A SPOT FOR HOPE (MXM) BOOK 2

CHAPTER 8

Alex Sparrow as Peter Meuller

HOPE

"Here it is!" the customer cheered as I uncorked the bottle of Glen Grant he ordered. I poured the pricey liquid into the glasses, ensuring all four were half-full before gently placing the bottle back on the table.

I kept my gaze low the entire time, avoiding eye contact, but there are always those who don't get the hint.

"Hey, why don't you stay here?" the 46-year-old customer said, patting the empty space beside him. I resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow, noting that he was one of our VIPs. "Come on, don't be shy," he added, licking his lower lip in an attempt to be seductive despite his age.

He was practically begging for a punch.

"I'm sorry, Papa, but he can't stay," Lime, one of the three hosts entertaining the greedy customer, came to my aid, clinging to the old man's arm. "Aren't we enough?"

Yeah, aren't they enough? He had the three most beautiful hosts in the club fawning over him, and yet, he still wanted more.

The old man looked at them, pouting as they tried to shield me from him, but—

"Then can I just have a little squeeze?" His eyes landed back on me, not backing down at all.

You dirty old man.

"That's—"

"Of course!" I interrupted Lime, forcing a smile. It would be bad if he caused a scene over something so minor.

I didn't want to be a burden.

"Come here." He reached for me, and I stepped closer, locking eyes with him, trying to hold back.

Without a warning, he grabbed my butt with both hands, groping it roughly.

"You've got a great butt. I'd be your patron if you became a host," he smirked, giving me one last butt slap before slipping a tip into my pocket.

As if that would make me feel better.

"Thank you, sir. Please enjoy." I forced another smile before leaving.

The first time this happened, Lax rushed to my defense. Then it happened again and again. I've lost count of how many times I've heard him explaining to customers that waiters are off-limits. But that never seemed to stop them.

I guess I need to toughen up, or I'll just keep being a burden.

If Jino can handle it, why can't I?

"Faith!" someone called, breaking me out of my thoughts. I immediately rushed toward the kitchen.

"Coming!"

Just a little longer...

"Great job!" Jino grinned as I entered the dressing room. He was already dressed like a cute college nerd.

"Out on a date?" I asked, heading to my locker.

"Yup," he answered while typing on his phone. "I'll be gone until Friday."

Oh.

"How lucky," I teased, and he giggled. "Where are you two off to?"

"Paul and I are going to the beach. It's our third anniversary," he blushed, and I couldn't help feeling a little envious.

The beach... I hadn't been to one since that day.

'You want it?'

'You can visit anytime or even live here.'