Rum & Ginger (9 page)

“Oh.” Brodie furrowed his brow.

“How do you know this person?” Chance asked, trying to mask his distaste.

“This is Brodie. He works at the B&V.” Ben stepped back as Brodie and Chance shook hands and stared daggers at one another. “Brodie, this is my roommate, Chance.”

“Nice to meet you, Chance.” Brodie let go of Chance’s hand. “Cool name.”

“Likewise,” Chance answered.

“I have to get back to work,” Ben interrupted. “Chance, guys, enjoy your meal. Nice meeting you. If you need anything, let me know.”

“Thanks, buddy,” Chance said.

Ben turned to Brodie. “Everything good with you two?”

“Sure,” Brodie said as he sat back down. “Any luck with the bar hunt?”

Ben choked. He felt Chance’s gaze snap around. “I—Bar? There’s no bar hunt.”

“What about the gay bar you told me about the other night?” Brodie asked, obviously totally confused.

“Is your roommate gay?” one of Chance’s friends asked.

“What’s the deal, Ben?” Chance was visibly angry. “You told this scruffy stranger—”

“Hey,” Brodie interrupted, offended.

“Sorry. You told this guy about your bar-dream-thing?” Chance asked.

“I… um… yeah. It came up in conversation the other night.”

“Why are you upset? Are life dreams the kind of things you’re supposed to share with roommates?” Brodie asked.

“Yeah. Come on, Chancey. Lighten up,” Chuck stated, earning him a sideways glance from Ben.
Chancey?

“Anyway,” Brodie continued. “I’ve been keeping an eye out for you.”

“Thanks,” Ben said, eager to get away from the tension and the fight he felt waiting for him in Chance’s expression. “I really have to get back to work, guys. Sorry.” Ben retreated from the two tables as fast as he could without running. He could feel the intensity of Chance’s gaze the entire time.

B
EN
SLAMMED
his office door, leaned against it, and heaved a great breath, trying to relax himself. “Fuck,” he whispered, drawing the
f
out. Of all the crazy situations he’d encountered since he started at this awful place, this had to be the craziest. Why would Chance come out tonight of all nights? What were the odds? Ben sat at his desk, feeling a strange apprehension in his gut. Ben had watched movies in which the characters experience something without knowing it’s going to have a profound effect on the rest of the movie. He felt like he’d just had one of those moments, but he was pretty sure his movie had taken a strange twist. A knock interrupted his thoughts.

Ben remained silent. He didn’t really want to know who stood on the other side of that door. Lena? Chance? Brodie? Another knock. “Ben?” Chance’s voice. “Are you in there?”

“Yeah,” Ben replied. “Come on in.” The door opened, and Chance slipped inside, latching the door behind him. “What’s up?”

“Why don’t
you
tell
me
?” Chance crossed his arms, throwing as vicious a glance as he could manage at Ben. It wasn’t very vicious at all.

“I’m working?” Ben replied.

“Eff that!” Chance whisper-shouted so no one could hear him in the restaurant. “You know what I mean. How does that hooligan know about a dream that I didn’t even know about?”

“Hooligan? Seriously, Chance? What are you, eighty-five? People have tattoos and piercings.” Ben sat back in his chair and tried to look unconcerned. “Brodie is a friend. That’s it. We were talking at a party, and he’s a bartender. The bar thing just came up organically. It’s not a big deal.”

“Organically, right,” Chance sniffed. “You’re hot for him, though.”

Ben thought about it. Certainly he wouldn’t lie to Chance. “I won’t deny that I find him attractive. But so what? It’s not a crime.”

“Not a crime? You asshole,” Chance growled, advancing on Ben’s desk.

“Don’t give me that shit,” Ben said. “What about you? Are you going to tell me you aren’t hot for Chuckles?”

“It’s Chuck,” Chance squeaked, straightening up and folding his arms. “And that’s exactly what I’m going to tell you. We have a business agreement, and that’s it.” Chance turned away as he said it.

“Bullshit,
Chancey
.” Ben used Chuck’s pet name to drive home his point. “It’s fine. We’re human. Of course we’re going to find other people attractive. It’s not something to be ashamed of.”

“I’m not having this conversation.” Chance turned and opened the door. “Just try to be a little more discreet in public, would you?”

“Chance,” Ben said in a low voice. “There’s nothing going on between me and Brodie.”

“I meant about being gay,” Chance spat as he stormed out.

“Of course,” Ben said. He slammed his fist on his desk.

