Memories Remain

We were running late to my own party as we tried to hurry to get dressed. However, Brian didn’t seem to be much bothered by that. He kept smiling at me every once in a while, his lips curving ever so slightly when he’d pass closer. I raised my eyebrow on one of those times and turned to him. “You can’t go to Zacky’s with that face. They’ll know we had sex.”

“So what?” he smirked.

“So I don’t need them to be on my ass all night because of that,” I pointed out, but Brian only shrugged his shoulders. He put a gray shirt over his head and down his naked torso and then bent down to pick up his pants from the floor. When he looked up and saw that I was eyeing him, he gave me a goofy smile. How could I even resist that? “You’re impossible, you know that?” I asked with a small grin.

“Uh-uh.” Brian nodded, walking over to me and slipping his arms around my exposed waist. “I love you, baby.”

“Oh, the classy Haner is back,” I chuckled as I hooked my hands behind his neck and stared into his brown eyes.

“I’m always classy,” he whispered before he leaned in to press a sound kiss on my lips, “you should know that already.” As I hummed my agreement, Brian trailed a set of light pecks down my jaw and bit the side of my neck, making me flinch slightly.

“You were definitely classy in the shower,” I teased, twirling a lock of his still wet hair in my finger once he pulled back to look at me. Brian pursed his lips together and narrowed his eyes slightly. “What?”

“Tell me you didn’t like it and I’ll shut up.”

I slapped his arm with as much force as I could and shoved him away from me playfully. “You’re an asshole,” I muttered, tilting my head to the opposite side to hide the smile that was forcing its way onto my lips. I was about to grab my outfit from the bed when Brian burst out laughing behind me and stole the clothes from my hand. “Hey!” I complained as he threw my things carelessly back onto the bed and tackled me down underneath him.

“You can’t be in underwear in front of me for more than two minutes,” Brian stated, fusing our lips together as his hands roamed my outer thighs and squeezed them lightly. I took the opportunity to wrap my legs around his waist, keeping him close to me. “I can’t control myself.”

I chuckled and kissed him again, teasing his lips apart with my tongue, but pulling back when he tried to deepen it. Groaning, Brian looked down at me, lust swimming in the brown of his eyes again. “Are you sure you don’t wanna stay back?” I queried tentatively.

“Nice try,” he smirked, gliding his hands behind my back. He closed them around my torso and hugged me tightly as he dropped his head into my neck. I returned the hug and massaged his scalp with my fingers, while he planted kisses all over my neck.

“You’re quite the cuddler, aren’t you?” I asked with a chuckle. “You like to cuddle after sex.”

“What if I do?”

“I’m the man of this relationship, I see,” I teased and he raised his head to glare at me. “Did I poke your ego?”

“You saw perfectly well in the shower how manly I can be. Don’t fill me with bullshit.” His lips quirked up with a smirk as he spoke and I felt my stomach do a back flip at his words. How he did that was beyond my capability to understand.

Jolting my shoulder in a shrug, I grinned. “You still like to cuddle.”

“Yeah, yeah, I do,” Brian laughed, pulling me to him yet again. “Make fun of me all you want. I know you like to cuddle with me as well, don’t deny it.”

“I admit it’s not a big sacrifice to hug you back and fulfill your cuddling needs.” Brian broke out laughing, the honest display of happiness bringing a huge smile to my face. After his laughter had subsided to just a few chuckles, he kissed me hard on the lips and moved away from me.

“Come on. We’re really late,” he announced, stretching his hand out for me to grab it.

“Yes, sir,” I mumbled as I took his hand in mine and he helped me stand up. We kissed again quickly and went to get ready.

****
"I’m so excited!" I beamed, shaking Brian’s arm as he finally stopped the car in front of Zacky’s place. With Brian’s laughter echoing behind me, I pulled the door of the car open and sprinted toward the front of the house. I knew the door was unlocked, so I just got in and followed the noise in the kitchen.

I saw all of the guys there, with beers in hand and drowned in several conversations. No one noticed my arrival, so I cleared my throat and waved at them once their heads turned to me. “Hey, fuckers,” I greeted.

“Look who decided to come,” Zacky smirked as he padded toward me. I could tell he had already downed a few beers by the way he slurred the words.

“Hey, Zee,” I smiled, giving him a quick hug.

“I’ve got something for you and you only.”

“You do?” I asked, excited and surprised all at the same time. Nodding his head, Zacky went into the pantry and came back with a bottle of one of my favorites, Jack Daniels whisky. My eyes almost popped out of my head at the sight and I hugged the bottle tightly to my chest once he handed it to me. “Are you serious?”

“As I can be,” he grinned.

“Aw,” I cooed, “thank you, Zacky.”

“Peanut head!” Jimmy yelled and before I knew it, I was spinning around in his arms and holding onto his shoulders for my dear life. “So happy you’re here,” he said as he finally put me back on my feet, his hands on my arms to keep me steady.

“Thank you, Jimmy,” I chuckled, shaking the dizziness from my head.

Matt was the next to hug me, almost choking me with his strength. “Sometimes I wonder how Katherine handles you, big guy,” I told him and his dimples sank on his cheeks as he smiled. “Okay, I don’t wanna know, do I?”

