Beautiful Mess(51)

“It’s okay,” he replied, looking her over in concern. “I can take you home, if you want?”

She was desperate to get out of that house, but for some reason she was hesitant to take Cole up on his offer.

“I don’t know. What about Serena? She’d probably notice if you just up and disappeared.”

“Not an issue,” he grinned. “Serena had a little too much to drink and was feeling a bit... under the weather. I sent her home with a couple of friends before she could puke all over everything. We are completely Serena free.”

“Oh, alright,” Bri sighed, giving in. She didn’t want to ruin Layla’s night, which seemed to be going extremely well, with her own drama. “I’ll send Layla a text and let her know I got a ride home.”

Cole held out his hand to her. “Let’s get you out of here, then.” His eyes begged her to take it.

“Please!” Another tear escaped, as Bri hesitantly took Cole’s hand. As her skin touched his, a little shiver went through her. His hand was warm and strong, and oddly comforting. He led her out the front door and to his familiar, old pickup truck. He opened the door and Bri climbed in. She sent a quick text to Layla as Cole pulled out of Trey’s neighborhood.

“So,” Cole cast a worried glance at her. “You want to tell me what happened?”

Bri felt her tears well up again, but forced them back. She was not going to waste another tear on Trey Woods.

“Not yet. I need something sweet and fattening first.” Cole looked confused. “You know, soul soothing comfort food. Preferably something chocolate.”

He shook his head and grinned. “Girls are so weird. You’re upset, and you want chocolate?” Bri nodded, and then closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat. “Okay, chocolate it is.”

After a few minutes of silence, Bri decided to ask something that had been bothering her for a while.

Keeping her eyes closed, she asked, “So, are you and Serena together?” She tried to sound casual, but failed. Her stupid emotions were still too close to the surface.

Cole’s eyes darted sideways to her, but he kept his head forward.

“No, we’re not together.”

“But you’re dating?” Bri remembered all the kissing she’d witnessed.

“Um, not technically,” he sighed.

“But you two are attached at the lips half the time,” she looked at him incredulously. “So what, are you just using her?” Her stomach clenched.

“No more than she’s using me,” Cole ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He obviously wasn’t comfortable with the conversation. “Look Bri, Serena and I... it’s complicated. We are not dating, and I’ve made it very clear I’m not interested in a relationship. But Serena doesn’t seem to care. And we do not kiss that often”

“Right,” Bri rolled her eyes. This conversation was a bit painful, but now that she was here, she might as well get it all out. “Do you like her?”

“Serena?” She nodded, and Cole thought a minute before answering. “You know, I don’t think I’ve thought about that for a long time. I liked her when we started dating the first time. But, honestly, I don’t think I’ve really liked her since we broke up.” Cole seemed surprised at this revelation. “I definitely don’t like like her anymore.”

Bri was incredulous. “You don’t like Serena?”

“Not really. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but she’s kind of a self-absorbed snob,” he winked at her.

“Yes, and just like Carly, she’s also psychotic and a total bitch.” This caused Cole to laugh, and Bri couldn’t help her grin. Dang, he had a great laugh.

“But seriously,” she continued. “You don’t really even like her, yet you had no problem making out with her not ten minutes ago?”

“Well,” Cole flashed her a wicked grin. “She is hot!”

“This isn’t funny,” Bri protested as a giggle escaped her. “It’s demented! You guys really will put up with anything for a pretty face and a hot body!” She shook her head.

“Only if she puts out!” he laughed, and Bri whacked him on the arm.

“Guys are all the same,” she sighed, half teasing, half serious.

Cole parked in front of a frozen yogurt shop.

“So, does this work? Sweet and fattening enough for you?”

“It’s perfect! Ice cream, or yogurt, makes everything better,” she smiled.

Bri and Cole ordered their frozen yogurt, and then Cole drove them to the beach, where they parked and ate in the truck. After a few quiet minutes, and a contented sigh from Bri, Cole broached the topic again.