Free Rum & Ginger by Eon de Beaumont Page A

RE NEVER going to believe this,” Lena said five minutes later, after finding him changing soda kegs in the basement.
    “What?” Ben asked.
    “Chance is here.”
    “What?” Ben stumbled back, tripped over a soda keg, and went sprawling, knocking over a stack of Funtilla chip cases in the process. “Shit,” Ben spat as he tried to extricate himself from the cases. “Quit laughing,” Ben ordered Lena.
    “I’m sorry. It’s just hilarious.” She covered her mouth as Ben pushed past her to return to the dining room.
    “What table is he at?” Ben asked. “Is he alone?”
    “No, he’s got a couple of friends.”
    “What?” That didn’t sound like Chance. Ben would have been less surprised if Chance had walked in with his laptop and earphones. “That’s weird.”
    “He’s sitting at the table behind your bartender.”
    “What?” Ben spun on her. “Who the hell did that?”
    “Janine. She didn’t know.” Lena held up her hands in surrender.
    “And he’s not my bartender,” Ben hissed.
    “My mistake,” Lena sneered.
     
     
    B EN EMERGED from the basement and searched the tables for Chance. Thankfully he didn’t see Brodie. “They’re in a band together,” Lena said from behind Ben.
    “Chance?”
    “No, Brodie and that dude. They’re not a couple. They’re in a band together.”
    Ben felt totally relieved. “I don’t care,” he said. “Chance.” Ben stopped at their booth. “What’s up?”
    “Oh. Hey, Ben,” Chance stood. “This is my roommate, Ben, guys.”
    Ben winced at the word roommate, but the smile stayed plastered on his face. “Hey, all.”
    “This is Winner7, KoraktheDestroyer,” Chance introduced as he indicated the men sitting around the table.
    “Uh,” Ben muttered.
    “Oh geez,” Chance said and chuckled. “I forgot we’re not online. This is Dave and Martin.” Each man stood and shook Ben’s hand. Chance continued, “And this is Dormouse29; Chuck.”
    “Hi, Chuck. Nice to meet you,” Ben said.
    “Likewise,” Chuck answered. “Chance has told me a lot about you.”
    “Ben,” someone called from behind them.
    Shit, Brodie . “Brodie, something I can get for you?” Ben asked in his best manager voice.
    “Nope, we’re good.” Brodie stepped up beside Ben and regarded Chance. “Is this the boyfriend?” Brodie asked.
    “No!” Ben and Chance barked in unison, both totally mortified. Brodie had just outed Chance in front of his friends.
    “Nope. No boyfriend. Chance is my roommate,” Ben explained trying to sound calm.
    “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