“No, you don’t,” he laughed and I shook my head, smiling. I bet it wasn’t that different from my shower with Brian earlier.

Oh, God. What am I thinking? My face heated up with a blush at the thought and I cursed myself for letting my mind slip so easily into those still fresh memories.

Johnny woke me up from my thoughts when I felt his arms wrapping around me. I quickly came back to reality and hugged him back, ruffling his Mohawk and ruining it on purpose. He slapped my hand away and we both got in a playful cat fight. “I’m bigger than you!” Johnny warned, tickling my sides when he caught me off guard.

“Hey, short shit!” Brian’s voice boomed in the room, “enough with that,” he ordered, what seemed to be jealousy dripping from his voice. My eyebrows furrowed at him and I hugged Johnny even harder than before, sticking my tongue out at Brian. “Ah. Ah. Look who’s so funny tonight,” he mocked.

“You’re just jealous.”

“Me? Jealous? After that shower while ago? I don’t think so, baby,” Brian smirked and I felt my jaw going slack. He just did not do that. Snickering emerged within he guys and I narrowed my eyes furiously at Brian as he crossed his arms over his chest. He was so fucking done.

“I think someone just hit the sack today,” Jimmy sang, draping his arm over Brian’s shoulder. They both grinned at each other and I just shook my head, before attempting to dart out of the kitchen. But just as I pushed past Brian, he grabbed my arm and I was pulled straight into him.

“Ugh, let me go. You’re an ass,” I muttered, struggling against his arms but knowing it was useless. He chuckled at my failed tries and leaned down to kiss my cheek repeatedly. Zacky faked gagging noises and left the room, while everyone else just kept laughing at me and Brian.

“Don’t be mad, Shorty,” he said, tightening his grip and pulling his bottom lip out.

“You’re the biggest asshole.”

“I know, but you love me, and I love you,” he tried again, his lips trailing down my neck. “Forgive me?”

“Come on, Peanut Head, ease his poor heart,” Jimmy stood up for Brian. “We would figure out everything anyway. You guys are happier than a bunch of kids surrounded by candy.”

“Jimmy,” I groaned as I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks, an unusual thing to happen.

“You got her blushing!” Matt exclaimed, laughing, and Brian peeked own at me and smiled. I elbowed him in the ribs, even though I couldn’t stop the smile from appearing on my face.

“Come on, let her alone,” Johnny chortled as he took a sip of his beer and headed for the door, but not without smacking Brian in the back of his head. Johnny ran away before he could do anything and I laughed.

“Thank you, Johnny!” I yelled.

“Thank you, Johnny, uh?” Brian whispered in my ear, making me bite on my lip. “We’ll see who you’ll thank later.” I lifted an eyebrow and cocked my head to the side to be able to look at him. “Surprise,” he smirked.

“Ugh, you’re so frustrating.”

“I know,” he grinned, kissing my cheek again and releasing me from his arms. “Come on. Let’s eat and drink.”

The girls, who weren’t there when Brian and I arrived, had gone out to take care of the food. They came home a few minutes later, after our arrival, with many boxes of pizza and a special one with my favorite donuts. Saying I was happy would be the understatement of the year. I almost dismissed the pizza just to attack my beautiful, colored donuts, but I controlled myself.

Everyone, especially the guys, devoured the food no sooner were the boxes of pizza open. They ate like real animals and always accompanied with a beer in hand. I walked over to Brian and slipped my arm around his back, leaning into him. “Beer?” He offered, and I scrunched up my nose in disgust.

“What a baby. Who doesn’t like beer?”

“Someone with a good taste,” I spat back and he scoffed before he brought the tip of the bottle to his lips. I nudge his elbow when he was drinking and the beer spilled all over his face and down his chin. I doubled over with laughter as he gasped and looked at himself, trying to understand what had happened.

Jimmy and Johnny joined me in my laughter when they saw Brian dripping down in beer and the rest of the girls chuckled at the poor guy. Zacky complained about the carpet that was now full of the alcoholic drink and Matt shook his head, battling between feeling bad for Zacky and laughing at Brian.

“You’re paying for this, young lady,” Brian finally expressed, his eyes diverting to mine as he wiped his face from the beer. “You’re so gonna pay.”

I kept laughing at him as he visited the kitchen and Johnny came to me to give me a high five. “That was awesome!” He chortled.

“He deserved it for making fun of me,” I smiled proudly.

“Lara, come here!”

“Ooh, someone will get a little spanking,” Matt commented, making the gesture with his hand, upon hearing Brian call for me. I punched Matt’s shoulder and sent him a threatening glare, before I decided to go to Brian.

“And don’t go fuck on my counters!”

“I’m not sure I can promise you that, Zee,” I teased, glancing over my shoulder at him.

His emerald eyes almost popped out of his face and I laughed as I kept walking toward the kitchen. “Don’t you dare!” He threatened.

“I’m just kidding,” I promised, “relax!” I entered the room to find Brian leaning over the sink, shirtless. I stopped dead in tracks and lifted an eyebrow at him, even if he couldn’t see me. “What’re you doing?”

“Cleaning my shirt.”

“And why did you call me?”

