color. He suspected they might have been counterfeit. He checked and found that some fake tablets of that particular drug had been appearing and now is having them analyzed just to be sure, but we're fairly certain that is what happened." Then he smiled and added, "They have gotten me a new supply that is the real thing and are checking the supply chain that provided the bad ones."

For the next three hours the two of them talked. Ben had an interest in learning some more about this girl. She impressed him as far more capable and intelligent than she gave herself credit for. Still, he was careful not to let her get the idea he was interrogating her and let the talk range over a wide variety of topics.

For her part, Julia was very curious about this man she had apparently saved. She knew somewhat of Harris Enterprises, knew that it was a large - very large - successful company and wondered about the man who had made it so. She had never personally met anyone of this caliber before. He seemed quite friendly and nice but she was sure there must be something that made him different from ordinary men. Somehow she couldn't quite envision how a single man could make something so large and successful. At one point she asked, "How did you get started in business? I mean did you know someone who got you a good management job?"

He laughed. Then the look on Julia's face made him laugh again. At last he said, "I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you, just at the idea. I never knew anyone who could give me a real jump up. Look, I was born on a farm. My parents raised dairy cattle and I rarely met anyone outside of the farming community. I got through high school and joined the military for four years. In the army I worked in logistics and began to see how goods were bought, stored, and moved. Of course, the Army didn't sell things, but I talked with some of the suppliers and learned quite a bit. When I got out I found a job with a building materials outfit. Not a high level job or anything. No, I started work as someone who stocked shelves and ordered things when needed. I went to school part time and finally got a degree in business. By then I had moved to a position with a little more responsibility."

"I finally decided to strike out on my own and started a little firm supplying some things to my former employers as well as other building supply dealers. It took ten years and a lot of work before Harris Enterprises really started to grow, but when it did, it grew rapidly." He stopped for a second and then went on. "It grew but the work didn't get any less. Another fifteen years and I had found enough employees who could think the same way as I did and then the business began to largely run itself. Some years later I decided to let them do it and retired."

Julia remained quiet as he looked like he was remembering things past. At last he quietly said, "It took a lot of hard work, both from myself and from my wife. Sometimes I think she worked harder than I did and I know she encouraged me more than I had any right to expect. We missed out on a lot of things, sure, but I don't think either of us would have traded it. Probably our only real regret was that we never had any children, but that certainly wasn't because of the business." Then a smile made its way across his face. "And certainly not from lack of trying."

Julia added her smile to his. "Is your wife retired also?"

The smile dimmed and Ben said, "She did retire when I did, but she died some five years ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Julia exclaimed. "I didn't mean to bring up bad memories.

The smile made its way back to Ben's face, although somewhat less than it had been. "No, the memories are all good. Don't worry about it. There's no way you could have known."

At one point a nurse came by and explained that visiting hours would be ending in another ten minutes. Julia got her coat and prepared to leave, but before she did, Ben said, "Julia, I've enjoyed talking with you quite a bit. I also feel I need to repay you some more for what you did for me. I think I'll start by taking you out to dinner one evening."

"You certainly don't need to do that. I've enjoyed talking with you a lot also, but I didn't really do that much."

"I considering saving my life that much. Certainly a dinner out doesn't begin to be a fair exchange for that."

Still a little embarrassed, Julia said, "All right, but it really isn't necessary."

"I think it is. Perhaps Saturday?"

"Actually I work every night until next Monday."

"Then Monday it is. Give me your phone number and I'll call you."

She wrote her number on a piece of paper and as she handed it to him said, "OK, but I'm frequently gone by nine thirty each morning and often until after nine thirty at night."

A little surprised, Ben said, "Those are long hours. I can see why you don't have time for much else. Very well, I'll call you about nine Friday morning and we can arrange something for Monday. Is that OK?"

She smiled at him. "Yes, that should work. But again you really don't have to."

He smiled back. "Yes, I do. And thank you once again."

Julia left the room and Ben leaned back and started to pick up what he had been reading. But he stopped short, the papers still in his hands, as he considered the girl who had just left him. She really didn't think she had done something extraordinary. She was probably the kind who thought that anyone would have done the same thing, however Ben was well aware not only that EVERYONE would not have, but that, in fact, many everyones had had the chance but had not done so.

He also began to consider what he had learned about her. She seemed quite intelligent. Her vocabulary and general knowledge had impressed him as someone who listened and remembered when she heard something. Seriously, he asked himself, how many people with her limited background would have accepted and understood the term "cardiac arrhythmia" without question. He felt it a shame that she had been unable to continue her education. He understood that circumstances had prevented such from taking place but thought the desire was still there, just hidden below the surface. Probably because she saw no way for it to happen. He knew he couldn't just hand her the opportunity, although he could well afford it. No, she was not likely to accept something like that. She impressed him as the type who would not take a handout but would rather earn something she desired.

For a minute or two Ben just lay there thinking. Finally he let the thoughts go to the back of his mind and once more picked up his reading.

Julia once again took a cab back to her apartment. There was still money remaining from that which he had given her, although she felt somewhat guilty about accepting it. After all, all she had done was make a phone call. Still, she knew he would not accept its return. At last she put such thoughts aside and began to make her supper.

Her thoughts mostly drifted to the happenings of the last day. Not so much to the actual call and rush to the hospital but more so towards what she had found with the actual man. Julia had never really met anyone from his social or financial level before. What surprised her the most was that he seemed just like any other man. Oh, not JUST any other, but not really different from a polite, interested and serious man. He seemed so ... human. In her mind she had generally considered men like him as a breed apart. How could a "normal" man start and grow such a company and become so wealthy. At least she assumed he must be quite wealthy.

This got her to wondering and she began to look a bit on line. She found that there were estimates that placed his personal wealth between eighty million and one hundred thirty million. Numbers she could hardly imagine, at least in any real and concrete way. From what he had said he had begun with little more than many she had known. Not really much more than she had had herself. He had built an enormous company and yet he still seemed to have remained quite human. There was that word again. Smiling to herself, Julia decided what she meant by it was that he was friendly, interested in her when they spoke, and didn't appear to consider himself vastly superior in any way.

Thinking over everything they had said to each other, she decided that it was quite possible they could be friends. Except that she didn't expect to really see him much. Well, he had said he'd take her out to dinner. She almost laughed out loud to think that she had a "date" with one of the wealthiest men in the community. Wealthy and most powerful. Even though he had said he left the running of the company to others, he still retained control of the majority of the stock and she had no doubt that if things began going the wrong way, he would step in and find someone to correct the direction.

The next morning she was back at work in The Hometown Kitchen and the events of the last two days faded into the background. By the time she went home on Thursday night, she was only thinking of bed again. Then on Friday morning as she was getting ready for work again, she remembered that Ben had said he would call. Well, he might very well have forgotten that by now. She wasn't holding her breath. But just at nine, the phone range.

Julia felt her pulse jump just a bit as she answered. "Hello."

"Hi. Julia, this is Ben Harris."

"Oh, hi. How are you feeling?"

""As good as ever. It did turn out that the medicine was bad. Once I got the real stuff again, I've had no problems at all. As I recall, you said you had next Monday off. Is that still correct?"

"Yes, it is."

"Good. Then I plan to take you out for dinner and will be by to get you about five if that is OK." Oh, you have to give me your address."

"You really don't have to, but I accept anyway." She then told him her address."

"As I said, I definitely feel I need to. I'll come by for you at five."

"Where are we going? Just so I'll know how to dress."

She could hear the smile in his voice. "I was thinking of the Windsor Room at the Wellington Arms. You might dress up a bit but it won't be a black tie kind of place." He had guessed she would not be comfortable if he took her to one of the very top restaurants.

Julia had never been to the Wellington Arms, an upper level hotel near the campus, but she knew of it. Still, she was a little relieved. If he had been thinking of anywhere truly formal, she knew she didn't have any suitable dress. In fact she had a very limited selection of dressy clothing. "All right, I'll be ready."

They said their goodbyes and after they hung up, Julia began to consider just what she could wear. After a little consideration she decided there was really very little choice. She had one really good dress and, fortunately, the weather was still cool enough for it.

She had been working at The Kitchen for some nine months when one evening as she left work she saw three couples walking towards the campus. The men each wore a tux and the women were all wearing evening gowns. They were obviously headed toward some formal dance. The weather had warmed to the point where they didn't need heavy coats, although the women had light wraps which they - or their dates - were carrying.

