Beside You Ch. 11: Where You Belong

Chapter Eleven: Where I Belong

For the first time in a while, I wasn't woken up by a nuclear alarm.

Benny whispered something, but I couldn't make it out.

Was she really Skyping this early with Gus?

It was still weird that it had been a few days since I sat there talking to Michael. Would that be something we would do? I shook the thoughts away and brought my attention back to Benny.

I forced myself to sit up to look at her.

"I'm sorry," she mouthed to me.

I just shrugged. It was a nicer way to wake up, but at the same time, it could have freaked me out even more.

"Okay," she said into the phone, "But I want to bring my roommate too."

Instantly my body tensed. Bring me where?

I couldn't hear the response, but I did hear Benny sigh loudly into the phone.

"Mom, Gus is still my boyfriend," she said, "Michael is with a girl right now anyway."

Was he with a girl right now?

I was the last to know anyway.

"No," she said, "We'll see you on Saturday."

Saturday? What the hell?

Was that the day of the wedding?

"Love you," she said before hanging up.

Benny groaned loudly as she fell back against her mattress.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"My mom wants to throw a barbeque," she said, "She wants me there with Michael."

I nodded slowly.

"Gus is going to be a mess when I tell him," she sighed.

"He is going, though, isn't he?"

"Of course," she nodded, "He just gets all crazy when my mom does this kind of stuff."

I could imagine.

"One more thing," she said, sounding hopeful.

"You want me to go?" I asked.

"Yeah," she smiled, "But I want you and Michael to pretend to be together."

I glared at her.

"My mom will bother both of us if he shows up by himself," she said, "If he shows up with you, we will be left alone."

"I don't want to agree to that," I said, "Michael would get all weird."

"I'll ask him," she said, "Please say yes."

I sighed, "Fine, I'll do it."

I would have gone anyway, but I don't think this plan was a good idea.

"What am I supposed to wear?" I asked her.

She was quick to sit up, "Shit!"

She took her phone out and typed in a few things.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Don't worry," she said, "You do this for me, and I'll get you clothes."

That wasn't what I meant.

"What's wrong with my clothes?" I asked.

She made a face, "My mom is a harsh person, and a hard person to please."

That didn't sound very good.

"What will I have to wear?" I asked.

"I'll get you something after school today."

"Benny," I said, trying not to freak out, "What's wrong with my clothes?"

"There is nothing wrong with your clothes," she said, "Only something wrong with my mother's opinions of them."

"What does that mean?" I asked her.

"I have to buy us both something to wear," she looked like she was about to freak out, "We will have to dress and act like girls."

My clothes didn't look like a girl wore them?

I glanced over at my closet and smiled to myself, nope. They weren't that girly, but they were me.

Only now, they didn't fit me right.

"I won't be able to go with you," I stated, "It's Thursday."

She nodded, "My mother is going to call the school and get me a day pass, she won't be able to get one for you."

I knew that, but I would still like to have a say in what kind of clothes she was going to force me to wear.

"Don't worry," she said, "I know what to avoid."

I nodded slowly.

"But we will be in the rich part of town," she grinned at me "You know what that means right?"

Obviously, I didn't.

I shook my head, "What?"

"Crazy parties," she nodded "We'll leave my parent's house, and have some real fun."

I shrugged. It didn't sound like a terrible idea.

She stared at me for a minute.

"What?" I asked, feeling like there was something on my face.

"If I bought you something slutty, would you wear it?"

I wanted to glare at her, "Why?"

"For the after-party," she said, "There is no way I would let you dress like that when my mother is near."

To be honest, I didn't think I really cared if I showed some skin. Not if they were there.

I felt safe with them. I can already imagine Benny trying to fight someone for saying something mean to me about my birthmark.

"What kind of slutty?" I asked.

"You ever see those dresses with the deep V neck?"

I wasn't sure I did, but when she explained it, I got the picture well enough.

"It needs to at least almost reach my knees," I said.

"So, is that a yes?" she asked.

I nodded, "Why not? Will you be dressing similar?"