“For nothing. I just wanted to torture you,” he smirked, winking at me, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. I made my way over to his side and trailed my fingers up and down his back, kissing his arm, and then his shoulder. “Don’t trick me, okay?” He chuckled as he squinted down at me.

“You started,” I smirked, running the tip of my tongue over the tattoo on his shoulder, making him groan.

“Alright, unless you want me to fuck you against one of these counters, you should stop.”

I pulled my bottom lip out. “You’re no fun.”

“Yeah, well, I’m just looking out for Zacky. He’ll kick my butt.”

“Then you’re looking out for your butt.” I slapped him on his ass and let my hand there to squeeze it. “Which by the way feels really nice.”

“Thanks, baby. I really needed a boner right now.”

I smiled and leaned up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “You’ll survive.”

Music blasted through the speakers as everyone gathered in the living room, drinking, talking, and laughing. I didn’t remember the last time I had so much fun just hanging around with the guys. Probably eight years ago, dumbass! I thought to myself. Yeah, maybe. It’d been a damn long time for sure and I missed it.

The girls were still dancing with each other, also moved by the booze in their system, while I watched them from aside. Even though I had downed a quart of my bottle of whisky I could still think pretty straight, so when Brian came to me all smiley I knew he was up to something. “What do you want?” I asked, with a small smirk.

“Why don’t you join the ladies?” He queried, pointing at them with his own bottle of beer.

I let out a chuckle and shook my head at him. “Who said I didn’t join the ladies while you weren’t seeing?”

“Then why don’t you join them now?”

“I wouldn’t give you the pleasure.”

“That’s kinda mean, you know?”

I suppressed a smile as I looked up and saw the smirk curving his thin lips. His eyes were beginning to redden just like mine probably were too. No one in this house was a light drinker, so tonight was surely going to end up well. “You don’t want another boner, do you?”

He leaned in and suck on my earlobe with his lips, before kissing me cheek. “If you take care of it, I won’t mind,” he whispered only for me to hear.

“Don’t start,” I warned, already feeling the result of his words hit my body as I shuddered. “Besides, why don’t you go dance instead?”

“You want to see my moves?” Brian asked, raising his arms in the air and swinging his hips lightly, before spinning around and doing a chicken dance. I spat all of the drink I had in my mouth and burst out laughing. I just couldn’t help it. The guys looked in our direction and snickered upon seeing Brian’s awful dancing.

He laughed too and stopped to join my side again. “Oh, my God, you’re the world’s worst dancer!”

“You asked for it and you had it,” he smiled, kissing my lips softly. “Now, it should be your turn to shake that ass for me, don’t you think?”

“Drunk asshole,” I chuckled as I slapped his ass and walked over to the couch where Johnny was half lying. I heard Brian muttering something about getting more drinks and I sat next to my dearest friend, Johnny. “Hey, Short Shit.”

“Aw, no, you too?”

“Sorry.” I shrugged my shoulders as I took a sip of my whiskey. “It’s a catchy name.”

“Peanut Head!”

My eyes widened at the way my nickname had been yelled and I glanced up when Jimmy approached me, his hands behind his back and a huge smile covering his lips. “What’s up?” I queried nonchalantly.

“I’ve got you a present.”

“But it’s not my birthday yet.”

“I don’t care. Let’s pretend it is. I can’t wait for tomorrow,” Jimmy said, squeezing between me and Johnny on the couch and revealing a long wrapped up object. I quirked a brow and wondered what it might be. “So will you open?” He beamed.

I chuckled and nodded, resting the bottle of whiskey at my feet. “Sure will.”

Eager to find out what it was, I took the object in my hands and ripped the colorful paper open, gasping as I realized what Jimmy’s present was. “You like it?”

“Holy shit, are you serious?!” I held the drumsticks in my hands, my eyes shining in pure amazement and glee.

“Check this,” Jimmy said, turning the sticks in my hands and pointing at the name printed on them. Another gasp left my mouth and my jaw hit the floor.

“Peanut Head? Really? You printed Peanut Head on the drum sticks? Aw, Jimbo! This is the best gift ever!”

“You really like it?” He asked again and I nodded several times before wrapping my arms around him.

“I love it!”

He hugged me back just as strongly. “Awesome.”

“You’re the best, Jim!”

“Who’s the best?”

I grinned widely at Brian, as he dropped onto the armrest of the couch, and showed him the drumsticks. “Aren’t they the most beautiful drumsticks ever?”

“I don’t think you can qualify a drumstick as beautiful.”

I punched his leg and scoffed, “Fuck you!”

“Just kidding, babe,” he laughed. “Shorty would be better, though, instead of Peanut Head.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, glowering, and lined the drumstick in his direction in a threatening way. “Say one more bad thing about Jimmy’s gift and you’ll wake up with no balls tomorrow.”

He laughed whole heartedly and shook his head. “I’d like to watch you try to pull that off.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“You’re gonna be too drunk,” he went on.

“Good! Maybe I miss the shot and you end up with no dick as well.”

“Ouch,” Jimmy hissed, an amused smile crossing his face as he watched the two of us.

Brian chuckled and cupped my chin in his hand, even with me fighting him back. “She’s feisty.”

I stuck my tongue out at him and he tried to bite it, but I pulled away in time, both of us laughing afterwards. “Asshole.”