“Of course what?” Lena asked, poking her head in.

“Chance. He’s more worried about people finding out he’s gay than if I’m cheating on him.”

“Are you?”

“Seriously?”

“Sorry. Of course you aren’t.” Lena rubbed her eyes. “What a cock-up this night is.”

“Cock-up?” Ben asked.

“I’ve been watching a lot of BBC lately,” Lena answered with a shrug. “So he accused you of cheating on him?”

“Not exactly.” Ben waved off the question. “Did you hear that Chuck guy call him Chancey?”

“Yeah. I caught that.” Lena sat down. “Maybe you should be asking him if he’s cheating.”

Ben chuckled. “Cheating is a little too interesting for Chance. No. But Chuck might have other plans. I trust Chance, though. I’m not worried.”

“I hope it doesn’t bite you in the ass,” Lena said as she stood. “I have to get back to your sordid tables of drama.”

“Ha-ha,” Ben said with a sneer. Lena flashed him a smirk and exited. Ben rose and followed her. He couldn’t let the strangeness of the evening keep him from doing his job. He was totally going for a drink tonight, though.

No sooner had he returned to the dining room than Brodie grabbed his arm. “Hey, man, I’m really sorry. I had no idea. I thought that guy was your boyfriend.”

“No. It’s not your fault. He is my boyfriend, but he doesn’t want anyone to know.”

“Oh shit, dude. I’m super sorry. I feel like an ass.” Brodie hung his head and rubbed his temple.

Ben put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up, seriously. He’s being kind of a dick about it.” Ben sighed and pulled the hand that had been on Brodie’s shoulder through his hair.

“You look like you could use a drink.”

“Actually, I was just thinking that.”

“Well, come to the B&V after work, and the first drink’s on me,” Brodie said with a smile.

“That, sir, is a deal.”

“Great,” Brodie answered and wrapped Ben in a hug. “See you then.”

“Okay,” Ben said, hugging Brodie back with one arm. “Now let me go, ’cause I’m pretty sure Chance is watching, and he just accused me of cheating on him with you.”

“Shit,” Brodie jumped back as if he’d been shocked. “Goddammit. I’m sorry, Ben. Christing crap. I’m an idiot.”

“No. No. Settle down. It’ll be fine.” Ben spared a look at Chance’s table. Sure enough, Chance’s gaze was like red-hot daggers. “I’ll just have to kiss some extra ass. Deep down he knows I would never actually cheat on him.”

“Sure?” Brodie asked.

“Positive.”

“All right, then,” Brodie said, evidently relieved. “I’ll see you a bit later?”

“Count on it,” Ben replied. Brodie raised a hand as he returned to his table. Ben watched as Brodie motioned to Chance, and they moved away from the tables. Chance kept throwing glances at Ben, who just stood as uninterestedly as he could, observing. Chance’s brow furrowed at Brodie’s words, then smoothed out. Brodie looked at Ben and shrugged. Chance visibly relaxed, smiling. Brodie returned the smile, and they shook hands. Chance returned to his friends, and Brodie dropped some money on his table as he and his bandmate moved off into the restaurant. Just for a moment Ben wondered what it would be like to date Brodie, to not have to hide, to be free to
be
. That kind of thinking wouldn’t do him any good, so he shook it off and went back to work.

B
EN
TEXTED
Chance as he entered the B&V with Lena. Ben looked around for Brodie but didn’t see him. He had to admit he was a little disappointed. “Maybe he’s just not here yet,” Lena said. It always kind of creeped Ben out when Lena answered his thoughts like that.

“Who?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

“Don’t be an ass,” she replied and punched his arm. “Let’s get a fucking drink. I’m famished.”

“That means you’re hungry,” Ben explained as they found seats at the bar.

“Hungry for alcohol.” She pulled out a five and held it between her fore and middle fingers.

Ben shook his head and did the same. No sooner had he produced the bill than it was snatched from his grasp. “Hey,” he barked.

“Hey, yourself,” Brodie answered. “I said I was buying your first drink.”

“Where’d you come from?” Ben asked. “I didn’t see you when we walked in.”

“Hey, Brodie-Bro. Thanks for the great tip,” Lena greeted their new friend.

“Hey, Lena. No prob. I know what it’s like to live off tips.” He gave her a wink. “I was in the restroom,” Brodie answered Ben’s question. “Rick,” Brodie called to the bartender. “One Captain and ginger ale, one vodka tonic, and I’ll have another Guinness.”

