Beautiful Mess(48)

“Really? But I couldn’t leave you by yourself!”

“Really, Lay, it’s okay! Go talk to him. I promise I’ll survive without you.”

“Are you sure? Okay. How do I look?” Layla glanced down at her outfit.. “What about my hair? Good? How’s my breath?”

Before Layla could breathe in her face, Bri grabbed her shoulders and turned her towards Devon.

“Girl, you look fierce! Now get over there and show that poor boy what he’s been missing!” Bri gave her friend a shove forward.

“Thanks, Bri! I’ll catch up with you later, okay?” Layla said as she walked away. Bri made sure Layla didn’t chicken out and made it to Devon, before heading back towards the kitchen. She had to laugh. Layla must be crushing hard on Devon, she’d never been so nervous about a guy before.

Bri walked into the kitchen, and stood for a minute, surveying the assortment of drinks set out on the bar.

“I’ve never seen anyone put so much thought into what to drink before.”

She smiled at the familiar voice and turned.

“It’s not that,” she replied as Cole slid up next to her. “I was just debating whether or not I trusted Trey not to have spiked everything here.”

Cole laughed, and Bri felt her pulse jump.

“Smart girl! Here,” he handed her a sealed bottle of water out of the fridge. “Problem solved!”

“Thanks! So, I see you’re on drink duty.” She tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice as Cole began pouring a couple of drinks, presumably for himself and Serena.

“Unfortunately.” He glanced around before leaning in closer to her. “Any chance you’d want to meet me out back in a few minutes? Hang out for a bit?”

Bri smiled. “Um, okay.”

“Great! Head on out and I’ll be out there in a minute, I just have to deliver these.” Cole picked up his cups and walked into the adjoining living room where Serena and her friends were sitting. She noticed a large, cheerleader style banner hung up above their heads that said “Happy Birthday Cole!” Bri was shocked. Cole hadn’t even mentioned it was his birthday. She didn’t know whether to be hurt by that or not. As Cole handed Serena her cup, she beamed up at him, and Bri decided that was her cue to leave.

She walked out the glass doors that framed the beach and ocean beyond. There was a large stone patio that ran almost the whole length of the house, complete with a built in fire pit and seating area, as well as an outdoor kitchen. Bri walked past the small group sitting around the burning fire pit, to the edge of the patio and looked out at the ocean. Inhaling the refreshing sea air, she enjoyed the soothing sound of the ocean.

“Damn, Bri,” She heard a low voice behind her, and turned. Cole stood there, gazing at her.

“You know, you clean up pretty nicely,” he smiled. Those familiar words took Bri back to that first night they’d hung out at the pier that summer. She noticed Cole looked just as good tonight, in a dark red button down shirt and his ass-tastic jeans. His black hair reflected the moonlight, and his eyes darkened with desire for a moment as he took her in. Coming back to himself, he stepped up alongside her, but stood a few feet away. He smiled apologetically at her.

“Sorry. It’s just that anyone looking out those windows will be able to see us. Don’t want to attract unwanted attention.” He shoved his hands in his pockets.

“No, I understand,” she replied softly, a bit disappointed.

“So,” he asked, looking out at the ocean with her. “Are you having a good time?”

“Not really,” she admitted. Cole turned his head slightly to look at her. “Well, to be fair, I did just get here. But, Layla’s already ditched me for some guy, and well, these parties aren’t really my thing, you know?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” his face fell.

Bri chuckled. “Don’t be, it’s not your fault. It’s fine, really. I’m just glad you’re talking to me,” she teased. “Are you having fun?”

“I am now,” he smiled.

“So,” she hedged, “you didn’t tell me this was your birthday party. You didn’t even tell me it was your birthday.”

“It’s not. My birthday was actually last week. Serena just put up that banner herself. I’m not sure what she was thinking,” he shook his head.

“Oh. How come you didn’t tell me?” She tried not to sound hurt.

“Well, we weren’t exactly friends last week. I wasn’t sure if you’d care if it was my birthday or not,” he gave her a self-deprecating smile.

“Cole,” she admonished. “Of course I’d care. I feel bad that I didn’t get you anything.”