“Well, you’re one of us now, so you should, like, cheer up and all.” Johnny said. I laughed and punched his arm. “Ow.”

“I can’t tell you how much this means to me, guys.” I said, hugging each one in turn, making sure that my hug with Brian was extra-long. “Thank you, Brian.” I whispered in his ear.

“Anything for you, Ash.” He whispered back, kissing my cheek. I pulled away from the hug and smiled.

“Well, we should go out and celebrate, don’t ya think?” Johnny piped.

“You’re just using that as an excuse to drink.” Zacky said. Everyone laughed.

Johnny faked offense. “Zacky, I’m shocked. Whatever made you think that?”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” I said, pretending to punch Johnny in the stomach. He went along with it and doubled over.

“Brian, she hit me!” He whined.

“Serves you right, Christ.” Brian smiled, giving me a high-five.

“Everyone hates me.” He mumbled.

“Yes, obviously. The whole fucking world is against you, Johnny.” I said, sarcasm rich in my voice.

“See? I told you.” Johnny said, pointing a finger at me. I rolled my eyes and kissed him on the cheek.

“Love ya, Christ.” I sang over my shoulder as I walked into the kitchen to grab another beer.

“Heheh. She loves me.” Johnny grinned.

“Don’t get your hopes up, dude. Looks like Brian has already courted her.” Zacky said with a tinge of envy in his voice.

“Dammit, Gates. Why do you take all the hot ones?” Johnny said, punching Brian’s arm. He just laughed and shrugged.

“They come to me first. I can’t do anything about it.” Brian said, sticking his tongue out playfully.

“What are you guys talking about?” I interrupted, returning from the kitchen.

“Oh, nothing.” Johnny said, trying to act innocent.

“Nothing, my ass.” I replied, taking a drink of my beer. “I heard you in the kitchen.”

“Then why did you ask?” Johnny protested.

“To see if you would tell the truth or not.” I smiled evilly and walked over to Brian. Brian smiled at my craziness and kissed me on the forehead.

“You little sneak...” Johnny mumbled. I laughed and winked at him.

“You have no idea.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You haven’t been in my room, have you?” Johnny asked.

“Well, now I’m curious as to what’s in there that you don’t want me to see.” I said, raising my eyebrow suspiciously.

Johnny cleared his throat. “Umm, nothing.”

“I thought so.” I turned back to Brian. “So, are we gonna go to a restaurant or something? You know, to celebrate.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking.” Brian said, looking at the other guys for their consent.

“That’s fine with me.” Matt shrugged.

“Yeah, I don’t care.” Zacky added.

“Pudding!” Johnny exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. As he did so, his pants dropped down to his ankles, revealing black boxers underneath. Johnny looked down with his hands still in the air. “Dammit, not again.”

“What the fuck?” I said before bursting into peals of laughter.

“Johnny’s drunk already.” Zacky groaned.

“Pull up your pants, dammit!” Matt said, shielding my eyes.

“Make me.” Johnny slurred, smiling crookedly.

“If you don’t, you're not coming to dinner.” Brian warned.

“Fine.” Johnny pouted. He grabbed his pants and secured them back in their rightful place. “Happy?”

“Ok, you can look now, Ash.” Brian said. Matt moved his hand away.

“I’m not ten, you know.” I said, staring at him.

“I’m just protecting you from unsightly things is all.” Brian smiled.

“I am not unsightly!” Johnny exclaimed, pointing his finger at Zacky.

“Umm... I’m over here.” Brian said, raising an eyebrow. Johnny moved his finger to point to Brian. I laughed.

“So are you takin’ me er not?” Johnny said, swaying slightly.

“How many did you have anyway?” I asked.

“Two... or three... or six.” Johnny replied, scrunching his forehead together as if he had to concentrate.

“God help us.” I said, covering my face with my hand.

“Well, I guess we have to take him... or else he might tear this place up while we’re gone.” Matt said, smirking.

I laughed. “Where are we gonna go?”

“You get to decide since you’re the cause for celebration.” Zacky smiled.

“HBB!” I exclaimed, grabbing Brian’s arm and looking at him hopefully.

“What’s HBB?” Brian asked, puzzled.

“Huntington Beach Burgers. That’s just what I call it for short.” I explained.

“Ah. Well, let’s all get in the car then.” Brian announced.

“Who ya callin’ ‘short’?” Johnny piped.

“Not you, Johnny.” I said, rolling my eyes. “Time to get in the car now. Come on, move your ass.”

“I move my ass when I feel like it.” He mumbled.

“Move it, mister, or you’re not going.” I warned again. Johnny finally obeyed and stumbled out the door.

“God. Is he always like this when he’s drunk?” I said.

“Pretty much.” Brian replied, laughing.

We all piled in the car with me riding shotgun and Brian driving. Brian turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life. He backed out of the driveway and drove off towards the restaurant. Reaching across the seat, he grabbed my hand and weaved it together with his. I looked over at him and smiled.

