A SPOT FOR HOPE (MXM) BOOK 2

CHAPTER 3

I think is AI but this is how I imagine Henerson with his natural blonde hair :)

HOPE

"I'm heading out first!" I shouted, untying my apron after a long shift at the part-time job Gabriel had recommended.

"Thanks for your help, Hope!" The manager smiled, and I waved as I left the café.

I sighed in exhaustion as I stepped outside.

Sighed.

I hated working in the service industry. You have to force a smile, even for the rudest customers, which never made sense to me.

People should be treated based on how they treat you. If someone yells at me, I should be allowed to yell back. But that's not how it works.

"How's work?" Gabriel's voice came through the phone, and I frowned, ungratefully.

"It's awful. I almost threw coffee at someone."

"Oh no, you've got to control yourself, Hope."

"I did, for your friend's sake. By the way, she's nice," I added, still amazed at how the manager had handled nasty customers earlier. "But I doubt I'll last another week."

"Think about your bills."

"Yeah, I even dream about them now," I muttered, and he laughed. "Anyway, can you come by later? You still haven't told me the whole story about Gab," I reminded him, but he laughed awkwardly. Clearly, he wasn't ready to talk about how he and Gab broke up after three years.

I heard it wasn't a bad break up, but still losing someone you've made plans with isn't easy.

"Sorry, Hope. I need more time."

"Oh, sure. My bad."

"It's okay. Maybe another time."

"Sure. But if you change your mind, I'll be at our usual spot."

"Don't drink too much, Hope," he said, his tone filled with concern. I smiled.

"Don't worry. I can only afford one drink. I won't stay long."

"Alright, take care!"

"I will, thanks." I shivered in the cold as I pocketed my phone and crossed the street.

It had been days, and I still hadn't gotten over anything. Being alone only made it worse, so I spent my nights at the bar, trying to forget. But how could I?

Every time I closed my eyes, all I saw was his disgusted face. I can't even remember how gentle he used to be. In just one night, he ruined it all.

Still, I can't find myself giving up easily.

I have to try even a little...

"Found you," a voice said suddenly, making me jump from my seat. A tall man stood beside me in the aisle, and I frowned when I realized who it was.

Not again.

"What's with the long face?" The handsome man standing at 6'2 asked, his voice full of fake concern as he took the seat next to me.

Lax blinked at me innocently while I stared suspiciously.

This guy was as stunning as a goddess, with long, wavy blonde hair and striking green eyes. He exuded elegance, but don't be fooled. He had a reputation for being a cunning snake for some unknown reason. He owned the host club *Green Spade* not far from here, and ever since I'd bumped into him at a bar, he hadn't stopped pestering me to become one of his hosts.