A/N: OK… so now you know the secret… but there's more to it…

Mimi's Secret

Chapter 2

Mimi met Benny at the Life Café promptly at 6:15 that evening. He was waiting outside for her, and he opened the door to let her in. She showed her gratitude by rolling her eyes.

As soon as they got a table, Mimi started talking. "Benjamin Coffin III. How's Muffy?"

"Alison. She's fine." Benny stared at her. "Why do you care?"

"Well," said Mimi, tilting her chair back and putting her feet on the table, "isn't that your excuse for not helping us?"

"Us? Who's us? You and me, us? Or you and Roger, us?"

"Me and Melodie, us."

"Mimi, we've been through this before…"

"Not in a while. We haven't really talked since you met Alison. She has a father, Benny. Shouldn't he help out?"

"Mimi, can we just have a civilized conversation?"

"We are having one. I'm asking perfectly nicely. Why aren't you helping? When Mel was born, you promised to help. I haven't seen that happen yet."

"I'm married, Mimi! I can't just dump my wife 'cause my ex-girlfriend has my kid! Jesus!"

"So, you're not being selfish. You're just a coward."

"Dammit, Mimi, what do you want me to do? I let you two live rent-free. I baby-sit. What more do you want?"

Mimi glared at him. "I want you to just admit your mistake so that we can all get on with our lives."

"Mimi, that's ridiculous. You haven't let that kid out of the house since you met Roger."

"That's only a couple weeks…"

"Mimi, admit it, you're ashamed, too."

"I… I…"

"You don't want your lover-boy knowing that you were in love with his landlord and ex-roommate!"

"Would you shut the fuck up, Benny!" Mimi stood up and leaned on the table. "I'm trying to make this all work out. I'm 19, for Christ's sake! That's too young to have a toddler around."

"AND WHO'S FAULT IS THAT?" roared Benny.

Mimi sat back down as if nothing happened. "Why are you so hard on them?"

"Who?"

"Mark and Roger. They are your friends. Or do you not like them anymore?"

"Mimi…"

"You ex-girlfriend gets special treatment but your best friends don't?"

Benny stared at her. He put on his coat and left.

Mimi turned to get her coat off the back of her chair and saw Mark staring at her. "You heard?" she asked, biting her lip.

"Every word," said Mark, and he gestured for her to sit with him. "So, you and Benny…"

"I don't want to talk about it. You know enough. It's over, anyway. How'd Buzzline go?"

"I sold my soul for $3,000 a segment."

"That's great! But, Mark, something else is bugging you."

"It's nothing."

"Mark, I know Roger. I can tell when something's bugging him. I can tell when something's bugging anyone."

Mark sighed and ordered another beer. "Joanne and Maureen are having an engagement party on Saturday."

"Why does that bother you?" She looked at him and smirked. "You still love her…"

"No!"

"Come on, Marky, you know my secret. Tell me."

He nodded sheepishly.

"Aw, Mark. You'll live. It could be a hell of a lot worse. I hate Benny's guts, and I live with a constant reminder of him!"

"Where is the little tyke, anyway?"

"Angel's watching her. I should get going."

"You won't tell anyone about Maureen, will you?" asked Mark, putting on his coat.

"If you promise not to tell about Melodie and Benny and shit."

"Deal."