Julia stopped and stared. This was a world she had never really even seen, much less entered. Oh, sure, she had had dreams of it at times, but in her high school such things didn't really happen. Once in a while one of the girls in her class bragged about a fancy dress she had bought, but those Julia actually had seen looked more like they would belong on a street walker. Not even a good call girl.

She stood looking after the three couples for half a minute. During that time she decided she wanted a dress, maybe not exactly like that, but more formal than anything she then owned. She had a bit of money she had been able to save and decided that she would look at some of the dress shops around the campus.

On her next day off she made the rounds of several of the better stores in the area. Most were now showing later spring or even summer fashions, but in one she found a semi formal in an emerald green velvet. Obviously a dress for cooler weather but it was lovely. And it was marked way down because it was past the winter season. She tried it on and looking in the mirror saw herself as she never had before. The skirt was cut several inches above her knees and the fitted top was off the shoulder and lower in front than anything else she owned.

As she was looking at herself in the mirror, two college girls looking over the newer dresses stopped and looked over at her. One of them said, "I don't mean to butt in, but you look fantastic in the dress. You really should get it."

Her friend added, "I agree. It looks like that dress was made for you. It fits perfectly and the color really sets off your beautiful hair."

Surprised, Julia thanked them and after a few more words they went back to their own search. Julia looked at herself in the mirror again and decided she did look pretty good in it. The price was a bit more than she had planned, but looking at herself her mind filled with half envisioned dreams, she found she really wanted it. It wasn't cheap but, after all, it was marked down to less than forty per cent of the original price and she decided if she were careful with her other expenses, she could manage it.

Since then she had had only a few chances to wear it, but now decided it would do quite well for next Monday. She did have some heels that would go well with it. What about jewelry? Well, she had a pair of stud earrings and a solitaire necklace that looked like emeralds. Fake, of course, but they still looked nice. They would do.

Saturday and Sunday were quite busy at the restaurant but by Sunday afternoon the work had dropped off a bit. During one break while Julie was talking with Ashley, one of the college girls who waited tables, she mentioned that at least she had the next day off. Ashley was a nice girl but did have the unconscious attitude that Julia must be a little inferior because she wasn't attending the university. She didn't do anything overtly to indicate this and would probably have been surprised that anyone would think so. She didn't really look down on Julia or anything. They got along quite well, really, but Julia sometimes had the impression that Ashley thought she was somewhat above her.

When Julia mentioned she had the next day off, Ashley casually asked, "Got anything special planned?"

For a second Julia almost said that she didn't. Then she decided to tease a bit and said, "Oh, Ben Harris is taking me out to dinner tomorrow. You know, Ben Harris of Harris Enterprises."

Ashley's eyes opened wide. She had certainly heard of him. "Really?!? How do you know him?'

Julia smiled and offhandedly replied, "Oh, I saved his life last Sunday." Then leaving Ashley open mouthed, she headed back into the kitchen.

Monday afternoon the reality that she was going to dinner with a man like Ben Harris suddenly seemed to strike her. Such people were not in her world. It wasn't that she was apprehensive because he was rich or controlled such a large enterprise. No, it was more that she was a little afraid she would come across poorly. She wasn't especially concerned that she would embarrass herself by not knowing correct manors. She didn't normally eat at places of the same type as the Windsor Room but she did know how to hold a fork. She smiled to herself as she thought that if it had been a really formal affair with an eight course meal and nine kinds of spoons, she might have been a little worried, but she didn't expect anything like that. At least not until she started dating royalty on a regular basis. No, what did concern her was the fear that she might come across as dumb or as really unsophisticated. Actually she had a wide range of knowledge even though she had not finished high school. From what she had seen there was a lot more to be learned by reading and listening than was ever taught in school. At least in the schools she had attended.

Smiling to herself she remembered reading that Mark Twain was once asked if he had been to school. He replied, "Yes, I've been to school but I didn't let it interfere with my education."

She wasn't really afraid or anything, but she decided to watch what she said very closely. Even though she didn't expect that she would ever see Ben Harris again she still wanted to make a good impression. To this end she took a little extra time - well, quite a lot of extra time, really - getting ready. By a quarter of five she decided she was as ready as she would ever be. She had brushed her hair until it almost glowed and wore it down below her shoulders. Looking in the mirror she decided that the green stones of her jewelry really did go nicely with the red in her hair as well as the green of the dress. Just putting that dress on gave her a good feeling. It enveloped her with a mantle of confidence and, she didn't know exactly how to describe it, but a feeling that she was now in a state of being beyond her normal one.

Just at five the door buzzer rang, startling her even though she was expecting it. She quickly opened the door. Ben, dressed in a very good grey suit, entered at her invitation. For a second he looked at her and very quietly said, "I once said you were a beautiful woman. I see I greatly understated it."

Julia felt herself go slightly red but managed to simply reply, "Thank you." She turned and picked up her coat. Unfortunately, she had thought, the coat was not in the same class as the dress. It wasn't shabby or anything, but was simply a plain wool one. Hopefully she could take it off soon after they arrived.

Before she could put it on, Ben reached over and took it from her, holding it so she could slip into it. He then led her to the door and, before pulling it closed behind them, asked, "Do you have your key?"

"Yes, in my purse."

He pulled the door closed behind them and took her arm as he led her outside. Parked at the curb was a Porsche Cayman which he opened. Holding the door he offered his hand as she swung into the low seat. He closed the door and as he moved around to the driver's side, Julia thought that he seemed to have the manners to fit. He did exactly what she would have expected, or at least what she would have expected from the movies she had seen featuring men of that type.

Ben entered and started the car, the deep toned engine sending an almost sensual throb through her. She also noticed that he fastened his seat belt and checked that she had also done so. Julia had read enough to know to always do this herself and never drove even a block without doing so.

The drive over to the Wellington Arms was quite short and when they pulled up in front, an attendant quickly opened her door for her. Ben came around the car and took her hand while looking back to tell the attendant they were just going for dinner. Julia guessed that was so he didn't park the car where it would be hard to retrieve.

Inside they walked past the lobby desk and over towards a door opening off the left side. However, before they actually reached the door Ben took her coat and hung it with his own in an alcove provided for such. As they entered the restaurant, they were greeted and Ben simply said, "Harris. I have a reservation."

"Of course, Sir." The attendant led the way through the room to a booth located on the far wall. Julia looked around as they walked. This was certainly not like the restaurants where she had been. The walls were dark wood paneling, the carpet was thick and probably wool. There were oil paintings - not prints but real paintings - on the walls, the seats were leather covered, and the tables had linen tablecloths with silver settings. A small candle lantern burned on each table.

When they reached the booth Ben stood ready to offer his hand if needed until she was seated and then took the seat across from her. A waiter appeared almost instantly and poured ice water into the larger goblets on the table. He offered a pair of large leather bound menus before leaving with the water pitcher.

Ben glanced at the offerings and then suddenly, as though the thought had just occurred to him, said, "I was starting to order wine, but I don't know if you drink at all. Would you like some? Champagne, perhaps?"

Julia smiled. "That would be nice, although I'm actually not old enough. And I am certainly not an expert on wines." She looked down and very quietly added, "Or much of anything else."

Surprising her, Ben quite firmly said, "Don't sell yourself short. I think you know a lot more than you give yourself credit for."

Perplexed, Julia said, "How could you possibly know that?"

He smiled. "We talked for some time last Monday. One of my talents - one which helped a great deal in building the company - is that I can tall a lot about people. You may not have a formal degree - yet - but you impress me as someone who reads and remembers a lot. Not just remembers, but understands it also."

Somewhat embarrassed, Julia replied, "I'll admit I do read whenever I can. I just like to learn about things."

The waiter returned and Ben said, "Please bring us a bottle of the Mumm." Julia noticed he didn't question her age. She thought it would probably take a lot for someone to question Benjamin Harris.

"Very good, Sir." He turned and moved away. They then turned to look over the menu Ben finally said, "I believe I'll have the Beef Wellington, but choose anything that sounds good to you."

Looking over the listed items, Julia decided on the fish. "I think I'd like the broiled salmon."

"Certainly. I've had it before and it's always good." He then asked about any preferences for items to go with it.

The waiter returned with a silver ice bucket and the bottle of champagne. Ben went through the ritual of tasting the wine, nodding before the waiter filled their glasses. Then he began with, "The lady will have ..." He ordered for both of them and then turned to Julia. "The champagne will go with most anything but if you would prefer something different, please say so."

