Brewed to Perfection

"What?"

Ben kept his gaze locked on me. "I-"

"Sorry guys!" Twyla spoke in a hushed tone as she opened the door and leaned against the frame. "I texted you Benny but you never responded so thought i'd just come up and ask." Twyla spoke, whilst her eyes were looking around the entire room.

I was too shocked by everything Ben was saying to even react to the fact Twyla was wearing a see through red lace nightie.

I heard Ben cough slightly before replying. "My phones charging over there at the moment, what's up?"

"Well I just realised it was really rude of me not to offer Maeve the single room I'm in... I know that you two-" She paused, lifting her shoulders slightly. "-anyway, I just thought I'd let Maeve know I'm happy to swap." She finished with a bright smile, her light blue eyes squinted.

If I didn't know any better, I would have believed she was offering me the room due to her generosity and thoughtfulness. But it was obvious she just wanted to be near Ben. And who was I to get in the way of true love?

It was odd that I should be jumping at the chance to swap and get a room to myself but I sort of wanted to hear what Ben was talking about before Twyla came in. It seemed like the sort of thing that wouldn't be brought up again. Especially not during a team building exercise.

Ben made a weird groan. "I don't-"

I raised my hand towards Ben, stopping him mid sentence. "That is soooo thoughtful Twyla. How about we swap tomorrow? Since all of our stuff has been unpacked etc. Plus I feel super tired right now so I couldn't even drag myself out of this bed even if I wanted to." I joked.

Twyla's bright smile faltered a little before she looked back towards Ben and it picked up. "Sounds like a plan." She replied, before lowering her voice and blowing a kiss towards Ben.

"Sweet dreams." Her voice was quiet with an uncomfortable seductive tone. It was hard not laughing. She swung the door shut and it was only once we both heard her footsteps becoming quieter that I let out a laugh that was dying to come out.

"Did she wink as she whispered 'sweet dreams' or am I making that up?" I asked Ben, still laughing.

He let out a long breath. "God. I'm going to be eaten alive aren't I? Why did you agree?!" Ben whined, sounding both equal parts dread and anger.

I had to bite my lip to stop how much I wanted to laugh again. "Come on. She is so obviously into you. I can't be the person getting in the way of that. I don't want bad karma." I replied honestly, still smiling at Ben whose lip was now turned slightly up on one side.

"Fuck Karma. I can't share a room with that woman for a week. She'll make some excuse about her mattress being uncomfortable and try to force us to share a bed." Ben groaned, pushing his hand through his dark curls.

It was scary how accurate Ben's prediction was. That was something Twyla definitely will do.

"You have to tell her you're scared of the dark or some shit so she stays in her room and you stay here." Ben ordered.

"Yeah, that won't look suspicious at all," I replied sarcastically.

I looked at him, trying not to find the look of pure misery on his face funny. "It won't be too bad, plus I'll probably sleep talk or walk so it's for the best." I tried to make him feel better.

He shot me major side eye. "I want to share the room with you. If you tell Twyla in the morning you don't want to swap anymore I'll pay you double this week." Ben offered seriously and I felt like I was a robot malfunctioning.

"What? You'll pay me double just to keep sharing this room with you?" I asked, making sure I heard him right.

He nodded.

Just how rich was he? I never actually knew what Ben's Dad did. Everyone just knew his Dad owned lots of business but apart from Brewtiful I had no clue what else Ben now owned. I decided to be blunt.

"Are you loaded?" The question almost reverberated in the now deathly silent room. I should probably feel embarrassed for asking, but I didn't.

"My Father did alright, and, well... I'm not exactly counting pennies. Let's just say I have enough to bribe you to stick around, apparently." He avoided direct eye contact for a moment.

That was the sort of reply a secret millionaire would give. I bit the inside of my cheek whilst in thought. I couldn't say yes to Ben's offer but God knows how much double pay would go in helping Mum with the rent. I couldn't say yes, but from the desperate measures he was willing to go to... I also know I couldn't let Twyla share the room with him.

"You should get a financial advisor if you're easily influenced to give up your cash." I joked.

I sighed. "I'll tell Twyla I'm petrified of the dark tomorrow morning so we don't swap. You can keep your money in your pocket."

"You don't want free money? He asked, looking confused, his voice concerned. He must have thought I was crazy.

I tutted. "We're supposed to be friends now Ben. Friends don't help each other out because the other person has bribed them. Now let's go to sleep before I change my mind." I mildly threatened. Reaching over to the night stand and turning off the side lamp.

It was only once I heard a small snore leave Ben's mouth moments did I realise we never finished the conversation that was interrupted by Twyla. It was probably for the best.