“You know you love me.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I snorted playfully.

The party was going as smoothly as it could possibly go, with drinks, music, and laughter. My face was hot, I could feel; my vision would drag if I moved my head too fast; and the words that left my mouth would come out as if in slow motion due to the amount of alcohol I had already ingested. It was definitely starting to sink in.

“Hey, Lara?” I heard Johnny call from the living room. I excused myself from the girls and made my way out of the kitchen, following the sound of Johnny’s voice. He, Matt, and Jimmy had a tray full of cups of shots in front of them and their faces, also flushed from the drinking, screamed trouble.

“Oh, boy,” I mumbled as I approached them.

“We gotta toast,” Matt slurred, raising a bottle of tequila in the air. “Grab a cup!”

My eyes went wide at the mention of tequila and I shook my head repeatedly. “No fucking way, dude. I’ll pass out before midnight.”

Johnny chuckled and shoved an empty cup in my direction. “It’s Jose Cuervo. We all know you like it. There’s no way out of this.”

“Aw, come on, you guys. You know I’ll be fucked with Tequila and Whiskey.”

“That’s the point.” I heard Johnny murmur under his breath.

Matt’s lips curved into a cheeky grin. “Only two shots,” he dared.

“Matthew Sanders, don’t give me the dimpled smile. It doesn’t work with me,” I said stubbornly, yet my words did nothing to him as he stepped closer and draped his big arm over my shoulders.

“Lara Varzot,” he began, “you have to make up for all the birthdays we missed.”

He had a point. But no.

Groaning, I crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m gonna die,” I sighed. “Brian!” I called. “Where’s that fucker?” I looked around for him and found nothing but the threatening glares of my best friends.

“He went out with Zacky to get more drinks,” Jimmy cut in.

I didn’t have time to mull over the matter as Katherine’s voice boomed out. “Are you guys drinking without us?” She asked as a few pairs of feet padded into the room. Soon enough all the girls were sidling up to us. Audrey went to grab more cups of shots.

“Two shots of Tequila, that’s all I ask,” Matt threw, with an attempt of an innocent smile. Oh, but I knew better. They wanted me crawling on the floor. The bastards.

Two shots. Yeah, of course. Make that four, and the night had barely begun.

“Holy shit, Matthew,” I cursed, after downing the fourth big shot of Tequila. “I’ll fucking beat your ass tomorrow for this.”

He laughed at my dizzy state, the shots taking their effect on me. I was trying to find Brian, asking for him nonstop, yet they all kept telling me that he’d be here soon. But I was drunk. I didn’t care about what they had to say. It was only one hour before my birthday.

“That asshole better be here at midnight!” I frowned at my own words. As if on cue, I heard the front door open and I hurried, in my clumsy, drunken way toward the entrance. Both Zacky and Brian came strolling in and I collapsed into Brian’s arms, laughing. “You’re here,” I drawled, closing my eyes and chuckling lightly.

“Oh, my God, are you drunk already?” He asked with a small laugh as he held me steady.

I smiled widely, finding it hard to stay still. “No?”

“Right,” he dragged, shaking his head, but still grinning. “Look, I have a surprise for you,” he announced.

“You do?” I queried excitedly.

“Uh-uh.”

Brian took hold of my hand and led me closer to the front door. “What is it?”

He smiled and nodded toward the darkness outside, and when I stepped out I couldn’t believe my eyes for a second. Right there, in front of me, in flesh and bones, stood Jane. Jane Stone. The one and only.

“Hi!” she giggled.

Upon hearing her voice, I finally snapped to reality and took off running toward her, throwing my arms around her neck and hugging the life out of her. “Oh, my God! Are you real? I’m not dreaming?” I blurted out.

“No, you’re not. I’m really here,” she laughed as she held me close to her, and I squeezed her back even harder. My night just couldn’t get better, now could it? “I missed you, girl,” she said in between chuckles.

“I missed you too, man! Are you serious!” I pulled back from her, my face lighting up like a Christmas Tree. I cupped and squeezed her cheeks, and palmed her shoulders to make sure she was real and this wasn’t a prank. She was really there! “I can’t believe this!” I hugged her again and heard everyone laugh behind me. “Oh, my God. How did this happen?”

Before anyone could reply, I turned back around and faced Brian. “You bastard!” I sprinted toward him and slapped his chest, only to have him laughing as he grabbed my hands. “You should’ve told me!” I demanded.

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” he defended, chuckles rippling through his chest.

“Awn,” I cooed, realizing that after all he had brought me Jane. Jane! Circling my arms around his torso, I hugged him tightly. “I love you!”

“She beats the crap out of his ass but then says she loves him. This is awesome,” Zacky chuckled.

“You brought me Jane too!” I said as I moved away from Brian and ambled in Zacky’s direction to crush him in a big hug. “I love you too.”

He groaned in pain, but I could see the amusement in his eyes. “Yeah…”

“Awn,” I drawled again, facing my best friend and offering her yet another hug. She met me halfway and I squeezed her even harder than before, if that’s possible. I just couldn’t come to grips that she had come from the other side of the States to see me. “Jane is here. Guys, this is Jane!”

