Make It Last (Friends & Lovers 1)

“Sounds good,” she said, and started back towards her car.

“Hey, Bree,” he called after her, causing her to look over her shoulder at him. “What happened with Kent?”

“I told him I couldn’t see him anymore,” she replied, then got in her car and drove away.

When she looked in her rearview mirror, Colin was still standing in the same spot with a huge grin on his face.

Chapter Fourteen

When Briana woke up the next morning, she stayed in bed for a few minutes, replaying the previous day in her mind.

She couldn’t believe the way things had played out at the party: Kara getting drunk, even when she knew they had to work; the Asshole being belligerent; and Pete standing up for Kara and getting punched for his efforts.

Pam had been cool with Nicole covering for Kara. She said that she had been considering promoting Nicole to server, so it would give her a chance to see how she handled herself on the floor. Before closing for the night and heading home, Briana had thanked Nicole again for agreeing to help Kara out as they sat down and had a drink after work.

“No problem,” Nicole said. “I’m sorry about what happened at the party, but I made out great in tips tonight. It was fun.”

“That’s great,” Briana replied. Then she studied Nicole, taking in her good looks and the way she carried herself, as if she’d been born to privilege. “So, what’s your story, Nicole? No offense, but you don’t seem like the type to be working as a hostess at a bar and grill in the middle of nowhere.”

Nicole had turned pink, then looked down at the napkin that she was slowly tearing to pieces. “Well, I grew up in Dallas. My parents are wealthy and I went to private schools all my life. It was expected that I would go to SAGU and study Youth Ministries, then come home and marry my high school sweetheart, and we would start a congregation together. The problem was that I don’t love Jake, and I couldn’t go through with my parents’ plans for me. I studied English in school and broke it off with Jake. My parents were very disappointed in me and I just couldn’t go back, so I came here to start a life on my own.”

“Wow. Did you know anyone here before you came?”

Nicole smiled and giggled a bit, as if still amazed by her decision. “No. I just picked a random spot on the map and showed up. I had a little money saved up, so I was able to rent an apartment, but even with the money I make as a hostess, it is started to become a struggle. That is why I’m hoping to move up to a serving position, and I’m thinking about getting a roommate.”

Briana looked at her in amazement. “You’re so brave. I don’t think I could ever do what you did, not in a million years.”

“Thanks, but it’s no big deal.” Nicole said with an embarrassed shrug.

Thinking back on the conversation, Briana couldn’t help but be impressed about Nicole and the decisions she’d made in order to be happy.

Deciding it was time to get some coffee, so she rolled out of bed and headed to the kitchen. When she walked in, she saw that Pete was already there making a pot.

“Hey,” she said with a yawn. “What are you doing here?”

When Pete turned, she saw that his jaw was colorful with the bruises that were starting to form.

“Ouch.”

“It’s not so bad,?

?? he replied, gingerly touching his jaw. “I brought Kara home and stayed over. She was pretty shook up last night, and I wanted to make sure she was okay.”

“Is she?”

“Yeah,” he said smiling to himself as he made two cups of coffee. “She’s great.”

Before Briana could ask him about that smile, he wandered out of the kitchen and into Kara’s room, shutting the door behind him. She looked at the shut door for a moment, then shrugged and poured herself a cup of coffee.

Once she’d gotten her caffeine fix, she looked at the clock and decided that it was late enough to give Colin a call.

“’Lo,” he said gruffly, answering on the third ring.

“Hey, Colin, it’s Bree. You asked me to give you a call.” Even though that was true, she felt nervous now that she was talking to him.

His voice got softer. “Good mornin’. I’m glad you called. I was just getting dressed, so I didn’t even look to see who it was before I answered it. I’m happy it’s you.”

She smiled at his response, and felt herself grow warm at the thought of him pulling his clothes on after a hot shower.