"Absolutely," she said, "I never get to dress like that, I'm usually with the guys."

I guess that made sense, but it wasn't like she couldn't dress however she wanted.

"Thank you," she said, "For saying yes, I will buy everything, and I don't want your money."

How did she know I was going to give her money?

I glared, "I don't want you to do that."

"You're doing me a favor," she stated, "Besides, it's not like I'm hurting for money."

Michael said something similar once.

I didn't grow up with very much money, so I didn't know how to be spoiled.

"Alright," I said, "But only get what's important."

She nodded.

Damn it, I was already getting nervous about Saturday.

++++++++++

I found myself glaring at Benny as she tried to smile at me.

She wouldn't let me see the clothes she bought me.

After she came in late yesterday, I figured that I wouldn't nag her, even if I really wanted to.

Today was a different story, I asked her this morning, and she tried to change the subject.

We were supposed to be making a type of dessert for cooking, and she was still trying to avoid the subject.

"Benny," I said sweetly, "If you don't show me when we get back to the room, I might kill you."

She laughed, but it was a nervous one.

"Okay," she said, "But I may have gone overboard."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

She didn't buy me anything freaky, did she?

"I will have to show you," she said, "But please don't get mad."

I just looked at her, "We'll see."

Her gaze dropped to the half-stirred bowl, and she frowned.

"You know I won't be mad," I said before pouring the small cup of water into the bowl.

"I just want everything to be perfect," she admitted, "I don't want anything bad to happen."

I understood that.

"I get it," I said, "That's why I won't be mad at you."

She smiled at me, and I could practically see the weight lift from her shoulders.

"Have you talked to Michael about it?" I asked her.

She finally started to stir the ingredients.

"I talked to Gus," she said, "I asked him to ask Michael."

She probably thought that Gus would make it easier. Though Michael would help him if he asked. This was a big deal to Gus.

It must suck to be a guy when it comes to meeting his girlfriend's parents.

From what I've heard, Gus has taken a lot of shit from them.

Love is more than just a word, and Gus has clearly gone out of his way to let Benny know he loves her.

Where are more guys like him?

I wasn't sure how long I spaced out for, but Benny was nudging me.

"What?"

"We're kind of screwed here," she said.

She pointed in the bowl, "We have ten minutes, this thing won't be ready then."

Damn it, this is what happens when I nag her.

"Just say we messed up the first time," I stated.

It was true though, we tried to make flan first, but I ruined it.

She looked at me before sighing, "This sucks."

I nodded, "Sorry."

She smiled at me, "It's only partly your fault."

I gasped playfully, "Take it back."

"Never," she said in a low, evil voice.

I tried not to laugh, but it didn't work.

It ended up sounding like a snort, and that made both of us laugh.

"I take it the two of you are finished?"

I glanced up innocently, "Our first dessert was ruined, and we tried to make another one, but it isn't ready."

Mrs. Clark glared down at me.

This woman was very good at that glare, if I didn't know any better, I would think she didn't like either one of us.

"Monday, you will make another, and I expect you to finish the other dish I have planned."

It wasn't like we had a choice. Benny and I would just have to not talk to each other on Monday then.

We both nodded.

Mrs. Clark checked the clock above the small whiteboard, "Start cleaning your stations."

Benny sighed as she scraped the bowl contents into the trash.

I went to the small sink between our seats, and I started to wash the dishes.

"This sucks," she said again as she cleared away the pieces of trash on the desks.

I couldn't argue with that.

"Tomorrow will be fine," I told her, "I will be on my best behavior, and I will do everything I can to make sure Michael is too."

She smiled, "Thank you."

"What are friends for? I asked.

She laughed, and I could see her mood lifting.

"Yeah, you're right," she nodded, "Where have you been all my life?"

It was my turn to laugh, "It doesn't matter where I was before, I'm where I'm supposed to be now."

To think I hated the idea of this place when I found out I was being forced to go.

Now I couldn't even fathom the idea of having to go back.

Then the thought lingered in my mind. I would eventually have to go back, wouldn't I?

