Times Like These

Friday nights at Tom’s was always a blast. They had live music every Friday, and tonight was a band that played a bunch of classic rock and southern rock covers, which was right up mine and Dani’s alley. Our dad raised us on classic and southern rock, along with Metallica, AC/DC, and other awesome bands. We were sitting with the guys enjoying our drinks when Johnny, Zack, and Arin came in with two girls. Zack slid in beside me, while Johnny and one girl sat beside Matt, and Arin and the other girl sat beside Zack. “Nikki, Dani, this is Lacey and Kim, Johnny and Arin’s girls.” Matt said, pointing to the two girls. “Hi!” I waved with a smile. “I’m Nichole, or Nikki. Whichever you prefer. That punk ass over there is my twin sister Danielle.” I gestured over to my sister, who somehow was sandwiched in between Matt and Brian. “Dani.” She smiled and gave me the finger. “I like them.” Lacey laughed. “So girls, what are we drinking tonight?” Zack asked, giving me a one armed hug. I didn’t miss the look Brian gave him as he did it. “I’ve got my usual.” Dani said, holding up her beer. “Nick is drinking whatever the hell she wants to tonight I guess.” She laughed. Brian took a swig of my drink and grinned proudly. “Jack and Coke? Interesting.” “Well, usually I’m a rum and coke kinda girl, but I wanted to switch it up tonight.” I shrugged. “How about we do some shots?” Johnny asked with a grin. “Nope. No way. I’m not getting trashed tonight Jonathan.” Lacey said, making me laugh. “Yeah me neither, I have appointments tomorrow. I need to be somewhat sober tonight when I go home.” Dani said with a laugh. “Appointments? What do you do?” Lacey asked her. “I do hair over at Galaxy salon off Turner Boulevard.” My sister told her with a smile. “Really? I’ve been looking for a new stylist. I’m going to have to get with you to make an appointment!” Lacey said excitedly. “Great just let me know when you want to come in, I’ll give you my number.” Dani smiled, writing her number on a napkin. “Okay, about those shots.” Johnny said, looking around the table. “I’m down.” I shrugged. “Me too.” Zack said. “Not me.” Brian said, “Someone needs to be sober enough to drive you fuckers home later.” “Alright so one for everyone then!” Johnny shouted and jumped up. Dani and Lacey tried to protest, but it was no use. He came back with a shot of Jack for everyone. “Okay, you pussies only have to take one shot, but I wanted to make sure everyone got at least one.” He said, holding his glass up. “To new friends, a new album, and the best damn cookies I’ve ever eaten in my life. Cheers!” We all took our shots and slammed the glasses down on the table. Lacey was coughing, Dani was chugging her beer, and I was laughing about cookies. “What is so funny?” Brian asked, leaning into me. “Fucking cookies man.” I giggled. He laughed loudly and wrapped an arm around my shoulder and I leaned into him, feeling the effects of the jack. Amy came by to see if we needed any refills and I held my glass up. “Another Jack and Coke please, Aims!” “You got it babe.” She smiled and walked back toward the bar. “Okay, Nick. Hand over the keys.” Dani sighed, holding out her hand. I reached into my purse and pulled out the keys and placed them in her palm. “There. Now I can drink as much as I want!” I grinned. Johnny ordered another round of shots for us. And another. And another. And pretty soon I was well past my limit of Jack for the night.

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Brian POV

A drunk Nikki is a hilarious Nikki. She was going shot for shot with Johnny, and drinking her Jack and Coke in between. The band was still playing, so in between shots and random conversations she was swaying in her seat and singing along to the music. At one point the band played Midnight Rider, and she and Dani both were singing it to the top of their lungs. And even though Zack said he would back off, he didn’t. He was trying his hardest to flirt with Nichole, but she didn’t seem very interested. Sure she talked to him, but didn’t return any of the flirting. Eventually Dani had to leave because she had work the next morning, but Nikki didn’t want to go. “Okay Dan. I’m staying here. You go ahead and take the Jeep, I’m sure one of these fine gentlemen will walk me home tonight.” She slurred slightly. “Nikki I really think you should come with me.” He sister told her. “You’re gonna hate yourself tomorrow if you keep drinking.” “Yeah Yeah,” Nikki waved her sister off, “It’s not like I’ve never hated myself before. Go ahead and go home, I’ll find a ride.” “Brian, PLEASE take care of her. She trusts you.” Dani said into my ear. I nodded and smiled, “I’ll make sure she gets home safely.” “I’ll leave the key in the spot, she knows where it is. Love you Nick.” “Love you too, Daniel!” Nichole shouted at her sister with a huge smile. Even when she was drunk, she was beautiful. After a few more shots and some more singing and dancing, she was ready to go home. “I can take her.” Zack offered, going to slide out of the booth. I gave him a look and he sat right back down. “Nevermind. I’ll stay here.” He huffed. “Come on, Nikki. Let me drive you home.” I said, grabbing her hand. “Oh thank you Brian! You’re the best.” She beamed up at me. One by one she hugged the remainder of the guys and girls that were left, and followed me out to the car. “I’m having a deja vu moment.” She laughed to herself, “except this time I’m reallllllllllyfuckingdrunk.” She slurred. I laughed at her and glanced over at her, “yeah you are. Did you have a good time?” “I did.” She smiled sweetly. “You know, you’re really fucking beautiful. You have gorgeous cheekbones.” She said in amazement, touching my face. “Well you’re really fucking beautiful too, except you probably won’t remember any of this tomorrow.” “No. I probably won’t.” She laughed. We pulled up to her apartment and I got out and walked her to the door. “Thank you for driving me home, Brian.” She smiled, turning to dig in a flower pot for the key. “I found it!” She shouted, grinning triumphantly. “Dani is going to kill you if you wake her up.” I whispered. “Oh shit, you’re right.” She giggled. “Anyway, like I was saying, thanks for driving me home.” “No problem, I couldn’t let you walk home that’s for sure.” I said softly. “Okay. Don’t be mad.” She said calmly. “Mad about what?” I asked with a smile. Before I knew what was happening, she kissed me. It was soft and sweet. She pulled away too soon for my liking and her eyes fluttered open. “Goodnight Brian.” She said, turning around to unlock the door. “Night, Nikki. Sleep good.” I watched her walk in the apartment and made sure I heard the lock click before walking to my car and heading home to hopefully get some sleep.

Notes