Julia shook her head and said, "I'm sure that will be fine. Thank you." The waiter then turned and left with their order.

Ben picked up his glass and raised it slightly. Julia reached for her own and lifted it just off the table. For a second Ben looked at her and then said, "To the most fortunate appearance of a beautiful woman. Your timely arrival and quick thinking gave me everything I could have hoped for. I thank you."

He raised the glass to his lips and took a small sip. Julia, definitely embarrassed, mumbled, "I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, but thank you." Then she took a sip of her own drink.

Julia had had champagne a few times. Probably fewer than five, if she were really counting. She had liked the taste before, but this was much nicer than any other she had tasted.

They spoke of unimportant things for a few minutes until their food arrived. Julia was not disappointed in the least. She was herself a good cook although not a gourmet. She did, however, appreciate good quality and well cooked foods and this was some of the best she had ever tasted. Ben didn't look at all disappointed in his own selection, but also didn't look surprised. She guessed he expected this level for this restaurant.

When they had finished Ben suggested perhaps a small piece of their cherry cheese cake for desert and asked if she would like coffee with it.

"I would appreciate the cheesecake, but I'm not a coffee drinker. I would like tea instead. Earl Grey, if they have it."

"I'm sure they do." When the waiter returned he ordered for both of them, also selecting the tea himself. He then turned to Julia. "Actually I prefer tea myself. It's just that most people like coffee instead but I see you are also one of us enlightened ones."

Julia couldn't help but return his smile. "Yes, let the peasants have coffee while they are eating their cake." During the meal Julia had relaxed and lost any apprehension about their conversations. She had learned he had a nice sense of humor and knew he would enjoy such a remark.

He laughed and said, "Yes, let them eat cake but let us also keep our heads." Then his expression changed just a bit, turning a little more serious. "See what I mean about your knowledge and intelligence? A lot of college graduates would have missed that kind of reference."

"I just happen to have read a few thing like that. I'm sure a lot of people would have known it also."

He smiled at her. "Not nearly as many as you think." He sat back for a half a minute, just looking at her. Finally he said, "Julia, you indicated you would like to continue your education but you didn't have the time. Is that right?"

Slowly she answered, "Yes. Also I probably wouldn't have the money."

For a few seconds he looked at her again. "I'd like to make you an offer. I live alone. Have since my wife died some five years ago. When she was alive we had a couple who lived in to cook, clean and do general maintenance. Now I have people come in to clean and for general maintenance, but I do my own cooking. Or eat out. I'd like to hire you cook for me. I'd pay you fifty per cent more than you're getting at The Kitchen and you could have the apartment in the house to live in."

For long, long seconds Julia sat frozen. This sounded like a dream come true. She could get an education. She wouldn't have to worry about every penny. A way to a new life. Then these thoughts were pushed back down. It wouldn't be fair. It wouldn't be fair to take advantage of Ben Harris like that.

Her face must have gone through a whole range of expressions with these thoughts. Ben sat quietly just watching her. Then at last Julia managed to say, "I thank you for the offer, but it wouldn't be fair. Much as that sounds wonderful, you're offering me too much."

Quietly he said, "You gave me my life. I don't think it would be too much if I just gave you enough money to live and finish your education." She started to reply, but before she could say anything he smiled slightly and added, "I'm sure you wouldn't accept that. What I'm offering is a better job. A chance to get what you want. You would do a good job of cooking for me, wouldn't you? Or I should say for us as you would eat with me also."

The conflicting emotions clearly showed on Julia's face, again with a range of expressions. Inside she was excited, confused, in a turmoil all at once. At last she said, "It does sound like a dream, but I still think I don't deserve it. Besides, it wouldn't be fair to John, my boss, to just quit. He depends on me."

He smiled. "Let me speak with him and ask. I'm willing to bet that while I'm sure he would miss your services quite a lot, I'm also sure he would want you to take the chance to make a better future for yourself."

Julia thought of a few things John had said at various times during the period she had been there. He just might agree with Ben, but she still wasn't sure about what she felt herself. She had an obligation to John and Ben was offering so much for so little. Somehow it still didn't seem fair.

After more than a minute of silence Ben finally said, "Let's go over and I'll talk with John. He signaled for the check, paid it and finally rose, holding out his hand to Julia who seemed almost in a trance and hadn't spoken a word.

He led her back out and retrieved his car, opening the door and helping Julia inside. He made his way around to the driver's side and as he entered Julia finally spoke, "Ben, I'm not sure about all of this."

Before she could go on, Ben spoke. "Just let me speak with John and then we can discuss it again." With this he started off and in just a few minutes pulled up outside the Hometown Kitchen.

He went around and opened Julia's door and took her hand as she stepped out. Still almost in a trance, Julia followed him inside. Ben glanced around and saw someone in the office in the back. As the waitress came up to them he asked, "Is John back in the office?"

The girl, Jane, of course, knew Julia, although she had never seen her dressed like this. When Ben spoke she quickly pulled her eyes away from Julia and looked over at Ben. She supposed he was someone who John knew and answered, "Yes, he's back there."

"Thank you." He turned to Julia and said, "Just wait here a couple of minutes and let me speak with him alone."

Still in somewhat of a state of shock, Julia just nodded and took a seat in the waiting area. She did manage to look at the waitress and smile in recognition. Jane looked like she was ready to start asking questions, but just then a group of four entered and she had to turn her attention to them. Ben went back to the office as though that were a quite common occurrence. He stopped at the open door and gave a quick knock.

John looked up and Ben said, "Hello. I take it you're John, the owner." John nodded and he went on. "I'd like to speak with you about one of your employees, Julia."

For a second John looked a little uncertain. "Has she caused some problem?" he asked.

Ben smiled. "No, certainly not. In fact, quite the opposite."

John relaxed and said, "OK. Come on in and have a seat."

Ben entered the office and pulled the door closed behind him to cut out the noise. Julia could see him introduce himself and the two shake hands. Then Ben took a seat and for the next few minutes she could tell the two were engaged in conversation but could get no idea of the content or even the tone. At least they weren't shouting at each other.

After about five minutes Ben and John both stood and came out to where she was waiting. Both men appeared to be smiling, at least. A good sign. John said, " Julia why don't you came back and join us in the office for a minute."

She stood and followed the two men back inside. Ben held a chair for her before taking a seat next to her while John went back around and sat behind his desk. He looked at Julia and suddenly said, "You look absolutely lovely tonight, Julia."

She managed a quick, "Thank you," but then John sat back and started to speak.

"Julia, Ben tells me he wants to hire you away from here but that you are a little hesitant."

She answered, "Yes, a bit. You've been so nice to me since I first set foot in here. I feel an obligation and don't want to let you down."

He smiled at her. "Julia, I saw something in you that first time and decided to take a chance on you. You have never let me down and always delivered more than expected. However, I have long known that you could do better than here. I would love to have helped you continue your schooling but you know that the margin on a place like this is too thin for me to afford that. I don't pay you anywhere near what you are worth but you know that's because I can't afford to. Ben can. I won't say you'll be easy to replace, but I'm sure I can find someone who can make the attempt even though I doubt they will come close to what you do.

"Ben has offered you a job that will let you move beyond this kind of work. My advice is simply this. Jump at the chance. You deserve it."

Julia could feel her eyes filling and tried hard to suppress any tears. "John, you've been so nice." Then she took a deep breath and said, "I won't just leave cold. Find someone and I'll stay around at least two weeks."

John smiled at her. "Look, I'll start looking tomorrow. Actually I had someone ask about a job last week. I'll give him a call tomorrow and see if he's interested in kitchen work. I believe he said he'd take most anything. If so, stay until next week and I'll be quite happy."

He stopped for a few seconds and then added, "Julia, you deserve this. I just wish I had been able to help you a bit more before now. Go for it."

Now Julia couldn't stop the tears and she moved to John, putting her arms around his neck and giving him a tight hug. She swallowed a couple of times and finally managed to say, "Thank you, John. And remember you did help me. If it weren't for you I might be sleeping on the street - or worse." For a second she closed her eyes and almost under her breath said, "Or a lot worse. Thank you."

Then she turned to Ben and said, "I'm still not sure this is a fair deal, but it sounds so wonderful I'll take it. Thank you."