The bell rang after I placed the last clean bowl in the sink.

"Have fun," she said to me before she just ran out of the room.

She knew I would have to run today, why did my fitness teacher hate me?

I rushed to my class, and I changed as fast as I could without hurting myself.

If I didn't dress out, and if I was late, my punishment would be far worse than just having to run.

I followed everyone to my proper number so that I could be checked in. From there, we went to the field.

"Two laps," Coach Harris said, "Do more, and you get extra credit, or run the first two under ten minutes and get extra credit."

I was so not running. I wouldn't make it in time anyway. I would be at twelve minutes tops if I ran.

Who was I kidding? It would be fifteen or sixteen minutes.

I would be lazy today, and I would walk until the bell rang, this was my last class anyway.

Several girls just started to run, making the many walkers look bad.

I was passed the point of caring. I would get my extra credit the lazy way.

There was whistling coming from the other side of the gate, and I knew it was the guys on the other side watching. I hated it when they watched us run.

I looked over, and sure enough, there was like ten of them howling and just being annoying.

I didn't see Michael today.

Did Gus ask him yet?

I guess now was as good a time as any to ask him.

I reached into my pocket to pull my phone out.

Did I want to text him or just call him?

Texting would mean waiting, but calling could also mean that I would have to deal with him being in whatever mood he was in. Who even knew what mood I would get today?

I guess I would call him, at least I could hear his voice.

It wasn't always a good thing either.

I searched through the contacts on my phone until I saw his name, and I pressed the call button.

It rang until I heard the voicemail pick up.

Was he okay? It wasn't like him to not answer his phone.

I walked for a few minutes, and I passed the field entrance where I started, marking the beginning of my second lap.

Finally, I felt my phone buzz. I was quick to answer it.

"Hello?" I asked.

"What's up?" he asked, "You called me a few minutes ago."

"Yeah," I said a little awkwardly, "Have you talked to Gus about tomorrow?"

His mood didn't seem like a good one.

"About what exactly?" he asked, "The barbeque, the after-party, or the fake dating?"

I nodded slowly, "Sounds like you're up to speed."

"You know that is a shitty plan," he stated, "Benny's mom knows I don't date. She would spot the lie a mile away."

Benny's mom knew him that well?

"Then we need to be convincing," I stated, "This isn't for you or me, it's for them."

"I know," he sighed, "But do you really think you can handle an entire weekend of pretending to be a couple?"

"Sounds like it will be harder for you," I stated.

"If I put my arm around you, you can't run away," he stated, "You need to make it seem like you actually enjoy being touched."

"What makes you think I don't like to be touched?" I asked.

Maybe if he touched me more, I wouldn't react the way that I did.

"Is that a trick question?" he asked, "You shy away from all kinds of contact."

He sure was one to talk, huh?

"That is so not true" I tried not to hiss.

"What if I have to kiss you?" he asked.

"You won't have to," I stated, "But if it really comes to that, do it."

"I guess you are committed," he said.

Wait, what if it really came down to it? Would I be able to kiss him and not feel anything about it?

"I told you, this isn't for us," I sighed.

"I know," he said, "That's why I'm going along with this stupid plan."

"Thank you," I said.

"Whatever," he said, "Just make sure your stuff is ready by seven."

"We have to wake up that early?" I asked, already feeling tired.

"Sounds like you are missing some key information," he stated, "We're leaving tonight."

"I'm meeting her parents tonight?" I asked, already starting to panic.

"We're getting a hotel tonight," he said, "I just have to pick up the rental car when I'm done with my classes."

"How far are we going?" I asked.

"Three or four hours, depending on traffic."

I groaned, and I nearly tripped over the uprooted tree roots at the corner of the field.

"They don't want to be late," he stated, "So we're showing up a day earlier and leaving mid-day Sunday."

So, I needed to bring more than just two outfits, damn it.

"Okay, I guess," I mumbled.

"Is there anything you need before we go?" he asked.

"No," I said, "Benny went out and got me some stuff yesterday."

"Alright," he said.

