Yes, Chef

Chapter 6: Today Was Good

~Mads's POV~

I can't believe he had the nerve to blow me off for Hillary and then show up at my private residence in hopes of smoothing things over! Asshole!

I had called Joellen to go out and grab a drink because I needed to calm down after Hillary dismissed me when I arrived at the tattoo shop. I was so ready to finally get into the thick of it with Benedict. I had tactics on the ready to accommodate his many moods. But learning that he was not only canceling but doing it to fuck around with a woman he didn't even seem to like that much pissed me off.

Joellen, of course, read into it. She labeled my reaction as jealousy and tried to talk me into taking a perfect stranger home to release some of my pent up sexual frustration. When I called her crazy, she bought us a round of shots, tossed hers back, and went on the prowl for a pair of fellas to help us both out, as she explained it.

Somewhere along the way, she hit it off with someone and I was left to fend for myself. I had been ditched twice tonight, and I was not in the mood to find Benedict at my doorstep when the rideshare dropped me off.

How did he get my address and phone number anyway? I see several missed calls from what I assume is his number and one from Teddy right in the midst. I bet anything that Teddy gave him my info. I'm half tempted to call him right now and ream him out for all this!

I pace until I cool down and regain some semblance of self control. The alcohol in my system obviously didn't help much but it did make me drowsy. Tomorrow would be a new day and at least for now, I no longer needed to make time for someone who didn't want to be helped in the first place.

***

The next morning is a sluggish start but I don't have anywhere to be so I go with it. I lazily sift through emails while enjoying my morning coffee. I see one about registration for classes starting soon. Exciting! I also see another reminder that my license is in need of renewal. A little bit of apprehension creeps up as I delete the reminder.

I hear a thud against my front door and figure it's a package delivery. They're so bad about sending updates on the status anymore. I shuffle down the hallway and open the door without hesitation only to be assaulted by a body falling at my feet. I shriek and jump back.

"Ow. Fuck." Benedict curses, rubbing the back of his head. He glances up at me in my mismatched jammies and mutters. "Morning."

"What are you doing here?! Did you... did you sleep here?" I gasp, realizing he looks haggard and dishelved.

"We need to talk." He avoids the question, pulling himself upright and trying to straighten his clothing. He looks around timidly. "But do you mind if I use your bathroom first?"

I don't have words for him. I just point down the hallway to the bathroom. He gives me a grateful smile and hurries away. I slam the front door shut and suddenly feel self conscious about my appearance. I run to my bedroom, quickly throw on something more decent, and wipe my face down. I hear him call for me so I rush back but try not to make it too obvious that I cleaned up because of him.

He stands awkwardly in my living room, one hand tucked in his pocket and the other awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. I announce my arrival. "I'm right here. What do you want?" I fold my arms across my chest, exuding animosity, and glare at him.

"Your coffee smells really good. Can I trouble you for a cup while I explain what happened last night?" He asks, giving me puppy dog eyes.

I scoff and shift my weight. He grimaces at my reaction. "You should have just stayed with Hillary. Maybe she would have been more hospitable."