Ben replied, "If anything it's unfair in the other direction. I expect to get some good meals from you and I've often paid more for less. I'm not being a sugar daddy' - You'll earn what I pay you, but you should have time to continue your education. That's one thing I'll push you on. First a GED and then college. But I'll also expect good meals. Besides, I owe you far more that this." He turned to John and said, "After all, she did save my life."

He had already told John how they had met and now John smiled in return.

Things happened quickly. Wednesday morning when Julia arrived at work, John called her into the office and said, "The guy I told you about is taking the job. He'll be starting tomorrow. I would like it if you can show him the ropes the next couple of days but after this week, why don't you go ahead and start with Ben." Then with a smile he added, "You know I can't afford to pay both of you."

Julia could tell he was teasing her. "Thank you. I could stay longer if you need it."

"No, no. I'm sure this guy will catch on. Actually, he's had some experience at ths kind of a job. You go on and get started with your new one."

Julia said, "Thank you again, John. For everything." Then she gave him another hug, obviously embarrassing him slightly but she could see he was still well pleased with it. As she left the office she heard John say to himself, but still out loud, "I never thought I'd ever be on a first name basis with Benjamin Harris." She glanced back and saw him shaking his head back and forth.

The next morning she called Ben and told him she could start the next Monday. He replied, "Well, we can get you moved over here and show you around next Monday and then you can start cooking in another couple of days. What about your apartment? What kind of lease do you have?"

"It runs though the end of March. I'll have to pay rent for March, but that's all."

"Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it. Also, I know you said you car needed work. I'll bring over something to move your things and we can see about you car later. I have one you can use."

"You don't need to do that. You doing so much already."

"Well, I expect you will be doing the shopping for groceries, so you should have a car to use for that. Look, Julia, I have several cars. I rarely use the Audi so you can probably treat it like your own."

An Audi! Julia was almost in shock again. "I really don't need a car that much. You don't have to do that."

She could hear his laugh. "Julia, you are going to have to get used to a few things. We'll work things out. For now, suppose I come over next Monday morning and we'll see about moving your things. You haven't even seen the apartment here yet."

"I'm sure it will be fine."

"Well, Monday morning we'll let you take a look at it. Then you can move in whatever you want."

Monday morning just at nine Ben pulled up to her apartment in a large SUV. There was also another man with him who looked like he was used to doing a lot of physical work. When she opened the door he said, "This is Frank. He's had experience moving things so just show him what you want to bring and he'll pack and move it over."

Totally surprised, Julia led them into her apartment. "There really isn't that much that's mine," she said. The apartment is furnished. I believe the style is Old second hand". She pointed out the things that were hers. Frank turned to Ben and said, "Shouldn't take very long. I can have things over there this afternoon. That all right?"

"Sure. Sounds good." He turned to Julia. "Leave everything to Frank. Right now, come on over and see where you'll be living."

He led her back out to the SUV. The weather had turned messy over the last several days, with wet, dirty snow piled in the gutters. "I don't like to drive the Porsche when it's messy like this," Ben commented as he held the door for her. They drove out to the edge of the college town and finally turned into a drive between two stone pillars. The drive ran back for fifty yards, curving through a wooded area.

As they pulled up in front of the house, Julia just stared. She had never been to a house like this. An old Georgian, basically, but with added wings. Ben swung the car around to the wing on the left and Julia saw it was a garage. A rather large one. Easily four cars could fit inside. Ben pushed a control and the door opened.

Inside Julia saw the Porsche and an Audi A6 Sedan, as Ben pulled the SUV into the space between them. He went around, opened Julia's door and led her to a door going into the house itself. They stepped into a hallway leading left and right. "The main house is to the right," Ben said, "and your apartment is down the hall to the left. Let me show you a bit of the house first."

They turned right and for the next several minutes Ben gave her a tour. To Julia, the house looked like something out of a magazine or a movie or maybe a novel. Everything was of high quality. Paneling looked like it was solid hardwood, not 4 x 8 sheets from Home Depot. The floors were hardwood or tile. In some rooms large, thick carpets covered most of the floor.

The kitchen looked newer and even larger than the one in the Hometown Kitchen, with large refrigerator and freezer and a gigantic walk in pantry. There was both a gas and an electric cooktop and two large wall ovens, as well as two - TWO - large microwaves. A large island with a second sink and a wide expanse of counter space gave plenty of room to prepare food. Julia also notice that there were two dishwashers.

Ben saw her looking around at everything and commented, "My wife liked to host dinner parties. I'm not really into that so much, so in general you'll just be cooking for the two of us and probably won't need half of what you see. Still, it's sometimes nice to have it available."

He led her on into a formal dining room with a long cherry table that could easily seat sixteen. There was also a smaller dinnette with a round table for four. Again Ben commented, "I usually just eat in here. Again, once in a while I do have a few people over, but not real often."

He continued the tour, showing her a living room and small study on the first floor and then upstairs where there were four huge bedrooms. Back downstairs he led her over to the wing that was on the right of the house as one faced it. Here was a big library-study. Twelve foot ceilings with shelves of books taking up most of the wall space. Not all. There was a gigantic stone wood-burning fireplace at one end. Well, not gigantic as in an eighteenth century castle, but the fireplace opening was probably four feet wide.

Julia had also noticed gas fireplaces in the dining room and in two of the bedrooms. She would love to someday have a study with a real fireplace. Well, maybe someday. Then it suddenly struck her that such might someday be possible. A little of her wished for future was now beginning to look maybe possible.

Finally Ben said, "OK, that's the main house. You can feel free to use things in here anytime you want, but let's go take a look at your apartment now." He led her back to the hall behind the garage and down to the other end. There was also a second door into the garage at this end. But there was another door which opened into a wing sticking out from the back of the house which hadn't been visible from the front.

Ben opened this and held it for Julia. She entered, stopped and stared. Inside the door was a living room larger than her entire apartment. The floor was thickly carpeted. To her left was a small round table which could seat four. It looked like that end of the room was used as a dinnette and had a door opening to what Julia later found was a small kitchen. To her right the room ended in a wall with a fireplace flanked by bookshelves.

"The apartment is obviously furnished, but if you'd prefer something different, we can see about that," Ben said.

Straight through the living room was a hallway. Moving down this Julia saw the kitchen on her left. Beyond that was a laundry-utility room with a washer and dryer. On the right side of the hall were two other rooms. The one at the far end was a bedroom. Julia entered this and just stared. There was a queen sized four poster bed, a dresser, a vanity and night tables flanking the headboard. A large walk in closet opened off the bedroom along with a big bathroom with both tub and shower stall. Overhead was a ceiling fan.

Still in a daze Julia went back out into the hall. She walked past another bath and entered the other room she had passed on the way down to the bedroom. This was set up as a study with a large desk, a worktable, a file cabinet and bookshelves. And a fireplace. Ben commented, "The fireplaces in the apartment are both gas. I hope you don't mind."

Julia turned towards him and slowly said, "Mind?! I never dreamed I'd live in a place like this. Ben, this is fantastic!"

"Well, I want you to be comfortable. And I plan on you doing a bit of school work in here. Oh, that reminds me, I have a computer system I'll bring in here for you."

"I have a laptop. That will do."

"I'm sure it will, but I have an extra system and you might as well use it, too. Scanner, printer, speakers and so on. It will also be connected to my network so you can have net access."

"Ben, I don't know what to say. This is so much more than I ever dreamed of."

"Then you can use it get your education." Then a little more seriously, "Julia, you gave me something that no else ever has. All this stuff ..." He stopped and gestured around. "All this stuff wouldn't have meant much if you hadn't stopped to help me last week. I can never really repay that."

Embarrassed, Julia said, "I didn't do that much. I just made a phone call."

"But the most important call of my life."

They moved back from the apartment into the kitchen of the main house. Ben moved over to a planning desk and said, "Sometime in the next few days we'll go over the kind of things I like. In general, I'd like you to make dinners but breakfasts and lunches can be a little more casual. Sometimes you might make some things ahead of time that could just be heated or eaten cold. For now, I expect your study time will be quite flexible. I imagine you will just study for the GED on your own, but later, when you enroll in the college classes, you may not be able to be here at all meal times."

They talked a little about the kind of things Ben liked to eat. He wasn't into real gourmet foods, in general preferring simple fare. When noon came Ben showed her what was available and they just had a lunch of sandwiches and fruit. About three Ben's cell rang. He answered it and after a few seconds said, "Yes, that will be fine. See you in an hour or so."