"I know you want to say something about that," I stated, "But she was extremely convincing, and I couldn't just say no."

"I didn't say anything," he said, "I get it."

We were quiet for a minute before I broke the silence.

"You have to promise me something."

"Why?" he asked.

There was a hint of irritation to his tone, but I ignored it.

"Promise you won't get all weird," I said, "And I won't get weird."

"You're going to have to be more specific than just weird."

I had to think hard about that. What did I mean by weird?

"Don't get all super sexual," I said, "Don't get mad, and ignore me."

"I can't promise that," he stated, "I don't plan for stuff like that to happen."

I don't think anyone did, but I wanted to at least try to avoid it.

"I want you to talk to me," I said, "If I'm doing something wrong, I want you to tell me."

"Alright," he said, "And I expect the same courtesy."

"Okay," I said.

The coaches moved away from the field, so I didn't need to hide my phone as I started my third lap.

"Where are you right now?" I asked, looking to his side of the gate.

He was usually lazing around in the small grass area on the other side.

"I was grabbing lunch when you first called," he said, "That's why I didn't answer."

That didn't answer my question.

"I'm headed to the usual spot right now," he said.

It didn't take much longer until I saw him.

He held up what looked like a wrapped sandwich and a bottle of soda.

"Alright," I said, "I see you."

"I'm going to hang up now," he said.

I watched him find a place on the grass.

"I'll talk to you later then," I said.

"Bye," he said, and I watched him press the end call button on his phone.

I wouldn't want to talk either if I was about to eat, but that was just typical Michael.

He didn't care much for phone conversations, or regular human interaction.

I returned my phone to my pocket.

++++++++++

I felt myself shake as I stared at the clothes left on my bed.

Benny was smart to not be in here when I saw them.

I mean, don't get me wrong, they aren't crazy or really revealing, but the number of things in front of me was more than what I was expecting.

The first thing I saw was the green flats with the bright blue on the bottoms. Then the maroon heels. It also looked like a pair of light brown and teal sandals. They were braided and went across your foot in several different places.

My eyes went over the two dresses on my bed. The maroon dress had the prominent deep V, so I knew that wasn't the one I would be meeting her parents in. It made me a little anxious about showing off my chest.

The green dress looked more parent appropriate. At the neck and shoulders was netted, to show off your shoulders as well as your collar bone. It would show my birthmark, and I think that is what made me more nervous. Too many people around, and a weird first impression. I already wasn't looking forward to it. It looked like she also got me a pair of black capri leggings.

The second I saw the bathing suit, I felt the sensation of falling. My stomach hurt.

The bathing suit didn't make any sense, it was almost full-on winter here. It was not bathing suit weather.

If it was a full-body suit, then maybe, but this floral two-piece was a no.

I couldn't wear it, not with the scars on my legs.

At least the green dress was long enough for me to wear a pair of shorts under, I didn't have swim shorts to wear with this.

The door opened behind me.

I turned to look at Benny, who flinched the second she saw me.

"A bathing suit?" I asked, "Really?"

"The pool will be heated," she stated.

I didn't even know that there would be a pool, I didn't care if it was heated or not.

"I'm sorry," she said, "I just talked to Gus, and he said Michael told you we were leaving tonight, I thought I told you."

I didn't say anything about that.

"I know it's a lot to deal with," she said, "And I'm sorry, but you can't say no to any of it."

I wasn't sure really how to respond to that, but it was true.

I already agreed to wear what she bought me.

The only thing I could do is sigh, "I spoil you."

"Yes, you do," she nodded, "And I appreciate it, more than you know."

I shrugged, though, I had a pretty good idea.

"Michael agreed to the plan," I said.

"Gus told me," she said, "I hope the two of you went over ground rules."

I nodded, "I told him not to get all weird at me."

"Okay," she nodded.

I watched her pull out a bag, it looked big enough to hold a week's worth of clothes.

"I was going to ask you if you were packing lightly," I said with a small laugh, "But clearly, you are moving away."

"Shut up," she said, "We can both put our clothes in here."