“Ooh, he’s good,” Lena cooed, handing Brodie her fiver.

“I got these,” Brodie said, refusing the money.

“You’re a keeper, Brodie-Bro.” Lena planted a kiss on his cheek and slipped the money back into her pocket.

“Thanks, Leeny.” Brodie picked up his newly delivered Guinness and sipped.

“Now we’ve all got nicknames,” Lena said, accepting her drink. “Shall we dance?”

“You go ahead.” Ben toasted with his glass. “We’ll be along in a moment.”

“Fine,” Lena sighed and sauntered away.

“What did you say to Chance?” Ben asked as soon as Lena was out of earshot.

“Oh. I just told him that he was lucky to have such a loyal and devoted roommate.”

“That’s it?” Ben wasn’t convinced.

“That’s it.” Brodie’s smirk hinted at more, but Ben didn’t press the issue.

“Shall we dance, then?” Ben asked.

“By all means.” Brodie stood, motioning for Ben to take the lead. They joined Lena on the makeshift dance floor. The three friends danced for a while, trading breaks to get more drinks. Brodie and Ben found fleeting moments between songs to talk, discovering they had much in common. They laughed and traded stories. Before Ben knew it, an hour had passed. He denied a final drink, deciding to head home to Chance. He hadn’t intended to make this a late night.

“I’m going to get going,” Ben told his friends.

“So soon?” Brodie asked, looking genuinely disappointed. It broke Ben’s heart a little to see that look.

“C’mon, Ben-Ben,” Lena coaxed. “Don’t go. We’re just starting to have fun.”

“Nah. I told Chance I was only going to have a drink or two and head home. I really should.”

“Okay, poopface,” Lena said, throwing her arms around Ben. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Ben hugged her back and turned to Brodie, who opened his arms as well.

Ben hugged Brodie. “Make sure she gets home safe?” He spoke into Brodie’s ear.

“Don’t worry,” Brodie answered as they broke the embrace. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“Thanks,” Ben said and squeezed Brodie’s shoulder. “Later, guys.” He waved as he threaded his way to the exit.

His entire drive home, Ben dreaded the confrontation with Chance that awaited him. He was almost relieved when he pulled into the driveway and the entire house was dark. Chance was obviously not completely over the events of the evening, because he hadn’t left the porch light on as he usually did. Ben killed the engine and headed inside.

The house was eerily quiet, echoing his movements back to him. Ben tiptoed through the rooms, trying not to make any noise. He toed off his shoes and walked upstairs to brush his teeth and wash his face. He’d had an extremely long day, and it was finally catching up with him. He really didn’t want to wake Chance and deal with anything else. After finishing his nightly grooming, Ben shuffled into the bedroom and suddenly realized the bed was empty. Chance wasn’t asleep. He wasn’t there.

Ben’s first reaction was anger. He texted Chance whenever he went out for a drink or anything, even tonight, and Chance didn’t bother to tell him anything. Where had he gone? When would he be home? Ben realized he was standing in the middle of the room staring at the empty bed, grinding his teeth and balling his fists at his sides. For a moment he wanted to run downstairs, get his phone, and send Chance an angry text. Instead he took a deep breath and told himself this wasn’t a big deal. Chance was an adult. If he wanted to go out with his friends, Ben couldn’t hold it against him. In fact, he’d be a huge hypocrite if he got upset. He’d been telling Chance for months that he needed to get out and do something fun. Ben was a little upset that Chance hadn’t chosen to go out with him, but at least he wasn’t sitting in front of his computer.

Ben relaxed and climbed beneath the covers. He wondered if he should wait up for Chance the way Chance waited up for him. His mind was quickly made up for him by his own exhaustion. Soon after Ben found his comfort spot, he was sound asleep. He never even stirred when Chance returned.

B
EN
DID
wake when Chance’s alarm went off. He opened an eye to see Chance sitting up and running a hand through his messy hair. “Have fun last night?” Ben croaked.

Chance didn’t turn to look at Ben. He shrugged. “I suppose.”

“Where’d you guys end up going?”

“Chuck’s house. Watched some movies.” Chance stood and opened his dresser.

Chuck’s house
. Was it just Chance and Chuck? How could Ben ask that without actually asking? “How’d you get home?”

“Martin dropped me off,” Chance answered, gathering clothes from the drawer and moving to the closet. He didn’t offer any more information, and Ben decided not to press the issue. He closed his eyes, satisfied that Chance hadn’t been alone with Chuck all night, and soon drifted back to sleep.