Times Like These

A little while later, Brian was laying on top of me while we caught our breath. He smiled down at me and kissed me, “That really wasn’t how I wanted that to go.” He chuckled, moving to stand up and go clean himself up in the bathroom that was in my office. “Well. I was impatient.” I shrugged, putting my pants and underwear back on. I was facing the door, picking up my shirt when he spoke again. “I didn’t realize you had so many tattoos. You’re going to have to tell me about a few of these.” Once I had my shirt pulled over my head I turned to him with a smirk, “You might have to get me naked again before I do that.” Brian laughed and followed me to the front of the bakery, where we stopped at the bar to get another drink. “Where have you two been?” Zack asked, eyeing both of us suspiciously as we walked back up to the table. “I went to smoke. She went with me.” Brian stated with a shrug. “Bullshit.” Johnny laughed. “Johnny, don’t be jealous. Brian said you weren’t his type.” I said sweetly. The table erupted into laughter and I caught the look my sister was giving me. “Don’t think everyone at this table isn’t sitting here pretending we didn’t hear you and Matt going at it in the shower the other day.” I said to her, while Matt choked on his drink which made the table laugh even harder. “Oh my god you two were so loud. We had to leave.” Lacey said, wiping tears from her eyes. “Oh so I guess that’s why everyone was gone when we got out.” Dani said to Matt with a shrug. “I need more alcohol.” Erin laughed, grabbing my arm and dragging me toward the bar. We both got another drink and realized that the last act of the night was finishing up. “Shit.” I whispered, taking a long drink and then heading for the stage.

Once his song was over, I got up on the stage and walked over to the mic. “Hey guys. I hope you all had fun tonight! Hopefully we can make open mic night a more permanent thing here at Rock N Roll, and I appreciate all of your support so much!” The crowd cheered and clapped, and a voice yelled “Sing one more song!” I laughed and shook my head. “No more songs tonight, but we can drink!” The crowd booed and started chanting “One more song! One more song!” I looked at Erin for help, but she simply shrugged and handed me my guitar. “Okay okay. One more song.” I said, “By the way, I hate you Johnny.” The crowd laughed when the man replied, “I love you too, Nick!” I took a deep breath and started strumming the first song that came to mind, which happened to be Guns N Roses’ “Patience”. I heard the crowd start cheering and looked to my left, and Matt was sitting on the barstool next to
me. I smiled and spoke into the mic, “What’s a little open mic night without a rockstar, right?” Matt started singing and I played right along, giving background vocals when needed. Soon the song was over, and the crowd went nuts. I stood up and hugged Matt, told everyone to have a good night, and we hopped off the stage. “Thanks for doing that, Matt.” I smiled up at him. “It was fun.” He said with a shrug as we walked back to our table of friends, “We’re going to have to go to the studio and jam one day.” “YES!” Zack shouted. “I want to see what else you’ve been hiding from us.” “Well clearly she isn’t hiding anything from Brian.” Johnny deadpanned. Brian smacked the back of his head with an eye roll. “You’re an idiot.”

Pretty soon the crowd started clearing out and the sound guys I hired were breaking down their equipment. I was in the back, boxing up cookies and cupcakes for everyone to take home, since I didn’t sell anything that had been in the case overnight. Erin brought the last tray of cookies back and was helping me box them up. “That was a huge success. We sold a shit ton of goodies. Not to mention the bar.” I looked over at my business partner with a smile, “It was a great idea. Hopefully we can do it at least once a month.” She nodded excitedly and we worked together quietly, until the last box was closed. “So, hows it going with Zack?” I asked her, jumping up on the counter. She sat beside me and sighed, “It’s going pretty good I think. He’s a great guy. I’m just hoping his ex girlfriend doesn’t stir shit up with us.” “Who? Gena?” She nodded. I wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Erin, I don’t think you have to worry about her. From what I heard from Bri they were really toxic together, always fighting. They brought out the worst in each other. Brian said Zack seems a hell of a lot happier with you.” Erin leaned her head on my shoulder and smiled. “I hope so. I’m happy with him. Hopefully this works out.” “It will. Just be the awesome person I know and love.” I squeezed her shoulder and about that time, the door opened and revealed Zack and Brian, grinning. “What are you guys doing?” Zack asked, walking closer to us. “Talking about you, of course”. I replied sarcastically. “I knew it!” He laughed, grabbing Erin’s hand and pulling her down from the counter. “You ready to get out of here? Oooooh, cookies!” Erin laughed and grabbed a box for him. “Come on Zee, I’ll drive you home. See you Monday, Nick!” I smiled and waved, then turned to Brian. “Do I get some cookies?” He asked, sticking out his bottom lip. “Of course you get cookies.” I said, pecking his lips. “Will you help me take these out front?” Brian helped me gather the boxes and carry them out to the front, where Johnny grabbed three out of my hands and ran out the door. “See you later, fuckers!” He shouted, with Lacey trailing behind him laughing. After everyone else grabbed some cookies and left, Dani told me she was going home with Matt. “Are you okay with that?” She asked softly. “Dan. I’m 25 years old. I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself.” I said with a laugh. “But if you move out I’m keeping Charlie.” My sister laughed and wrapped her arms around me. “How about split custody?” “Fuck that. I get the cat.” I chuckled, giving her a squeeze. Once we let go, Matt pulled me into a bear hug. “See ya later jam buddy.” “Bye you gorilla.” I laughed, pushing him off of me. Matt, Dani, Brian, and I all walked out of the bakery together so I could lock up. As we were walking to the car, Brian had a box of cookies in one hand, an arm draped over my shoulders, and a huge smile on his face. “Tonight was a good night. Mind if I stay with you?” “Nope, as long as you don’t mind sharing a bed with me and Charlie.” I grinned up at him. “Charlie. I get the feeling that Charlie comes with you no matter what.” He chuckled, kissing my head. “Yup. He’s my little baby.” I laughed, walking over to get into my Jeep. “Hey, you be careful beautiful.” He said softly. “You too, I’ll see you at home.” He grinned brightly and got into his car, following me back to my apartment. Once we got inside I put my keys on the hook and dropped my purse on the table by the door when his hands were on me. “So, about those tattoos.” He grinned, giving me a kiss that started a fire inside me.

Notes