I shrugged as I watched her put shoes in first. She had a pair of dark blue flats, black braided sandals, and a pair of black heels.

"Bring your backpack too," she said, "Use it as a purse, that's what I'm going to do."

I nodded before dumping the stuff on my bed that was in the red backpack.

It was actually a good idea, keep the important stuff in the backpack, but everything else in the big bag.

"Don't forget to bring something to sleep in," she said as she went for her dresser.

That's right, I didn't even think of that. If we were pretty much going to spend the weekend in a hotel.

The sleeping arrangements. How were those going to work?

I don't see Gus and Michael sharing a bed.

Why did I have a bad feeling?

It was probably just my nerves.

I made sure to pack everything I would need, clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, and deodorant. The non-clothing stuff I put into my backpack.

Her phone went off, and I was quick to pull mine from my sweats to see the time.

It was 6:35 PM.

Michael said to be ready by seven.

"Yeah," she said into the phone.

I grabbed my charger and dropped it into the backpack. I couldn't think of anything else that I could need.

I was ready until I remembered what I was wearing.

"Okay," she said, "We're both ready."

I dropped my sweat pants to the floor and was quick to grab a pair of ripped black jeans. I practically jumped into them.

I removed my pink fitness shirt to replace it with a long-sleeved dark gray shirt, with red and black plaid sleeves.

Next, I put on my usual red Converse shoes.

"I am officially ready," I said before swinging my backpack over my shoulder.

I looked over at Benny to see her pull on a pair of dark blue, almost black, ripped jeans. Those things looked tight as hell.

The shirt she pulled over her head was a size or two too big, making her pants look considerably tighter.

She slipped on her blue shoes, and she stood up straight to pull her backpack on her back.

I didn't realize that her shirt said something until she turned around to grab a necklace off her desk.

It was just a pointed stud that adorned the chain.

My eyes went over the large, then smaller letters across her shirt before I laughed.

It read, 'Sorry this girl is taken by a sexy bearded man.'

"What?" she asked.

I couldn't even talk. I could only point at her shirt.

"It's funny," she shrugged.

"Gus doesn't even have a beard," I stated.

"He did when I bought the shirt," she stated back.

This girl, I couldn't think of anything to say after that, except thank god she is here.

Her phone went off again, and this time I knew it was Gus.

"We'll be right out," she said.

She didn't need to tell me that they were here. I put that much together.

It was funny to watch her grab the large bag.

"Do you want me to help?" I asked.

She looked at me before nodding.

I took one of the straps while she took the other, and together we walked the damn thing through the front gate.

There was a white four-door car parked right at the curb.

It was a nice car, but the color made me wonder if they actually had a say in which color they got.

Gus stood at the back of the car with the trunk open.

"You weren't kidding," Benny said.

Gus saw us holding the bag and moved forward to grab it.

I noticed what he was wearing. Dark blue jeans and a black shirt with words on it. I couldn't make out the words yet because he turned away. The camouflage shoes seemed like the typical for him.

"Muscles," Benny said with a grin.

Gus dropped our bag in the trunk and shut it. He turned to look at us as the driver door opened and closed.

Gus's shirt said, 'I'm not weird I'm limited edition.'

Michael walked around to the trunk, and right away, Benny let out a noise of disapproval.

"You had one job," Benny said to Michael.

I was confused.

"It was about time I got a car anyway," Michael said before shrugging.

There Michael was in his usual black, this time it was shorts and another funny shirt.

It read, 'Sorry I'm late I didn't want to come.'

It took my brain a minute to register what they were talking about.

Wait, he bought a car?

"So, this isn't a rental?" I asked, looking at him seriously.

"No," Gus answered for him.

"Really?" I asked.

"What the hell is the problem?" Michael asked, "This way, we don't have to take the fucking bus."

I looked at Benny, and she looked at me. I think we all had the same question.

"It's white," I stated.

Michael sighed, "Am I not allowed to drive a white car?"

"But it's white," Benny said, "You don't own anything white."

Even though we all knew that wasn't true. He owned several white things.