Then he turned to Julia and said, "That was Frank. He has everything packed and will be bringing it over in a little while."

"Should we take the car back over to get it."

"Not necessary. Frank works for a moving company and will just have someone drive a van to bring stuff over here."

"You didn't have to do that. I could have moved my own things."

"Of course you could have, but moving belongings is often part of the hiring process. Which reminds me, we need to fill out the W-4s and other paperwork for you."

They moved into his office and completed the necessary forms before Frank and another man arrived with her belongings. As he was getting ready to leave Ben stopped him. "Julia, do you have your old apartment key? If so, give it to Frank and he'll take care of turning it in and clearing everything."

By now Julia wasn't too surprised by this request and handed over her key without comment.

After Frank left she asked, "OK, I should start earning my keep. What would you like for dinner."

"We can plan some meals tomorrow. Tonight I'm just going to call out for pizza."

At first the next few weeks seemed like there must be something terribly wrong to Julia. Normally with her long work hours she had no problem filling her time. But, now, she spent much less time in actual kitchen work even though she did fix most breakfasts and lunches in addition to dinners. Ben insisted she eat with him so she rarely did anything in her own kitchen. She didn't even need to clean her own apartment. Ben had told her he had a service to take care of cleaning the house and that included her apartment. For a few days it seemed like she was always feeling there must be something she should be doing, but could not find what it was. She did make a trip for groceries but that didn't really take too long.

Then on Thursday afternoon Ben came over to her apartment with a stack of books. "These will let you start reviewing for the GED. From a realistic standpoint I don't expect you will have to learn a lot to pass it." He stopped and smiled. "In fact, a few years ago they lowered the passing score because most of the public school graduates couldn't pass it. Go through the review material and the sample tests and when you are ready, let me know.

From then on Julia had something to fill her time. She also discovered something she had somewhat forgotten. That was that she really liked learning. Often something in the reviews would excite her imagination and she would be off with the internet or some of the books in Ben's huge library, eagerly learning more about a subject. Not for the GED exam, but because she wanted to know for herself.

This did not go unnoticed by Ben. He made little comment about it but let her know that if she wanted more material on some subject, just let him know and he'd point her to the right books or other material.

In only a short time Julia decided she was ready for this exam. She had never had this much time to study and now it was almost like a drug. She wanted to learn and didn't think anything about putting in really long hours. One evening she mentioned to Ben that she thought she was ready and the next morning he checked for the next available exam. It turned out to be in two more weeks and when the day arrived he drove her over to the site and picked her up when she was finished.

She said that she hadn't found the exam too difficult but inside still worried a bit. Was a high school diploma really that easy? What she failed to realize was that despite not having been to school for some years, she had not ceased to learn and had picked up considerable knowledge without being aware that she was learning.

When the results of her exam arrived she found that she had not only passed but had obtained a nearly perfect score. She showed the results to Ben and he looked up at her and said, "Congratulations. Good work. Next stop the SAT."

The SAT exam was something that one couldn't really study for. There were books to help prepare but overall it was a general knowledge test. Julia worked through a couple of the prep books and signed up for an exam in early May.

This one was definitely harder than the GED, but didn't seem really impossible. When her results arrived Julia found that she had scored 1520 of a possible 1600.

Ben looked over her results. "That is really good work. Now all you have to decide is what you would like to major in and where you'd like to go."

Julia made a face. "I also have to decide how I'm going to pay for it."

Ben set back and looked at her. "No, you are the recipient of a full ride Harris Foundation scholarship."

She looked up, totally startled. "I haven't applied for any scholarship and I didn't even know you had a foundation."

He smiled. "Not too surprising. I don't have one but I'll be having my attorney set one up in the morning."

The look on her face was indescribable. "Ben, I can't let you do that. It's too much. You've done so much for me already. Much more than I deserve."

"No, from my standpoint, not nearly as much as you deserve. I've told you what you did for me is more important than I can ever repay. This doesn't begin to be a fair exchange."

Julia at last gave in and the next day sat down to speak with Ben. "I have thought a bit about college. Not just since yesterday, but for some time. I think that what I might like to do is go into restaurant management. I mean, I do have some experience at the bottom and I've seen a lot of what John had to do to run the Kitchen. I don't think I'd like to have a place like that, but maybe, a higher end restaurant, say in a big hotel. I don't necessarily mean to own one, but to be in charge of the restaurant." Then she smiled.. "Of course, if I did happen to own it, I wouldn't be too upset."

"Seriously, Ben, I could see doing something like that. You once said you could maybe see me as the head chef at a big restaurant. I think I'd rather be the overall manager, but still be able to prepare a couple of things in the kitchen from time to time."

Ben replied, "I could see you doing something like that. Of course, this doesn't have to be a final decision. If you find that, as you get into your studies, you see something a bit different, you could certainly change. The first year or so will be a lot alike for a bunch of different majors. Now, the other big decision. Have you looked to see what school you think might be best."

Julia looked directly at him. "I have looked a bit. I've found that the program here actually has a very good reputation. Besides, I'd like to stay on cooking for you. If you'll still have me."

For several seconds, Ben didn't say anything. Then he slowly said, "I have heard the school here does have good programs in that area. But, Julia, don't think you have to stay here. I was serious about a full ride scholarship and that would include room and board if you want to go somewhere else. The choice is entirely up to you. Don't feel that you owe it to me or anything to stay here."

"Of course I owe you something. In fact, I owe you everything. Without you I'd still be looking at a future with a kitchen job at the Hometown Kitchen." Ben started to say something, but Julia cut him off. "No, I do owe you, but that is not the reason. The program here is very good and I want to stay here." She stopped for a second and then looked directly at him. "I WANT to stay here."

Ben shook his head. "You have it the other way around. I owe everything to you."

Julia smiled and said, "Then we'll call it a fair exchange."

With the decision now made, Julia applied for admission and, not surprisingly with her GED and SAT scores, quickly received approval. She would begin regular classes at the end of the summer but in the mean time went ahead and worked through a couple of text books on her own.

When the semester started Julia's time became filled with classes and homework as well as her activities in fixing meals for herself and Ben. This still left more free time that she had been used to over the past couple of years and she began to find activities to fill these times also.

Julia had had a very limited social life. When she was living with her mother she had been quite busy with her jobs as well as school, but had still dated some. It wasn't lack of time that was the real limit on her dating, but rather that most of the boys in the neighborhood were not the type to claim her interest. In fact, most were ones she wanted to avoid completely.

When she had moved and begun work at the restaurant, work took most of her time. She did occasionally go out with someone, but not frequently and a real relationship had never developed. There had been one boy that she had at first thought might become a serious interest and she had, in fact, lost her virginity to him. Although she had found sex with him quite exciting and would gladly have continued their activities along those lines, other things led them farther apart and in a couple of months they had stopped seeing each other. She had found no more men who seriously interested her, but she did miss the sexual activities. Still, she was not one to engage in such just for the erotic thrill alone.

Now as she began attending classes, she met many men and some of them did certainly gather her interest. It became typical for her to go out with someone at least once a week and sometimes more. Not the same man every time by any means, but a number of different ones. Over the course of the first two semesters she did meet two different men she liked well enough to sleep with, but again each relationship cooled for other reasons after a number of weeks.

What did Ben think of her social activities? Actually he was quite pleased to see her becoming more outgoing. She had first impressed him as almost self isolated in her own little world and he had been somewhat afraid she might have trouble expanding her relationships. She sometimes introduced the men she was dating if Ben happened to be around when they arrived.

When Michael, one of the men she had slept with stayed overnight with her, she brought him to breakfast and introduced him to Ben. Despite the fact that Ben had told her repeatedly that the apartment was hers and that she could have guests whenever she wanted, Julia had actually been a bit afraid of his reaction. But she expected she might want to have Michael stay over some more in the future so she steeled herself and brought him to breakfast.

She need not have worried. Ben showed no adverse reaction in the least and easily talked with Michael about his studies and future plans. After Michael left, Ben said, "He seems quite nice. I'm glad to see you are making some friends your own age."

Julia turned slightly red at the term "friends" but replied, "We seem to get along."

Ben sat back and looked at her for several seconds. At last he said, "Julia, there's no need to be embarrassed. I can guess that if he stayed the night, the two of you didn't sleep in separate beds. It's quite normal, especially at your age. I certainly have no problem with that if you don't."

