Beautiful Mess(78)
“No way!” Bri was stunned. “Who’s dad was crazy enough, and awesome enough, to let them borrow this?” She stood gawking at the car. The M5 had always been on her dream car list, and it was even more amazing up close.
“That would be my crazy, awesome dad,” Nick beamed and opened the door for her. “I’m glad you like it!”
Devon and Layla climbed in the backseat and they took off. They arrived at an expensive looking restaurant in LA, and Nick valet parked the car. The group walked in and was shown to their reserved table.
“Wow, this place is really nice,” Bri observed as Nick helped her into her chair. She began to feel a bit uneasy. She picked up her menu and her jaw dropped at the prices. This was way too expensive for a first date with someone she didn’t plan on going out with again. Her unease grew into full blown panic.
Nick leaned in closer to her. “The restaurant was Devon and Ethan’s idea. I tried to convince them it might be a little overwhelming, but I obviously got shot down,” he smiled. “Don’t worry about anything, though. Order whatever you like. I hear the filet mignon is really good.” He picked up his own menu.
“Thanks Nick,” she smiled, feeling a little better. He didn’t seem like he was expecting anything from her in return for such an expensive dinner. But, just to be safe, Bri began perusing the less expensive salad selections.
“Alright everyone,” Devon’s voice got the table’s attention. He held up a black plastic card. “My dad gave me his credit card, so dinner is on me tonight! And Layla has just informed me that it is Bri’s birthday today. So dessert will also be on me, in honor of the Birthday Girl!” he grinned at Bri, and she blushed, embarrassed.
“Thanks a lot, Lay,” she shot Layla a good natured glare. Layla just winked at her conspiratorially.
As the rest of the table turned their attention to their menus and each other, Bri’s fears and reservations evaporated. She decided she just might try that filet after all.
Dinner was fun and delicious. They all joked and laughed and told stories. Nick was attentive, funny, and nice, and Bri began to really enjoy herself. After sharing a crave-worthy coconut cream pie, and a chorus of “Happy Birthday” from the table, Devon paid for dinner, and they headed off to the dance.
The school gym had been transformed. There were twinkle and icicle lights hanging on the walls, and lit up Christmas trees were scattered around the perimeter of the room. All of this was lost on Bri, though, as the minute they walked in her eyes immediately began scanning the crowd for Cole. She was suddenly desperate to find him. It didn’t take her eyes long to find his.
He was standing off to the side of the dance floor with some of his friends, including his date and Serena. It was obvious from the expression on his face that he had seen Bri come in. He looked completely stunned, like he’d never seen anything more beautiful. Bri felt her cheeks blush as he took her in slowly, head to toe. She took a moment to devour Cole with her own eyes, and they weren’t disappointed. He looked incredible in his black, fitted suit, and his silver dress shirt, that he wore open, without a tie. His black hair hung in his eyes, just the way she loved it.
She met his eyes, and a wave of heat raced between them. Bri even took a step towards him, before she remembered that they were in a huge room full of people, and she was there with Nick. Disappointment tainted her smile, and she saw the same reaction in Cole.
Nick drew her attention back to him as he took her arm and led her over to a group of his friends from the football team. Layla and the others in their group had dispersed to the dance floor, or to greet friends, and Bri was left alone with Nick.
Nick introduced Bri around and then started chatting with a couple of the guys. She didn’t really know any of the other girls, and was quickly getting restless, when a familiar voice broke into the group.
“Hey guys, what’s up? I had to come make sure I wasn’t missing anything over here!”
“Cole!” One of the guys shouted. “Good to see you, man!”
Bri turned to find Cole standing beside her, looking at her. She smiled, then quickly turned her attention back to the rest of the group, who had immediately surrounded Cole like he was a celebrity or something.
Cole received a round of welcomes and pat on the back. He introduced his date, a cheerleader named Alli, and the group quickly fell into guy and football talk. Bri didn’t pay much attention. She was all too conscious of Cole standing next to her. She felt the soft brush of his fingers against hers as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. After a few minutes, a slow song started and Cole excused himself, leading Alli out to the dance floor. Nick quickly followed suit and led Bri out.