“She’s so drunk,” Brian sighed, to which everyone replied with a laugh. I furrowed my eyebrows, indignant.

“I am not!”

“Yeah, baby. Of course not.”

Brian forbade me to drink more, at least until midnight ticked. I really didn’t know why. Maybe he was afraid I would pass out before completing my twenty-seventh birthday, which was reasonable.

We let Jane in and showed her around after introducing everyone to her. There were still a good number of people in the party, and even though she knew the names of the guys and had seen a few pictures before, she still needed to do the match between names and real faces. Luna and Katherine were the only girls that were completely new to Jane, but she got her names easily.

“How long are you staying here?” I asked, a little bit too eager, as we moved back to the living room with a big brown suitcase on our heels.

“I need to go tomorrow by the end of the day.”

I pouted at that, not wanting my best friend to leave so soon. “Really?”

“I have to,” she sighed.

“Why the big suitcase, then?”

“More clothes and things for you,” she smiled and I craned my neck, eyeing her curiously. “I figured you’d stay here longer than you first thought, so I brought more stuff,” she said as if reading my thoughts.

“Oh,” I murmured.

“Here’s your drink,” Brian cut in, handing Jane a cup of some crazy cocktail Jimmy had created in the kitchen just a few minutes before the big surprise. She thanked him and went to take a sip when Brian spoke again, “Good luck with that drink. You’re the first one to try it.”

Jane retrieved the cup from her lips and diverted her gaze to me, frightened. “Is it safe?”

“Probably not, but what can ya do?”

She laughed, shrugging her shoulders, and hesitantly took a small swallow of the vibrant blued drink. Both Brian and I stared at her, waiting for a spitting fit or a nagging noise or a burning throat, but to our surprise, Jane moaned instead.

“Man…” she let out, “this is good.”

“Hell yeah!” Jimmy yelled from the opposite side of the room, making everyone laugh. How did he even hear what she said? “I told you, Short Shit! I’m gonna change my career.”

“Fine, I’ll get your part of the profits from the store.”

Jimmy’s eyes almost popped out of his face. “Oh, no way, you won’t!”

Jane, who was watching those two idiots argue, chuckled before turning to me again. “So this is it,” she said, with a smile. “This is your life now.”

“Yeah, pretty much,” I agreed, grinning up at Brian, who was by my side, his hand resting on my shoulder. “At least for now.”

“I’ll keep her here forever, just so you know,” Brian whispered to Jane over my head and I narrowed my eyes at him in a playful manner, kicking him in his ribs. “What? You don’t think I would?”

“Oh, you would. You can’t live without me. You love me too much,” I smirked and Jane hid her giggles behind the cup she was holding. She took a few sips as she flitted her eyes between the two of us.

Brian sighed dramatically and faked a sniffle. “I’ll cry if you leave.”

Truth be told, he probably would. And so would I. Thoughts of leaving California haunted me in my sleep, but I knew the odds of that happening weren’t as unlikely as we’d wish.

“Lara?”

The sound of Jane’s voice brought me back to reality. “Yo.”

“She’s drunk,” Brian chortled.

I spun around to face him, angry. “I am not drunk and if you-”

Cupping my face in his hands, Brian cut me off with a kiss. A simple, but effective kiss that shooed my words away. “Now that’s better,” he commented, his smirk quirking at the corner of his lips. I hated him.

With the promise of coming back, Brian stepped away from us to go take the suitcase to Zacky’s bedroom, leaving Jane and I to ourselves yet again. I could sense she was pretty timid and still out of place, but eventually she would loosen up a little bit as the night went by. With a couple of drinks and a few chats here and there, she’d be okay.

“How did you end up here? Was this your idea?” I asked at last. I was beyond curious.

Jane let out a chuckle and shook her head. “Brian called me to set everything up. I was surprised, actually.”

“Did he for real?” Taking another swallow of the electric blue drink, Jane nodded. “That’s cute. I thought he had only driven you from the airport or something.”

“Nah, he arranged the whole thing really. I mean, I’ve wanted to come here, of course, but I guess he eased my job a little. I didn’t need much convincing,” she chuckled and I cracked a small smile, glancing over at Brian, who apparently had returned from the bedroom and was now in a circle with the guys. Even slightly drunk, I couldn’t help but feel touched by his actions. “He really likes you.”

I turned back to Jane, my lips curving in a wider grin. “Oh, I know. He’s the best. But don’t say that to him,” I urged, “he won’t shut up.” As Jane let out an amused laugh, Luna came over to us, panic written all over her face. “What’s up?” I threw once she reached us.

“Jimmy is making me crazy. He tried to make me down an entire cup of that radioactive drink,” she said hurriedly, somewhat trying to hide away from the tall guy. She wasn’t much of a drinker, especially compared to Johnny, but she was funny.

“It’s kinda good,” Jane offered, “the drink.”

“It is?”

“Oh yeah,” she grinned as she gulped another mouthful. Relieve crossed Luna’s face and she bounced away from us as quickly as she had come, shouting for Jimmy and his, now, tempting drink.

“So how are you? I miss you!”