Julia tried to reply but couldn't think what to say. Before she said anything Ben added, "I would just ask that you be careful. You don't want to catch anything or find yourself unexpectedly pregnant."

At last Julia found her voice. "We use condoms. I want to be careful, too. After all, my mom wasn't and that's why I'm here."

Ben smiled. "Well, for that bit of carelessness, I would like to thank her. I'm really glad you've been around." Then after a second, he added, "Remember, I told you that your job here does include health care. Perhaps you should get a good GYN checkup and think if you want to take pills or something besides just condoms."

"Probably I should, but I have no idea who to see."

"I can give you the name of the GYN my wife used to see. She's very good. Actually, she was a personal friend of both my wife and myself. If you'd like, I can give her a call and ask if she can see you."

"Thank you, I would appreciate that."

Although Michael did make a few more overnight stays, that relationship also cooled. Over the rest of Freshman year Julia did date, but found no one else with whom she wanted to become that involved. Sophomore year yielded only one more intimate involvement and that one lasted only a couple of months.

The biggest problem Julia encountered was that many of the men wanted to drink heavily or use other substances and Julia had seen the results of such things in her earlier life. Now she wanted to stay as far away from those things as was possible. It wasn't that she was prudish or anything. No, it was rather that she had seen the results of excess along those lines. After all, she enjoyed a glass of wine, but she had never been drunk in her life and had no intention of ever being. Especially now that her life had become so full of promise, she wanted to avoid anything that might change that.

As far as school, Julia was doing quite well. Her GPA was just under a four point. She loved her classes - well, most of them. She had been accepted into the hotel management program and had completed some of the basic courses along those lines. By the start of Junior year, most of her courses were in her chosen field and she was finding she was becoming even more enthusiastic than ever.

In October she began to date one of the men in her classes, Chris Thompson. From this first date, Julia found herself quite attracted to him. Chris was in the same major as Julia, although his interest lay in the hotel side, rather than restaurants. Actually, Julia found herself pleased with this situation. They were in the same general field and thus had a lot in common along those lines. Still, they would never be in direct competition for a job or other position.

They quickly found they had a number of other things in common. Their taste in music was similar as it was in their choice of fiction. Both were serious students with high GPAs and neither was interested in the all time party activity of many of their classmates. Instead of loud music and crowded gatherings, each preferred quiet walks along the wooded paths of the campus.

On the second date they found something else they had in common. They had gone to a movie and afterwards were walking along one of the campus trails when they stopped beside a grove of tall trees for a minute to talk. Maybe that wasn't the real reason they stopped, although neither was aware which of them had initiated the pause or for what purpose. However, in less than a minute their conversation fell quiet and seconds later Chris gently tugged at Julia's hand bringing her closer. He didn't need to tug hard as she was certainly not reluctant to move. Seconds later they found their lips converging with both aiding that movement.

It was another hour before they left the shadows of the trees and during that time both had discovered that they were quite pleased with the events unfolding. By the next date neither had any question that they would again seek out shadowed isolation for some serious making out.

A week later Julia invited Chris to dinner. She had told him about her arrangement to cook for Ben Harris and that they generally ate meals together, but assured him Ben would not at all object to her bringing a guest. Without it being in her conscious thinking, Julia was interested in seeing Ben's reaction to Chris. She had come to trust his judgment and often relied on his greater experience. Not that she was actively seeking his approval or anything. In fact, she would have been quite surprised if anyone suggested that was her motivation for inviting Chris. Still, without even her own knowledge of it, she had come to look at Ben somewhat as a substitute for the father she hadn't really had. He really wasn't a "father figure" to her. In fact, she sometimes had quite un-daughter like thoughts about him, even wondering what he might be like in bed. Not seriously, but she did consider him a good figure of a man, even though he was so much older than she.

Regardless of the reasons, conscious or unconscious, she invited Chris to dinner and also indicated indirectly that they would have some time alone afterwards.

Ben had made it clear that she could invite guests any time she wished, but she still made sure he knew Chris was coming. In fact, she had talked with him several times, letting him know she was becoming quite interested in this man.

That Friday evening, when Chris arrived Julia had dinner prepared and three places set in the formal dining room. She had used good china and Sterling along with cut glass goblets. When Ben had spotted the setting he smiled to himself, realizing that she must be more serious about this particular man than any of the others she had invited previously.

Chris arrived precisely on time. Julia introduced him to Ben who insisted that they use first names. As they shook hands each of them could be seen sizing up the other. It also looked as though both were pleased with this first impression.

Over the meal conversation was easy between all three. No one dominated and no one interrogated. More like well known friends having a meal together. It was obvious that Chris knew a bit about Ben Harris and seemed impressed. Perhaps this wasn't surprising as Ben Harris was quite well known in the community,

When they had finished Ben excused himself, saying he had some work to do in his study. Chris helped Julia with the clean up, quickly moving the dishes into the dishwasher and storing any leftover food. As they were finishing, Chris said, "Ben seems quite informal. No indication that he is the giant of industry."

"I've found him so from the beginning. He's a very good man."

"How did you come to meet him?" Chris asked, mostly out of curiosity. Julia then told him the story. How she had happened on him when he was having the medical problems and how their relationship had then evolved.

"He has more that repaid me for anything I might have done although he doesn't seem to think so. I guess I really did save his life but he has so changed mine. I never had imagined any future like I now think is possible."

When the last of the dishes were cleared Julia said, "Why don't we go over to my apartment and we can talk for awhile?"

Chris smiled. "Talk? Maybe something else besides just talk?"

Julia smiled back. "Maybe."

She led him down the hall and into her rooms at the end. Chris stopped and looked around. This is really nice."

"He insisted it is part of the compensation for being his cook. The couple who used to housekeep for Ben and his wife lived here." She moved over to the couch in front of the fireplace. "Why don't we sit here in front of the fire?"

"Fire?" Chris inquired.

Julia laughed. "It's gas." She picked up a remote control and instantly the fireplace came ablaze.

They settled and Chris placed his arm around Julia's shoulder and she snuggled closer to him. For the next twenty minutes they just talked and then Chris gently pulled Julia into a nice kiss. There was no hesitation and Julia kissed back with just as much interest.

Over the next two hours few words were spoken as the couple moved more deeply into a hot make out session. Well, compared to many on campus their actions were quite restrained. There were many long and deep kisses and a lot of petting but only outside of clothing. However Julia's arousal was increasing beyond anything she had felt before. She was aware of this but was also realizing it wasn't just erotic feelings. She had found herself becoming more and more serious about Chris and felt he was feeling similar things for her.

But the erotic feelings were quite exciting themselves. In fact she wanted them to not only continue but was feeling she wanted a lot more. Chris had his hand over her breast and was gently squeezing through her blouse. Without breaking the deep kiss they were holding, Julia reached and took hold of Chris's wrist. She began to tug it away and for an instant Chris was afraid she wanted him to stop. But instead she pulled his hand down and then moved it under her blouse and bra. As his hand closed over her bare flesh she drew in a dep breath and her tongue moved even more intensely in Chris's mouth.

Over the next hour the couple played more intensely than they ever had. Before the hour was over both were bare above the waist and Julia had had her hand inside Chris's pants, grasping his rigid organ through his underwear. Her own panties were soaked and when Chris finally moved a finger to push them aside and began to play with her bare flesh he found her slit wet and slippery so his finger easily slid inside.

In another few minutes Julia pulled her mouth slightly away so she could speak. "Chris. Would you like to stay the night? I know I'd like that."

"I'd love nothing better if that is what you really want. Julia I love you and want you as much as you would like. But only if you would like."

"Yes, I want that also. I'm on the pill but, Chris, I'm practical enough that I have to ask. "Are you clean? I've been tested and am all right."

"Yes, I've had tests too. Do you really want me to stay and make love with you?"

"Very much. Chris, I love you and am beginning to think I always will. Let's move into the bedroom and make love to each other."

She led him into the bedroom and over to the big bed. She pulled down the covers and turned to pull Chris into a hard kiss, her breasts pressing firmly against his bare chest. His hands moved and began to release her skirt just as she began to unfasten his belt. In seconds both were completely nude. They stopped and, hands on each other's shoulders, stood looking each other up and down. "You are more beautiful than I had even imagined," Chris breathed.