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are, Zacky?” Johnny slurred. I looked behind me to see a drunk Johnny sitting on Zacky’s lap, making kissy-faces at him and smacking his lips together.

“Get off me!” Zacky yelled, trying to push him off. I laughed and turned back around.

“That’s what you get for letting him sit on your lap.” Matt said, chuckling.

“I didn’t know he was gonna turn all gay like that!” Zacky protested. I laughed again and looked at Brian. He had a smile on his face, but kept his eyes on the road.

“I’ll have you know; I am straight.” Johnny said.

“Prove it.” Zacky retorted.

“Okay. Come here, Ashy!” Johnny sang. I looked behind me again.

“I’ll pass, thanks.” I replied.

“Fine. Later than, right?” Johnny said, his eyes crossed.

I guess the Cross-eyed Drunk lives up to his name. I thought, smiling inwardly. “We’ll see.” I said, turning back around.

“Sweet.” Johnny grinned, bobbing his head. I rolled my eyes again.

Brian leaned toward me and whispered so Johnny couldn’t hear, “Looks like I got competition.” I snickered.

“What are you guys gossiping about?” Johnny said loudly. “It’s about me, isn’t it?”

“No.” I lied.

“You’re lying. Drunk people can always tell when someone is lying.” Johnny stated.

“I doubt that.” Matt said.

“It’s true, dude! Try me!” Johnny practically screamed in Matt’s ear.

“Dammit, Johnny. Get away from my ear!” Matt pushed him back in his seat.

Johnny scooted back. “Sorry. Is this better?” He whispered.

“Now if you could be just a little bit quieter...” Zacky said.

“Then you couldn’t hear me.” Johnny said.

“Exactly.” Zacky smiled.

“Shut it, Zacky.” Johnny retorted.

“Shut it, Zacky.” Zacky repeated in a mocking tone. I laughed.

“Can both of you shut it ‘til we get to the restaurant?” I asked. Silence filled the car. “Thank you.” No one said anything else until we drove up to the restaurant.

“Damn, I haven’t been to this place in, like, seven years!” I exclaimed, getting out of the car and stretching. Then I remembered. It had been seven years exactly.

“Wow. I’ve never even been here! How did we miss this place?” Brian said, walking over to me and holding my hand.

“We were too busy at bars and strip clubs.” Johnny stated, stumbling out of the vehicle.

“True.” Matt said, laughing.

“I wanna hold Ashy’s hand!” Johnny yelled, running over to grab my other hand.

“Fine.” I gave in.

“Yay!” Johnny began to swing my arm back and forth, nearly ripping it out of its socket.

“Hey, hey. Easy with the lady.” Brian warned. I smiled as the five of us began walking towards the entrance to HBB.

“Wow!” Johnny exclaimed in wonder, dropping my hand to take in all the new sights.

“It’s just a restaurant, Johnny. The same as all the other ones.” I shook my head.

A waiter walked over to us. “Hello, and welcome to Huntington Beach Burgers ‘N More. I’m Daniel. How many?”

“Five.” Brian replied.

“Okay, come with me.” Daniel said, nodding his head. He led us over to a table near a window, handing each of us a menu as we sat down. “What would you all like to drink?”

“I’ll take a Dr. Pepper.” Matt began.

“Same here.” Zacky said.

“I wanna beer!” Johnny exclaimed. I shushed him.

“He’ll take a water.” I said to the waiter. He smiled and changed the order.

“Babe, what do you want?” Brian asked me. I looked at the menu for a second.

“I would like an iced tea, please.” I said politely.

“I’ll take the same.” Brian nodded.

“Okay. I will be right back with those drinks.” The waiter said and walked off.

After a few minutes, the waiter came back with all the drinks and set them in front of their respectful owner. I thanked him and he looked at me strangely for a second.

“Ashlynn?” He said.

“Yes? Do I know you?” I asked, bewildered.

“I was that waiter seven years ago! When your sister told you to ask me out. Don’t you remember?”

My eyes widened. “Oh my God! You were him?”

“Yeah!” He laughed. “How is Marie doing?”

My shoulders dropped and I looked down. “She’s... doing good.”

“That’s good. Well, are you guys ready to order?” He said, completely oblivious.

After he took our order and the menus, I looked up at Brian.

“He didn’t know, Ash. Don’t be sad.” He said, placing his hand on my arm to comfort me.

“I know. It’s still hard to talk about it.” I replied, taking a drink of my iced tea. “I’ll be okay though. Really.” I smiled and reached under the table to place my hand on his knee. He nodded and smiled back.

“Now what was that guy saying about you asking him out?” Zacky questioned.

I laughed. “Seven years ago, my sister dared me to ask him out. It was just a joke.” I said, remembering.

“Oh. So you never did ask him out?” Zacky asked, sipping his drink.