“Awn… I miss you too…” Jane murmured, giving me a quick hug. “I’m good. Excited for the wedding, but worried at the same time. And the company is hanging by a threat… Oh man, I don’t even know.” A languid sigh slipped through her lips and I knew the matter was serious. However, tonight was only for celebration and I certainly didn’t want to waste this precious time with my best friend with work issues.

So putting on the most sincere smile I possibly could, I nudged her side. “Tell me about the wedding. How’s it going? Is Mark happy?”

“Yeah, we’re both thrilled but there’s so much shit to take care of, ugh! And my mom is on my ass all the time. And Mark’s mother. I mean… she’s nice, but-”

I laughed a little and she followed right away, but not without giving me a playful hit on my arm. “Don’t make fun of me!”

“I can’t not make fun! I’m too happy. And drunk.”

“You don’t say!” Jane chuckled and I narrowed my eyes.

“Shut up,” I groaned.

“Stating the truth.”

I bumped my shoulder with hers, her cup shaking in her hand and spilling the drink onto the floor. We both gasped when the liquid splashed all over our feet but the moment quickly evolved into a laughter fit. “Shit!” I muttered, looking around to see if everyone had seen Lara at her best.

Oh, boy.

I grabbed Jane by her elbow and dragged her away from the mess we’d created. “Let’s get away from here.” She burst out laughing and I placed a finger to my lips, gesturing for her to be quiet. “We saw nothing. We did nothing.”

“Oh, my God..”

“You have to get drunk. It’s no fun when I’m on this alone.”

“I was working on it,” she pointed out with yet another chortle, sitting at one of the couch’s arm, “until you knocked my drink down.”

“Oopsy.”

“Yeah…”

“So,” I said, yanking her back to her feet, “let’s get you more drinks.” I grabbed her wrist and started toward the kitchen where I knew for certain that Jimmy would be. He could get her another scary colored drink with lots and lots of alcohol. She was going to get so wasted.

As we walked into the room, we saw Jimmy and Luna laughing over a bowl of an orange mixture. They looked up at our approach and Jimmy stuck two tall empty cups in our direction. “My guinea pigs,” he whispered proudly.

“Wait, what?” I turned the cup in my hands ogling. “I can’t drink. Brian gave me a restricting order,” I smirked.

“Fuck Brian. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

I chuckled as Jimmy wiggled both of his eyebrows and started filling Jane’s cup. She waited timidly and once it was full to the brim, she thanked my blue eyed friend. He raised his gaze to her face, a slight smile printed on his lips. Suppressing a giggle of my own, I elbowed Luna and nodded for Jimmy.

“What?” She mouthed, but to my dismay Jimmy caught our exchange and glared at me. He knew what I meant. He had a crush!

Jane stood quiet by my side, probably aware of what was going on around us but still making no comments. “Just fill my cup, Jim.” I smiled not so innocently as he sighed. He lifted the glass on my hand and poured the orange liquid into it. It smelled of exotic fruits and alcohol. More alcohol than anything else. But that was the point, right? I hoped Brian wouldn’t catch me.

“Enjoy,” he offered, bowing his head courteously before darting out of the kitchen. Luna snorted out with laughter and shook her head as she made it to the door behind Jimmy. I think she was getting drunk too.

Jane and I tried the first sip and moaned at the taste. Who knew James Sullivan could make such good drinks, uh?

“A little bit strong, but yummy,” Jane commented.

“Brian will probably smack me in the head if he sees me.”

“It’s your birthday.” She shrugged her shoulder. “He’ll forgive you.”

He did indeed. I could thank the booze in his system and my extraordinary ability to manipulate him. A few kisses and cuddles and he was bought. As easy as that. At least I’d like to think so.

Midnight was almost ticking and Brian gathered everyone in the living room after turning down the volume of the music playing through the speakers. There was a laptop in the center of the dinning table and a huge birthday cake saying, Happy Birthday Shorty. Obviously, no sooner did Jimmy see the cake than he made a fuss about the name and demanded another one with Peanut Head written instead. That man…

“What’s all of this?” I queried excitedly as Zacky placed his hands on my shoulders and pushed me gently toward the table so I was standing right in front of the cake, a couple of candles buried within.

Brian chuckled, replacing Zacky’s position and draping one arm around me. “Another surprise, Shorty.”

“Wow.” I squinted up at him with a brief smile. “You really committed yourself to this.”

“Of course,” he stated simply. He kissed my head and leaned forward on the table to type on the computer. I saw him opening up Skype and after a few clicks my mom’s nickname and profile picture popped up on the screen. Was he calling my mom?

I stepped beside him and furrowed my eyebrows. “What are you doing?”

“Will you wait?” He gave a curt laugh, shaking his head.

I felt Jane approaching and I looked over at her seeing the smile starting to appear on her face. She knew what was going on. Upon noticing the confusion plastered on my features, she shrugged her shoulders playing innocent. Yeah, right.

Everyone was waiting around the table; Matt trying to still Katherine, who was already past the acceptable level of drunkenness; Johnny was laughing with Luna as she whispered things in his ear; Audrey and Zacky were the quieter ones, only holding each other loosely; and Jimmy was behind me and Jane, with his new experimental drink in hand.

Finally, after a few minutes of struggling with the computer, Brian was able to put the thing to work. He was indeed calling my mom through Skype, but I could only wonder how in hell he had prepared all of this without me finding out. “I can’t believe you fucking talked to my mom.” He gave himself all this trouble just for me. I was going to see my mom!