"No more that you are to me," Julia replied. In another few seconds she pulled them together again and they locked into another deep kiss, this time touching everywhere between lips and ankles. Julia could feel Chris's rigid organ pressing against her thighs and reached to grasp it. She held it for a few seconds and then pulled free enough to kneel and plant a kiss directly on the head. Chris sucked n his breath as Julia opened her mouth and took the head into her mouth, swirling her tongue all around. But she stopped before too long. She didn't want to end this yet. Sometime she thought she would want to go further with this but now she wanted something else.

Chris suddenly scooped her up and placed her on the bed. Julia lay back opening her legs in anticipation of Chris moving on top of her. He did move to the bed, kneeling up between her spread legs. For several seconds he just looked at her. "Beautiful," he breathed. Then suddenly he said, "It's only fair I get to taste you, too." He rapidly leaned forward and brought his mouth to her dripping sex. Julia had never had a man go down on her and didn't know what to expect but as his tongue began to lick her most sensitive parts she had no time to consider. Instead she was overwhelmed with pleasurable sensations she had never dreamed of.

Chris only licked and sucked for less than a minute but it was enough that Julia suddenly cried out in a small orgasm. She reached and pulled up on Chris's shoulders and pulled him upwards towards her. "Now, Chris. Make love to me."

He did. For the next few minutes the pair moved hard against each other until Chris suddenly cried, "I'm going to come. I can't hold off any longer."

"Then don't. Fuck me, Chris. Fuck me hard!" With this he drove hard against her and Julia felt his hard spurts explode into her and let herself go into her own climax. She cried out as her world dissolved into sparks and stars and she ceased to exist as Julia and became just the stars on a black universe.

For long, long seconds they just clung tightly to each other. As Julia seemed to come back Chris said, "I'm sorry I couldn't have lasted longer for you."

A happy laugh almost escaped Julia. "It was long enough. Probably we'll last longer the next six times tonight." She pulled him down and kissed him. "It was wonderful, Lover." Julia had had sex before but she had never called anyone Lover. Now it seemed the thing to do.

"Six more times tonight? I doubt I can manage that." Then he smiled. "But I'll certainly try." Then as he realized he was still lying full length with his weight on her, he said, "I must be crushing you," and started to move off.

Julia, her arms around him, pulled him back. "Don't move. I love having you on me like this." Chris relaxed and lay back. He was still embedded in her but in another couple of minutes began to shrink. When he finally slipped out he did roll off of the girl but continued to hold her close.

After a little bit he quietly asked, "Ben won't mind about this sort of thing?"

Julia shook her head and smiled. "No, he told me it's quite normal and is actually the one who sent me to a doctor to get me started on the pill. Don't worry about that."

In the morning they made love once again. This brought their total for the night to four. Julia hadn't really expected the seven she had teased Chris about but was more than happy that they did manage more than just once or twice. They got out of bed and shared a shower, something Julia had never done before. Still it felt right to do so.

Did this night change their relationship? No, not really. Even though they hadn't discussed it explicitly, down deep both realized they were falling in love. Neither was sure enough to say it would be forever but that appeared quite likely.

Julia began to invite Chris over for dinner and to stay overnight more frequently. Since it soon became clear that Ben had no problem with such things and since Chris shared an apartment with two other men, it was generally easier to use Julia's. Over the next few months it began to appear more obvious that they were becoming quite serious about each other. Not just to themselves but to others also. Especially Ben.

The developing relationship had no adverse effect on Julia's studies, or, for that matter, on those of Chris. Both continued to do quite well in their classes.

It was the start of senior year and one day Julia realized that she was actually nearing her degree. It didn't seem possible. Not that long ago she was expecting nothing more than a career cooking at the Hometown Kitchen. Now the reality was something she had never dreamed of then. And it was all thanks to Ben.

One day Ben began to talk with her about her plans. "Julia, I want you to know that if you wish to continue for an advanced degree, the scholarship will cover that and our other arrangements can continue as they are. However, you don't need to feel obligated to do that if you have other plans. Have you thought about what you wish to do?"

"I have been thinking about it. Maybe someday I might want to get a Masters but I don't think so right now. What I really want to do is what you once suggested. Get a job in a nice restaurant and for that I really don't need an advanced degree. Maybe someday if I end up managing a big restaurant - or even owning one - I might want that, but I don't need that to start.

"Ben, I can't begin to tell you how much you have done for me. I know you said it's a fair exchange but to me it seems much more."

Ben smiled at her. "To me it seems much more the other way around, so I guess we are both satisfied. I'm just happy I was in a position to help you out although for what you did for me, I can never repay."

They talked a little more. At one point Ben said, "If you do find somewhere you want to apply I'm sure you know I'll be more than happy to write you an enthusiastic and very strong recommendation. I'm also sure your professors will be quite happy to do so also."

"Thank you. I really appreciate that and know that a recommendation from Ben Harris will carry a lot of weight. You've done so much for me and I want you to know I do really appreciate it all."

A few weeks later when Ben came in for breakfast Julia was just setting the food on the table. He greeted her and she suddenly said, "I have some news to tell you." He looked at her with the question all over his face. Julia smiled and held out her left hand where he saw a ring with a diamond solitaire.

He smiled back. "Congratulations although I can't say it's a surprise."

"It was just a bit of one to me. Oh, not that Chris asked me but that he did it now. I was thinking it more likely next spring."

Ben laughed. "Chris is smart enough not to take a chance on losing you and I expect he wanted to tie you down a little more. I don't think you could have made a better choice, Julia. When are you two planning on getting married?"

"Oh, not until after graduation next summer."

"Well, I'm certainly happy for you." He stopped for a few seconds and then said, "Julia, I would very much like it if you would let me provide you a nice wedding. I know you well enough to know you don't want a million dollar affair but I do expect you would like a formal ceremony and reception. I know you don't have any family to do that and I would very much appreciate it if you would allow me."

Julia felt her eyes begin to water. "Oh, Ben, that sounds wonderful, even if I don't think it's fair. I would like a formal wedding but nothing overboard." She took a deep breath. "I have planned to ask you to give me away."

"I would be honored. I have come to think of you much as I would have liked for a daughter. As you know my wife and I never had any children but if we had had a daughter I could never imagine a better one than one like you."

Julia could no longer hold back the tears and moved to hug Ben tightly. "Thank you. Thank you for everything."

She managed to calm down a bit and, wiping her eyes, said, "You had better eat your breakfast before it gets cold."

Ben laughed. "So had you." Then in a slightly more serious tone said, "Julia, please know you can have Chris stay over as much as you want. In fact if you would like him to move into the apartment with you, I would have no problem with that."

Julia's eyes opened wide. "Thank you again, but right now I think we'll keep things the way they are. I'm sure you do know he's over here one or two nights a week." Then she looked in thought for a few seconds. "Maybe sometime closer to graduation I may take you up on that."

"Anytime you wish. Just say the word." He stopped for a second and with a smile added, "Or just surprise me."

Julia flushed slightly. "Thank you."

One day in March Julia asked Ben if he had a few minutes to talk. They moved to sit and Julia began. "I'm sure you know about the new high end hotel they are building on the west side." He nodded and she continued, "There is going to be a nice restaurant as well as a coffee shop with it and I have decided I'd like to apply there. Chris is also applying for something in the hotel management area. I would like to take you up on that letter of recommendation."

"Certainly. I do know about the hotel. The company that owns it has a very good reputation and I have no problem either with supplying you with a recommendation or, for that matter, telling you I think it will be a very good place to work.

"That's a good thing to hear. From everything I could find out about it I did think it would be all right, but hearing you think so also makes me feel even more comfortable about it."

"Of course I can't guarantee it will be but from everything I've heard and know about the company, I feel pretty sure it will be good. I've heard that they tend to promote from within based on performance. That means if you are doing a good job they will look at you when something opens up, not go outside to find a new manager or whoever they are looking for."

Julia submitted her application along with letters of recommendation from Ben, several of her professors and one from John at the Hometown Kitchen. A week and a half later she was invited for an interview.

Her interview was in late afternoon and there were three men and one woman in the panel. At the interview she was asked just what position she was looking for. "A position in the restaurant. I have experience cooking as well as education in that area. While I didn't actually do any of the management at the Hometown Kitchen, I did see a lot of what was done. I realize that this restaurant is not in the same class as that but between that and my college classes I feel I can probably learn what is needed rather quickly. Eventually I would like to get into the management side of the restaurant business but I'm quite willing to start in any position which is available."