"Now I do," he said with a half-smile.

I couldn't deny it, it was a sexy car, but it seemed like it would look better in a darker color.

"What kind of car is it?" I asked him.

Gus groaned, "You're breakin' my heart, Ren."

"What?" I asked.

"Boys and their toys," Benny stated.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," Michael stated.

"Keep it in your pants," Benny held up her hand, "My toy is none of your business."

I looked at her, "What kind of toy?"

She grinned at me, "One we'll have to get you, you little virgin you."

I regretted asking.

"Maybe we could take a field trip to a sex shop on the way," Michael said.

"Or," I said, "We could just shut up about it."

"That doesn't sound like fun at all," Gus said.

"It doesn't," Benny shook her head.

"Have you ever almost done it?" Gus asked, "Ever came close?"

I was surprised Benny didn't nudge him or at least poke him for asking me that.

She looked too curious about it to bother hurting him.

"We should head out," Michael said.

"You never told me what kind of car this was," I said.

"It's a Dodge Charger," he said with a grin, "It's a manly car."

"I can see that," I said.

"If it wasn't obvious already," Gus said, "But I got shotgun."

"Go for it, Guns," Benny said.

He frowned a little at her words, but it took me a minute to remember why.

She placed a quick kiss on his lips before pulling open the door behind his seat.

I made my way around the car, and Michael opened my door for me.

"Thank you," I said before I removed the bag from my back.

I got in, and he moved away from the door to take his spot up front behind the wheel.

Once I was inside, I shut my door.

I felt Benny staring at me as the car engine roared to life.

This car was much nicer than the one Collin drove, and it still had that new car smell.

"So, Ren," Benny said casually, "Back to our previous topic."

"Or not," I said.

"I want to know," she said, "You told us before, that boys didn't like you, so was it a girl?"

I glared at her, "No, it was a boy."

I really didn't want to talk about it. I used to think I was in love with him, but he ended up being far worse than any of them.

"What happened?" she asked.

I couldn't tell her why.

"He was just a jerk," I said. "He was nice at first, but he was a total fake."

I didn't look at her, but I knew she was looking at me. All of them were.

"He wanted to see what he could do to me," I said, "But thank god I didn't let him."

"I'm sorry," Benny said, "I didn't mean to pry, I just don't know a lot about your life back home."

I finally looked at her, and I smiled wide at her.

"It's a lot better here," I said, "And I know I haven't told you guys, but thank you."

"We could say the same to you," Gus was the one who spoke, "You belong with us, I'm just sorry you went through that."

"That's life," Michael stated, "But you're where you're supposed to be now."

I wasn't sure why that warmed my heart as much as it did. I felt like I needed that.

There it was again. This is what real love felt like.

I don't know what I would do if I couldn't feel it again.

"Where to first?" Michael asked, "I was serious about that sex shop, though."

"It's up to Ren," Benny said, "But she seems like the shy type."

"You're not wrong," I said, trying not to glare at her, "And no sex shop."

"Maybe next time?" Gus asked, "I need to get some things myself."

"Gross," Michael said.

"Not what I meant," Gus was quick to say.

"Really?" Benny asked, "I wouldn't mind finding something."

"If you guys are going to hotbox my car with your hormones, I'll have to pull over and kick you out," Michael stated.

"Maybe on the way back," I said.

"There we go," Gus said, "No changing your mind now."

I shrugged, "I just want to see what they have."

"You can say that until you believe it," Michael said, "But once you see with your own eyes, you'll want one of your own."

"Then I'll get something," I said, "But only if I want one."

Benny laughed next to me, "You'll want one, trust me."

"Is that what happened to you?" I asked her.

"Something like that," Gus said.

"Gross," Michael said.

They both laughed, and Benny just smiled and shook her head.

Michael was right, I was exactly where I was meant to be.

++++++++++

The car stopped, and I heard groans from every direction.

All of us opened our doors to stretch our legs.

"Why do people drive like assholes?" Michael asked.

"I don't know," I shrugged.

"I could ask you that," Benny asked, "Why do you drive like an asshole?"