He grinned in his boyish way, his eyes never diverting away from the screen. The face of my dearly mother appeared, even if slightly blurry, and she greeted us happily, “Hey!”

“Hi, mom,” I smiled. Hopefully she wouldn’t catch my non-sober voice. “I was so not expecting this!”

“Hey, Mrs. Varzot,” Brian added quickly after me. Everyone announced their greetings, the house booming with voices and chortles.

My mother wiped her eyes and what seemed to be a sniffle was heard. “Oh my, so many people. Is it midnight already?”

“Almost, almost. Only a couple more minutes,” Brian answered as he glanced at his watch. “So are you happy to see your daughter?” I was pulled against Brian’s side as he circled his arm around my waist and I instinctively relaxed against him.

“Of course I am! Aw, baby. How are you? Have you eaten properly?”

“Mom!” I whined, bringing a hand to cover my face. “Don’t embarrass me, please.”

“She’s eating fine, don’t you worry, Mrs. Varzot,” Brian laughed. I glowered at him and he smirked, grabbing my face and planting a soft kiss on my cheek before turning his attention back to the laptop.

My mom was still a little bit astonished with everything and the tears kept filling the corner of her eyes, we could see. “I hope you’re taking care of my daughter.”

“We are,” Zacky spoke up. “We bath her and change the diapers, so we’re good.”

Johnny and Brian burst out laughing and I hit Zack with a dirty, scrunched napkin that was lying on the table. Yet, that didn’t stop him, or even me, from laughing along with the rest of the guys and my mother.

“I miss your cookies!” Jimmy suddenly shouted as he stuck his head between Brian and I, somewhat breaking us apart. “They were the best cookies from the neighborhood.”

Jimmy was probably the only kid that knew every single person living in our street. His house was not far from mine back in the day and he often paid us a visit, whether to ask for food or just because.

“Yeah, she never made cookies for me!” I complained. “She only did them for you hungry bastards.”

“That’s not true,” my mom countered, offended. “You never asked!”

“Oh, and they did,” I scoffed. Crossing my arms over my chest, I attempted to look mad, but the alcohol flowing within my veins made it hard to be serious. “Bastards. Trying to steal my mom,” I said, fighting back a smirk.

“Guys, less than a minute ‘till midnight,” Matt stated.

Brian took a lighter from his front pocket and began to light up the two candles. I was starting to feel excited and in no time the guys and my mom were singing Happy Birthday to me. I really didn’t know what to do with myself in the meanwhile, so I just stood there quiet, listening to them. When they finished, I blew up the candles and they cheered even more, making me laugh a little.

What I wasn’t expecting was for Brian to take my face in his hands and kiss me shamelessly. He didn’t just peck my lips, but kissed me long and hard. When he pulled away, I slipped my arms around his middle and hugged him. “Happy Birthday, baby,” he murmured, fondling my hair.

“Thanks,” I whispered back, kissing his cheek. I accepted more kisses and hugs from the guys and girls and then turned to my mom, who was now fully crying, almost babbling. “Aw, mom, come on!”

“I wish I could be there with you!”

You could, I thought to myself, you just don’t want to. Instead, I said, “It’s alright. It’s only one more birthday. No biggie.”

My mother and I talked for a little while longer but something was off with her, I just didn’t know what. Maybe she noticed that I was drunker than I should. I thought I was doing a good job hiding, but perhaps I was not. Or was it something else? I could not tell either way.

We eventually hung up and I set my empty plate on the table. The cake was so good I almost felt like serving myself another slice. However, my thoughts were quickly ceased when Jimmy coughed obnoxiously loud.

"We need a toast!" he announced. I walked over to Jane and Brian quickly fell by my side, smiling wide. There were cups of shots all over the center table and Jimmy motioned for us to take one. "Tequila in your honor." He sent a wink in my direction and I giggled. After everyone was served, Jim raised his cup high and we all joined in. "To Lara," he started, "and the next years to come!"

"Aw, thanks, Jim," I beamed before downing the shot. The liquid burnt as it ran past my throat and I scrunched up my nose, even though it felt good.

"I toast to more sex and just… well… more Lara in my life, I guess," Brian said. Zacky gagged at the mention of sex, but Johnny and Jimmy just laughed and high-fived each other.

"I accept the sex." I wiggled my eyebrows at Brian and bit my lip theatrically.

"Now we know what’s gonna succeed after this party is over," Matt cut in.

Brian laughed, “Damn right.”

I would’ve punched him in the gut didn’t I find this hilarious. Everything was hilarious at this point anyway.

“They better not!” Jane shouted in panic. “I’m sleeping in the same house as them.”

Jimmy pranced toward poor Jane and scooped her up in his arms, to which she squealed, bewildered. “Oh, God.” She held onto his shoulders but I could clearly see the disaster rolling right before my eyes.

“Put her down, asshole,” Johnny managed to call out through his crazy laughter.

