Chapter 8

Alex had a mortified look on his face. He knew what Ben was about to say. He was not sure whether to feel sad or relieved about it.

Ben was studying him slowly, his eyes widening every time they made a round through that big muscular framework he was not used to seeing. His eyes scrutinized him the same way a teacher would do to a student whom he suspected was involved in something mischievous.

“What happened to you?” Ben asked. “You didn’t tell me you’ve started hitting the gym. I thought we were friends.” His eyes were filled with disappointment.

Alex opened his mouth and shut them again, realizing that he did not know what to say. Did this look like something he could get by going to the gym?

“What are you doing here?” he managed to ask.

Ben had moved a few meters away from him to the sink, where he stood over and washed his hands.

“You know, for once, I thought you’d found a girl to sneak around with,” he turned, “And honestly, I was so eager