Author's Notes: Another chapter for my dears! Thanks so much for keeping up with my stories, I really appreciate it.

I OWN NOTHING (but this story & add-ons).

Please read, review and enjoy!

Italics are thoughts...

Chapter Seven

Collins knew that the group wasn't going to like the fact that Benny would be involved with this whole ordeal, but they also knew that it was good to have money…or at least know someone who has a lot of it and that owes you.

"Listen up guys. I really want you to lay off Benny, he's being…a friend for once."

Angel watched her man as she crossed her legs still a little bitter about the night before. Mimi felt terribly uncomfortable when Collins announced to the group that Benny would be over in just a minute, she even though about playing sick and running down to her loft.

"So you want us to go with you down to Maryland?" Joanne asked with her lawyer face on.

"Yes Jo, I want you all to come with me. I need you all there with me."

Maureen shifted herself in Joanne's lap. "We love you Collins, but Benny?"

"Yes Benny Maureen. If some of you don't want to go, I'll understand."

"No, we'll go. We'll all go, whether we like it or not." Mark said as he stood to give a Collins a hug. "We're here for you."

Collins smiled at his old friend. "None of you have to say a word to him, all I ask of you is to come with me, and help me find the bullshit I need. Maybe even fight off some of my homophobic relatives and we can come home."

Roger's eyes lit up like a small child in a toy store. "Ass kicking homophobes? My idea of a good ass time!"

When the phone ran everyone in the loft went into an eerie silence, Collins shook his head and picked up the phone. "He's here, now please everyone just act rationally. Mo please."

"Alright, alright. I promise Collins." Running over to the fire escape, Collins threw down the key to Benny who quickly jogged inside the building.

As soon as Mimi saw him, their eyes locked which was exactly what Roger was waiting on. "Come on babe; let's go to your place." Practically picking Mimi up, Roger made sure he was some good feet away from Benny as he walked downstairs toward Mimi's loft.

"Hey man." Collins greeted the younger man with a warm hug. "Hey Collins." Tipping his head to Angel, Benny and Collins walked over to the metal table and began to talk about the trip to come.

"So who is going to be in the car with me? Because I don't want any trouble-"

"Its okay man, Angel and I will be in the car with you."

"Me too." Mark said rubbing a cloth on the lens of his camera. "I'll be with you guys too."

Collins turned toward the lawyer who was currently playing with Maureen's hair. "Jo, you're going to take your car right?"

"I'm actually going to rent an SUV for the trip, but we're fine Collins don't worry. It should be interesting with Roger Davis and Maureen Johnson in the same car."

Benny looked around the old loft; he hadn't been here in ages. "Sounds good, so when do you want to leave man?"

"I'd like to leave tomorrow." Collins said rubbing his chin.

Maureen leaned off of Joanne's lap trying to get better seated. "How long are we going to be there Collins?"

"It shouldn't take to long Mo, maybe a couple of days."

Joanne gently patted Maureen's behind so she'd get up which Maureen did. "I'm actually going to need another 24 hours to let my firm know I'll be gone for a few days can we leave Friday?"

"Yeah, it'll give us time to pack and get things in order." Mark said eyeing Angel who hadn't moved since they had arrived.

"Friday it is, I'll be in touch with everyone about where to meet and what time. It's going too early in the morning so we can get there at a decent time alright guys?"

Everyone except Angel nodded in agreement which made Collins feel a little uneasy, but he wasn't about to call her out in front of everyone. "I better get going. I'll see you later Collins." Benny said giving his friend a quick hug and practically running out of the loft.

"Should be pretty fun, a road trip with good friends." Collins said as he held Angel tightly by the waist as they made their way home.

"Yep, should be a lot of fun indeed."

"What's the matter Ang? I don't understand why you're still mad at me? I'm fine, I'm here. I love you and I don't want us to fight anymore, I need you."

Angel looked down at the ground as the two walked. "I know, I'm sorry honey, I'm just a little stubborn is all. I am here for you though. I love you too. But I was just thinking, maybe I should stay here."

Collins stopped in his tracks. "Are you serious Angel? I'm not leaving you here by yourself. No, please don't even go there."

"But all I'll do is get people even more mad at me than they seem to be, I'll just be in the way."

"No Angel, you're going and I don't care what you say. I'll drag you!" And with this he picked Angel up and lugged her over his shoulder as she squealed all the way down the block.

"Fine! I'll go, I'll go!"

"That's what I thought; now get upstairs before I take it upon myself to tickle you to death." Collins said giving her his best evil laugh.

"You wouldn't dare."

Smirking, Collins replied. "You'd better start running then."