Fortunately, he did. “Sorry, J,” he stated gently. “All I wanted to say is that you can always sleep at my place. There won’t be any drunk sex. Unless-”

Before he could finish his sentence Matt went running to him and was able to place his hand in front of Jimmy’s mouth, muffling any possible word that could come out. Of course we all fell on the floor laughing our asses off. How could we not? Jane felt slightly embarrassed but the booze eased things up a little.

The little incident was quickly forgotten as we all kept partying away. Jane came rushing to me with a huge smile on her face. Apparently the music playing was awesome and she wanted me to dance with her. And so we did; us and the rest of the girls.

More drinks and more music and I was a happy kid. I scarcely remember Brian smirking from the other side of the room and Johnny sprawling on the couch, drooling in his sleep. I was in pure ecstasy and having a blast. It wasn’t until my arm was grabbed than I jumped out of my trance. Brian was there in front of me, holding me by the arms, but my capacity to focus was close to none. “Are you okay?” He asked, chuckling.

I beamed and threw myself onto him nonetheless. “I’m super and utterly great,” I slurred, grasping at his shirt and rubbing my face in his chest, which shook with laughter. “Jane!” I called once she ran past me, but she never heard me. She was still running away from Jimmy, who demanded that she should give him the pleasure of being her partner on the dancefloor. Or Zacky’s carpet.

“Dance with me,” Brian asked.

I shrugged my shoulders and pulled him by the hand. “Let’s go!”

I danced with Brian to the rhythm of the songs that would play and we were having a lot of fun, messing around and doing crazy moves that had us laughing out loud. Yet, the mood changed when “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails started out. Brian hooked his hands behind my back and brought me closer to him.

How ironic.

I lifted my arms and circled them around his neck as I met his glazed eyes. He had something in his mind. I tried to keep swaying to the song, but when Brian lowered his head and kissed me, I could only focus on the feeling of his lips on mine, cold and sweet from the drinking. The kiss was slow and sensual, tongues teasing each other, hands roaming dangerous places. It was a hot mess.

Moving his hands down south, Brian grabbed my bottom and squeezed hard as he nibbled at my lower lip and tugged onto it. I released the groan that had been building up at the back of my throat and gripped at his black hair, his soft curls fisted in my hands. The tip of his tongue licked at my neck when he buried his face in its crook, my body melting into him instantly. “You’re making me horny, you bastard,” I told him and he stole yet another kiss from me, smirking in the process.

“You made me horny when you were dancing with the ladies.”

“Is that so?” I queried, interested, as I dragged my hands up and down his arms and shoulders. Kissing his neck, I clawed my fingers into his clothed chest, making sure they reach his stomach. Brian jolted slightly and his palms, too, gripped my hips desperately. I chuckled darkly and planted soft pecks all the way from his jaw to his mouth. I felt the smile on his lips as we lastly kissed, a little bit more lovingly, this time, and less hungry.

His touch drove me crazy, that was for sure, and the worst thing was that he knew it. “I bet it was Jimmy who chose this song,” Brian commented once it’d finished. If the song had lasted a few more minutes, we would’ve had to take it to the bedroom. The sexual tension between us was palpable. One would think that one little escapade earlier would help the cause, but, honestly, I thought it made things even worse – especially if we were drunk.

We knew the party was over when everyone was either on the floor sleeping or making out somewhere. I wish I could say I was making out with Brian, but I was so tired and so drunk all I managed was to sit on the kitchen floor with my now empty bottle of Jose Cuervo and Jane by my side, her head resting on my shoulder.

“Did you like the party?” she dragged out.

“Best shit ever.”

“Where’s Brian?”

“He said he was going to get us a taxi. Fucking drunk we are,” I mumbled with a chuckle. I felt like shit but awesome at the same time.

A few minutes later, Brian came into the kitchen and he too looked like hell. With a closer peek, we saw the red in his eyes, the tiredness grazing at his face. “Come on, babe.” He held his hand out and I grunted. Did I really have to get up?

I gladly accepted his help and he pulled me up to my feet. However, I did not let go of him. I would crumble back to the ground if I did. He gave Jane a hand as well and we both left Zacky’s house holding onto Brian’s arms. What a mess. Climbing into the taxi, I crawled to the furthest seat, then Brian came in, and lastly Jane.

A mutual sigh left our lips. Never in our lives did a cab feel so comfortable and pleasant. “Will you take me to the bedroom when we get home?” I asked.

“I can’t, baby,” he said, leaning his cheek against the top of my head as I cuddled to his side. “I think I’m dead.”

I was too whacked to give him a proper answer, so I just whined.

“Thanks for inviting me, Haner,” Jane commented after a while. “It was so great to meet you all and see Lara happy.”

“No problem. She deserves it.”

“I’m here, guys,” I smiled. “But thanks. I have the best boyfriend ever. And the best bestfriends ever. And the best taxi driver ever. I love you all.”

The man on the wheel laughed a little.

“I love you too, baby,” Jane and Brian said in unison. Awn.

“You cute bastards. Speaking at the same time. Saying the exact same thing.” I was slurring was bad I cringed. When did I get so drunk? And that’s when I remembered something of the highest importance. “Holy shit!”

“What?” Brian asked, only the slightest concerned.

“My mom fucking saw us kissing!”

Notes

Oh, my God. I didn't know I hadn't updated the story here. Sorry guys. I'm back with many more chapters =)