A SPOT FOR HOPE (MXM) BOOK 2

CHAPTER 6

Pietro Boselli as Ben Meiresone (Benny)

HOPE

You've got to be kidding me.

"Stay away!" I snapped, frowning as I shoved Ash off the sofa. He was far too drunk, and his attempts to sit beside me weren't amusing.

Yes, we made up. But know your place, you rascal! I glared at him in irritation. Ash just scowled, before slumping on the other side of the couch without another fight.

Benny and Peter were quietly watching from the floor, while Carson and Mandy stood awkwardly in the corner. My roommate wasn't thrilled, the room felt too crowded with these uninvited guests.

They even found my place without asking! It was a terrible idea letting Peter have a copy of my information.

Fuck it.

"Care to explain?" I directed the question at Benny, since he's the easiest person to talk to. He smiled innocently, leaning back and pressing his hands on the floor. He paused a bit before finally speaking.

"Umm... we're here to tip you off." I raised an eyebrow. "Henerson might come to meet your friend." He glanced at Carson, who looked confused, while I immediately shot a glare at Ash, who quickly looked away.

This bastard.

"What's going on?" Carson asked, after hearing his name. I couldn't help but to chuckle nervously before turning fully to face Ash.

Look at him, avoiding my gaze. How guilty are you?

"What did you do?" I demanded. Carson stepped closer, eager to know what was happening, since I hadn't answered him yet. "Ash, of all people, you know how Henerson reacts to this, yet you—"

"All I said was you guys live together—" Ash finally looked at me, hesitating. "Live-in partners, to be exact." My eyes widened, and Ash tried to smooth things over with an innocent smile.

"You... you—"

"Babe, did our secret get out?" Carson joked, laughing with Mandy and throwing me a playful wink.

Benny and Peter stared at me, blank expressions on their faces, while my jaw dropped at Carson, who clearly found this situation amusing.

Oh boy, you won't be laughing when Henerson starts banging on that door.

"He's joking," I quickly reassured them before these three idiots believed him. "Just tell Henerson the truth. Or would you rather I meet him and say it to his face?" I challenged, noticing how they all avoided eye contact when I mentioned the first option.

How scared are they? Henerson has changed, but is it really so bad that they're acting like this?

"Well, that doesn't sound so bad," Benny said, and I raised an eyebrow.

"You mean the first option—?"

"No!" His eyes widened, and I couldn't help but find it amusing. Benny, the biggest of them all, acting scared like this was a rare sight.

"The second one."

Peter let out a chuckle, earning a glare from Benny, his expression clearly saying, 'What are you laughing at?'

"I'm not going," I said firmly. Ash raised an eyebrow. "He told me never to show my face again. How could I meet him after that?"

"Hope, please," Benny pleaded, his brow furrowed.

"Please," Peter echoed, though it didn't sound like he meant it as I met his eyes.

"Hope, you promised," Ash reminded me, and I frowned.