Michael laughed, "It just happens when I deal with idiots."

Good excuse.

"Hurry up," Gus said, "I'm hungry."

Benny laughed, but she didn't say anything back to Michael.

I followed them into the small restaurant.

From the outside, it looked like a regular shop. All it had outside with a simple sign above the door.

Lauren's. That was the sign outside.

Gus picked the place, he said they had the best burgers he'd ever eaten.

We are here to judge his favorite food.

"Go grab us a seat," Gus said to Benny, "I'll order for you."

She nodded and pulled me along with her.

We sat at a booth, she indicated for me to sit across from her, and I did.

It was very colorful inside.

The booth colors were dark blue on this side of the small room and purple on the other.

There were only two other people in here.

"Have you been here before?" I asked Benny.

She nodded, "But I never tried the burger Gus was talking about."

If it was really as good as Gus said, then I'm sure it will be worth whatever pain I'm about to suffer through.

"What kind of peppers did he say it had on it?" I asked.

"Ghost peppers, I think," she nodded.

I don't know what the hell a ghost pepper is, but it sounded terrible.

"I told him not to put that shit on my food," Benny stated, "Or yours, it's supposed to be the hottest pepper in the world right now."

That was a relief, but what did that mean for Michael and Gus?

"At least they'll suffer for being idiots," she said, "You and me are sharing a room tonight."

I couldn't argue with that.

It took a little while before the guys came over with the food.

"You two are such girls," Michael said as he slid into the booth next to me.

"We are girls," Benny stated.

Gus slid in next to Benny and held up a pepper that looked reddish-orange.

"You sure you don't want to know what if feels like to be a man?" he asked.

"I'm positive," she said, pushing his hand away from her face.

"These are the girly burgers," Michael pointed at the two massive burgers closest to us.

"Ghost peppers or not," Benny said, "We can judge the burger."

Gus shrugged.

I had a bad feeling the second both of them looked at each other before taking a bite.

"Morons," Benny said as she pulled up the bun of her burger.

She was probably making sure hers didn't have any peppers on it.

I should probably do that, but I trusted them not to do that to me.

When I picked up the bun, I didn't see anything that resembled a pepper.

It wasn't a typical burger, it had barbecue chicken and what looks like coleslaw.

Once I deemed it safe, I picked it up and took a bite.

When I did, all eyes were on me.

"What?" I asked with a full mouth.

I chewed while they watched.

"Yay or nay?" Benny asked.

I had to focus on the taste more than their staring.

"It's delicious," I nodded.

"Yes," Gus practically yelled.

He was quick to take another bite of his burger, and this time you could tell that he got a pepper in that bite.

"Oh fuck," he started to pant.

"You'd think something that hot would ruin the taste of a burger this good," Benny took a bite, and for a second, Gus looked like he forgot about how bad his mouth was burning.

Benny smiled with the bite still in her mouth.

Michael took another bite, and I could see it in his face.

"Gus, you fucking lied."

Michael reached for the cup in front of him, and he took a big drink before his eyes went wide.

"Fuck," he gasped before he got up and headed to the counter.

Benny just shook her head.

"Lightweight," Gus said as he took another bite.

"What was in his cup?" I asked.

Milk would have been the ideal drink. I knew that much about hot food.

"Sprite," Gus shrugged.

I couldn't help but laugh. That was easily one of the most carbonated drinks, and he just drank it.

That had to burn.

Benny laughed right after me.

Gus must have a steel stomach because that couldn't be good to eat the whole thing.

Michael came back with a cup of milk, and we all laughed.

"I don't care if it makes me a bitch," he said as he sat down.

The first thing he did was lift the bun and remove all the visible peppers.

"Bitch," Gus said before taking another bite.

"Don't care," Michael said before taking another bite of his own.

This was fun, even if Gus had tears in his eyes.

"Best burger ever," Gus said as the tears streamed down his cheeks.

Benny didn't even look at him. She shook her head.

Michael knew he couldn't eat the peppers, so he glared at the ones on his tray while he ate the burger without them.