“No, Mr. Overprotective.” I said jokingly.

“Hey, I’m just getting the details is all.” Zacky replied, holding up his hands defensively. “Gotta know the competition.”

“I know. I’m just giving you a hard time.” I said, smiling. He smiled back and gently pushed me with his fist.

Suddenly, Daniel came back with our dinner on a tray resting on his shoulder. He distributed the food among the guys and looked at me apologetically. “I’m really sorry, Ashlynn, but your food isn’t ready yet.”

I smiled. “Don’t worry about it. Take your time.” He nodded and rushed away to give another table their check.

“I’m sorry, A.” Zacky said, frowning.

“It’s okay. You guys can start eating without me.” I replied.

“No, I’m going to wait for your food to get here.” Brian said, pushing his plate away.

“Me too.” Zacky said, doing the same.

“Same here. It’s not polite.” Matt added.

“I guess I can wait a few more minutes.” Johnny groaned.

“Thanks, you guys. That’s really nice of you.” I said, smiling.

“Of course.” Zacky replied, placing his hand over mine. I looked down, slightly shocked. That shock was soon replaced by warmth. In particular, Zacky’s hand. I felt my heartbeat quicken ever so slightly and my palm start to sweat. These are all symptoms of... attraction, aren’t they? I realized. Am I falling for Zacky too? I... I can't be... My thoughts were interrupted by Brian clearing his throat. Zacky removed his hand from the top of mine and pressed his lips together.

I looked up at Brian and mouthed, What? Brian jerked his head toward Zacky and raised his eyebrows with a look of concern on his face. I shook my head and wrapped my leg around his. He smiled contently and took a drink of his tea.

“What, are you two telepathic now?” Matt said, observing our interaction.

“Looks like it. Now you can say dirty stuff to each other right in front of us, huh?” Zacky laughed.

My face turned red and I turned away so the guys couldn’t see it. “We weren’t saying dirty stuff.”

Matt laughed nodded in disbelief. “Uh huh. Riiiiight.”

Brian laughed and looked at me, pretending to say something as if he really was psychic. I smiled and acted like I was saying something back. His eyes grew big and he looked down at his lap, then back at me with a seductive grin on his face. All of us erupted into a chorus of laughter, which earned us a few looks from the tables all around us.

“I don’t even want to know.” I overheard from the table behind us. I just shook it off. I don’t care what anyone else says. I’m happy here with Brian and the other guys. I thought with a smile.

“So, when is your damn food going to get here? I’m starving.” Johnny complained.

“Hold your horses, Johnny.” I said, looking at the kitchen door. “It’ll be here in five minutes, I promise.” I tried to take a drink of my tea, but nothing was coming out of the straw. I looked down. “Dammit.” My glass was empty. “I’ll just get a refill when my food gets here. If it ever gets here.” I mumbled.

“Look.” Zacky said, motioning with his head.

“Sorry for the wait. Here is your salad.” Daniel said, placing my well-overdue food in front of me.

Johnny’s eyes grew large in mock anger. “We waited... ten minutes... for a fucking salad! Damn it, Ashlynn.” He said loudly.

I stuck out my middle finger and, after getting a refill on my iced tea, started attacking my food, signalling everyone to start eating as well.

“She just flipped me off.” Johnny said to Matt. “Can you believe it?”

“Well, you are being an ass...” Matt replied.

“No, I’m not.” Johnny said in disbelief.

“Yeah, you kinda are.” I said, nodding.

“Just eat your food, Christ.” Brian said, annoyance starting to show in his voice. Johnny harrumphed and grabbed his bacon cheeseburger, taking a huge bite and chewing loudly. Brian massaged his temples, trying to calm himself. I reached over and touched his arm gently. He looked at me and smiled. Brian opened his mouth as if he was about to say something, but decided against it and looked away. I was slightly puzzled by his strange behavior but I did not want to press him further. I will ask him later. I told myself as I munched on my salad.

After everyone had finished their food, I called Daniel over to the table to collect the dirty plates. A few minutes later, he returned with the check. I glanced at Brian in shame.

“I... I don’t have any money.” I murmured.

“Don’t worry about it, Ash. I’ll pay.” Brian said, smiling and taking out his wallet.

“Yeah, we don’t expect you to pay or anything.” Matt added.

“Thanks.” I smiled sincerely. How sweet and gentlemanly of them. I thought.

After Brian and the guys had paid and left a tip, we all stood up and thanked Daniel for the good service. Brian took my hand in his and the five of us started walking out of the restaurant. Before we could get out the door, I heard a voice behind me.

“Brian? Is that you?” The voice said in shock. We all whipped around.

Brian’s eyes grew wide in alarm. “Michelle?!”

Notes

Sorry this chapter took so long guys... I had major, major writer's block :(

I won't be able to update for about 3 more days, because I'm going on a school camping trip. So see ya in 3 days :) leave a comment too, please. They mean a lot! :)