Chapter 71

Isabella was curled up in the corner with a blanket, her face so red it looked like she might burst. Just one step away, and she'd be all Michael's.

Michael was perched on the edge of the bed, a cigarette hanging from his lips, unlit because Isabella hated the smell.

He was feeling pretty frustrated. He glanced down at the bulge in his underwear, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down. Slowly, the bulge went away.

Right then, Isabella's phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was Amelia calling.

"Hey, Amelia, what's up?" Isabella answered.

Amelia's voice was cheerful. "I just realized we finally cleared up that misunderstanding and even beat Bianca. Plus, you got the job! We should totally celebrate."

Isabella agreed and looked over at Michael.

"Amelia wants to celebrate. You in?" she asked him.

Michael remembered what Benjamin had said about winning over Isabella's friends.

"Sure, I'm down," he nodded.

Isabella quickly told Amelia the good news.

"Awesome, see you tomorrow. Oh, and ask Michael to bring Benjamin too," Amelia added, catching Isabella off guard.

Isabella's face showed her surprise. "Why do you want Benjamin there? You into him or something?"

Amelia sounded a bit flustered. "No, no, it's not like that. I just heard he's a great doctor, and I want to ask him about my mom's illness."

"Is that really all?" Isabella, knowing her friend well, was skeptical.

"Well, if you don't believe me, forget it!" Amelia's voice had a shy tone.

"Okay, I'll ask Michael if Benjamin can come. Stay tuned for good news," Isabella said with a smile, then hung up.

Michael sat back on the bed, pulling Isabella close. "I heard Benjamin's name. You want to invite him too?"

Isabella nodded. "Amelia's mom is sick, and she wants to ask Benjamin about treatment. But I think she might have other reasons. By the way, Benjamin doesn't have a girlfriend, right?"

Michael looked surprised. "Yes, he doesn't. Are you trying to set them up?"

Isabella nodded again. "Amelia's had boyfriends before, but they were all jerks, so she broke up with them. She's been looking for a good guy, and I think Benjamin fits the bill."

Michael nodded and pulled out his phone. "I'll let him know."

He called Benjamin, who sounded exhausted, like he'd just fallen asleep.

"Michael, you're interrupting my sleep. If you don't have a good reason, I'm gonna stab you with a scalpel!" Benjamin grumbled. He'd just finished a surgery and was dead tired, only to be woken up by Michael's call.

Michael could tell Benjamin was annoyed, and it reminded him of Kenna's call earlier. So, he didn't bother being nice.

"I'll text you the time and place later. Clear your schedule for tomorrow. If you don't show up, I'll post your nude photos online for everyone to see your butt!" Michael snapped and hung up.

Benjamin lay there, staring at his phone. "What the hell is Michael up to now?"

After grumbling to himself, he went back to sleep.

The next day, Benjamin showed up outside Michael's new villa.

"Outdoor barbecue, huh? Hope they don't make me grill," Benjamin muttered, taking off his sunglasses and heading towards the villa.

Michael had picked the new villa for the get-together. It had a big yard with a great view, perfect for a barbecue where everyone could eat, chat, and enjoy the vibe.

"Morning, Isabella. Morning, Michael. Morning... Ms. Martinez," Benjamin greeted. He was surprised to see Amelia.

"Perfect timing. You and Amelia can handle the grilling while Michael and I go grab some beer. Barbecue needs beer!" Isabella said, clapping her hands and dragging Michael out of the villa.

As Michael walked past Benjamin, he gave him a wink.

Benjamin sighed internally. 'Damn it, Michael. Leaving me alone with Amelia? Guess I'll have to wing it.'

After Michael and Isabella left, Benjamin walked over to the grill, trying to think of a good conversation starter.

He thought to himself, 'Maybe I should just talk about grilling? I know a lot about that.' But before he could say anything, Amelia spoke up.

With a slightly flushed face, Amelia leaned in and asked, "Mr. White, my mom's in the hospital. I was hoping you could suggest better treatment options for her?"

She handed him a medical record, and Benjamin blinked, caught off guard, but took it and started reading.

'Wasn't I supposed to talk about barbecue? How did I end up back at work?' Benjamin thought, but since this was his field, he quickly got into a conversation with Amelia.

Meanwhile, Michael and Isabella got into the car, ready to hit the supermarket for some beer.

"Can they hit it off?" Isabella asked Michael.

Michael shrugged, buckling his seatbelt. "Who knows? Benjamin's got a shot. He might not be as handsome or charming as me, but he's still a hit with the ladies."

Isabella rolled her eyes and quipped, "You're so full of yourself."