One of the interviewers was looking down at some of the papers in his hand. Probably her application and the letters of recommendation. He looked up at her. "You have been given very good recommendations. Both of your former employers have said that you learn quickly, always take full responsibility and in general do more than is expected. It also appears that you are an excellent cook as well as handling the non-cooking duties associated with things. How do you see yourself in the future?"

Julia slowly responded, "I see myself doing the best job I can at whatever position I have. I expect no matter where I start I can learn what is needed to do a good job and progress. I said I was interested in the restaurant management side of things but I don't have a particular position in mind."

The interviewer nodded to himself. That was a good answer. A lot of candidates would say they would like to be the overall manager in five years. That would likely indicate they would leave if a somewhat better - or somewhat appearing better - position opened elsewhere. This young woman indicated she would work hard at whatever she was doing while learning and hoped to progress if another position opened and if she had proved herself. This was also the impression he had received from her former employers.

The interview continued for almost a half hour. At the end the person who appeared to be in charge asked Julia to wait a few minutes while the four of them checked on something. She had no idea what this was about but easily agreed to wait. The four panel members left the room and Julia just sat there for almost twenty minutes. She thought the interview had gone pretty well but had no idea what was going on now.

The panel came back into the interview room and as they sat down the leader said, "Julia, normally we'd get back to you in a few days. However, in this case we have all agreed that we can settle this now. Of all the candidates for the restaurant area you have impressed us the most and so we would like to make you an offer now."

Julia looked at them in surprise. He went on. "You would like to eventually get into restaurant management. Of course now you don't really now have enough experience to handle everything connected with a restaurant of this size and caliber. But you do have an excellent academic record and from what we've been able to tell we think that you can eventually learn all that is necessary. We have an experienced manager from one of our other hotels who has agreed to get things set up and running but he doesn't want to stay for more than a year. We would like to offer you the position as his assistant. There will be two other assistants but you would be first assistant. That means you would work most directly with the manager. You would spend some time in the kitchen actually doing some cooking but you would also be learning the other tasks that go with management. Everything from menu planning to ordering supplies to managing others. In the kitchen you would be working as an assistant to the head chef and would be assigned work in all the different areas. Sort of a hands on education to go with your degree."

He then named a salary and fringes which were far better than Julia had hoped for. "Of course you don't need to give us an answer right now but if you could let us know in a week it would be helpful."

Julia shook her head. "No, I don't need a week. I will certainly accept that offer. And thank you, thank you very much."

"It will be another four months before we are ready to begin operations but we would like you to start a month before that. Is that acceptable?"

"Yes, that will work out nicely for me. That would mean starting about the beginning of August, right?"

Yes, I expect so. We'll give you an exact date when it gets a little closer, but it will probably be about then."

She shook hands with all of them and left feeling that she was no longer touching the ground. When she got back and saw Ben she first said, "I'm sorry I don't have dinner ready. The interview went longer than I expected." She stopped for a second and then said, "They offered me a job. Assistant manager of the restaurant."

"Congratulations. That's wonderful! Why don't I take you out to dinner to celebrate?" I'm thinking the Windsor Room, if that's OK with you."

"Oh, Ben, I should be taking you out. You've made it possible. You've made everything possible. I owe you so much."

"No, it is I who owe you. I literally owe you my life, remember?"

A week and a half later Chris brought his own news. The hotel had made him an offer as an assistant manager. He had no illusion that he was qualified for anything higher and probably not really for this position but the hiring panel had seen qualities in him as they had in Julia. They had decided than as an assistant to the manager he could learn enough so the before too long he could accept more responsibility. As they had for the restaurant they had brought in an experienced manager who wanted to stay no longer than one year. They had also brought in an experienced person as his major assistant. However they knew than this one would like to move on an manage his own hotel but not at this location. They expected that in two or three years Chris could be ready for full promotion in this facility.

Chris had had an exam late that afternoon but had called and told her he wanted to talk with her later. She invited him over and after supper he arrived with his news. Both he and Julia were quite excited by this and spent most of the night celebrating. In bed. Although neither got much sleep that night both were wide awake at breakfast when they related to news to Ben who congratulated Chris.

With jobs now lined up they began planning their wedding. Well, actually Ben did a lot of the planning. Julia expressed what she thought she wanted but Ben interpreted it and arranged everything for the wedding and reception, now scheduled for late June.

Invitations went out, mostly to Chris's family but also to friends Julia had made. These, of course, included John as well as some of her classmates and even a few of her professors. The wedding was to be held at a local church and the reception at a banquet room in the school Union. Food was ordered along with flowers and a live group for music.

Ben had said he would take care of the cake but that Julia should pick out her wedding dress. He did take her to a good local shop for this and had informed the staff there that under no circumstance was Julia to know the cost of whatever she looked at. He was sure that if she did she would choose the cheapest available and, of course, the cost actually made no difference to him.

He talked with Chris about what he thought they would like for a honeymoon trip. Chris was a bit reluctant to say but Ben was able to drag out that Julia had mentioned that someday she would like to see the Virgin Islands. Making Chris promise to keep it for a surprise for Julia he arranged two weeks at a resort there.

One afternoon as graduation was approaching Ben sat down to talk with Julia. "Julia, I've been thinking about what to give the two of you as a wedding present."

"Ben, you're giving us the wedding. That is more than I ever expected to ever have. You don't need to do anything else."

Ben laughed. "Julia, you still haven't gotten the idea. I feel I owe you everything and can never give you enough. I have no doubt you could ever expect me to give you a huge estate or anything like that. However, I want to tell you what I am doing. And there is no use arguing. I've all ready made the arrangements and I will not change them, but I want to explain a little.

"First, I have bought some shares in the hotel where you will be working. It is a publicly traded corporation, after all. I'll be giving the two of you 20,000 shares, par value five dollars."

Julia's eyes flew open at the amount. "Ben, you can't do that! That's way too much."

Ben smiled. "I don't think so and that's what counts. Oh, I know you'll need a car so I'm also giving the two of you an Audi. Look, Julia, I don't expect you will sell any of the stock soon. It gives you a good incentive to work hard and make this a real success. But it also provides something you can use if you ever need to borrow, say to start your own restaurant or hotel.

"I'm sure you know I can afford to do this and, in fact, could give you several hundred times as much. Let me tell you one reason I'm not doing that. Of course, I know you would never accept that much even if I feel I really owe you a lot more. No, the real reason is that I want you and Chris to have the experience of growing and working together towards your own goals. That experience can never be matched by a gift. I know because my wife and I had that. It is the most fantastic experience a couple can ever have.

"For a similar reason I'm not going to leave my fortune to you in my will." Julia started to interrupt but Ben held up his hand. "No, I don't have a lot of family to leave it to. There will be a number on individual bequests but the bulk of my estate will go to the scholarship foundation to help others in similar circumstance to that in which you found yourself. I'm still working on the details but I don't think it will be a scholarship that one applies for but rather one in which the recipients are found by the foundation. I may even suggest that you be on the board.

"Julia, you have done more for me than I can ever tell you. As I've often said you gave me my life but you've also shown me a way to help repay that. If this works out as I expect, I can really call everything a fair exchange."

Julia's eyes were flooding. "Oh, Ben, you gave me my life also. I can never repay you for that, but thank you. Thank you for everything you've done." She suddenly moved over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Planting a kiss on his cheek she again said, "Thank you."

After a minute she pulled back and began to wipe her eyes. Ben smiled at her. "You are most welcome," he said. Then with a wide smile he said, "Now we need to see about dinner. Otherwise I may have to dock your pay."

With both of them now laughing Julia said, "I'm not sure I can even eat, but I can try to fix you something."

Ben laughed again. "No, why don't I just call out for pizza tonight."

Graduation came and Ben watched as Julia and Chris walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. John had also been invited and sat with Ben during the ceremonies. Afterwards Ben took the four of them out to dinner.

Several weeks later Julia walked down the aisle with Ben where he placed her hand in that of Chris and she placed a kiss on his cheek and whispered a quiet thank you. At the reception afterwards she danced with Ben and received good wishes from many including several of her professors and also from John. And of course from Ben.

Afterwards Ben drove the newly wed couple to the airport where Chris revealed their destination. As she turned to board the flight Julia again thanked Bin. "I can't thank you enough, Ben. You have made everything possible. More than I ever dreamed I could have. I owe you so much. Thank you."

Ben smiled and said, "Julia, I'm really glad I could help but I think you did far more for me. Let's call it a fair exchange."

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