Make it Last (Friends & Lovers, Book 1)

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Colin knew that it was a thinly veiled excuse to stop by and see Briana, but a guy had to eat, didn't he?

He'd talked Rich into heading down to the Bar & Grill after work. It didn't really take that much convincing; Rich was always ready to eat. He seemed especially after the work out he'd been treated to that morning.

When they walked into the crowded restaurant, Colin scanned the room for signs of Briana. He knew she'd more than likely be in the back, but he still hoped for a glimpse. He hadn't seen her in a few days, and he'd missed the sight of her.

He realized that he wasn't going to get to see her yet, so he walked up to where Rich was chatting up the hostess.

"C'mon, sweet Nicole. I'm sure you can find us a table somewhere in this place. There are just two of us."

The blonde hostess turned red at Rich's flirting and said that she'd see what she could do to find them a table right away.

"Leave that poor girl alone, Rich," Colin said as Nicole scurried off in search of a table. "She looks pretty sweet. I don't think she knows how to handle the likes of you."

"No harm," Rich smiled. "And see? It worked. She's fixin' something up for us right now."

Colin couldn't help but chuckle softly as they were led to their seats. Rich could charm the pants off anyone, and very nearly had.

They thanked Nicole, and she flushed again, murmuring, "You're welcome," as she walked back to her post.

They didn't need to look at the menu. It was Wednesday after all, so wings were pretty much a given.

"Well, lucky me. Two of the most eligible bachelors in town, sitting at my table," Kara drawled with a sexy grin.

"Hey, Kara," Colin said. "How you doin'?"

"Can't complain," she replied. "Can I start ya'll off with a beer?"

"Yes, ma'am." This was delivered by Rich, with a sexy grin of his own.

"Comin' right up, Sugar." They both took a moment to watch Kara sashay to the bar. "She's the female version of you," Colin said shaking his head and turning back to Rich.

Rich just leaned back and grinned. "Ain't that the truth."

They got their beer and watched the game for a bit, drinking and talking. While they waited for their wings to come out, Rich asked Colin if he felt better about working at The General Store.

"No, man," Colin said with a frown. "I love my parents and this town and everything, but I can't help but resent the fact that I'm here doing the one thing I swore I'd never do."

"Then why are you?"

"Everything just went to hell when I got hurt. I focused on finishing school, but then I just had to get out of there. I couldn't stand to face the team and my coaches, knowing that I wasn't a part of the game anymore."

"It's not like coming here and running the store is your only option. If you hate it so much, look for something else," Rich offered.

Colin took a long drink, then replied, "Nothing means as much to me as football, so I might as well be miserable here, where I know people."

"That's a shitty way to look at it," Rich argued. "Dude, I know you're pissed, I would be too, but playing football isn't the only way to be involved in the game."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Colin said thoughtfully. "I could look into coaching or something; I just don't know where to start."

"Well, you're gonna start at the bottom, but at least you'll be happy," Rich replied. Then he looked up at someone approaching their table.

Figuring it was Kara, Colin didn't look up. Then he heard Kent's voice.

"Hey, guys. How's it goin'?" he said when he got to the table. He had his arm slung around a beautiful girl with long blonde hair and amazing gray eyes. She smiled and Colin noticed she had a dimple on the left side of her face. "This is my sister, Roni. She's staying with me for a while and I wanted to introduce her around, make her feel welcome."

Colin and Rich stood up and shook her hand. Rich held on long enough for Kent to narrow his eyes at him.

Rich just smiled and said, "It's nice to meet you, Roni. You need anything, you just look for me."

Kent bent down to say something to Roni and she turned and walked back towards the bar.

"All right. The real reason I wanted to introduce you is because Roni will be at Kara and Bree's party tonight, and I wanted you both to know that she's my sister, so hands off," Kent said. "Especially you, Rich. I didn't like the way you were looking at her."

"No harm, man," Rich said, holding his hands up as if to prove he was no threat. "You're sister's pretty man, that's all. I'll leave her alone."

Kent looked at Colin, who just nodded.

Kent nodded back at both of them and said, "Later," as he walked back in the direction his sister went.

They both sat down and Rich whistled. "Holy, shit. That was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen up close." He declared with a look of wonder.

"I wouldn't mess with Kent if I were you. He looked pretty serious."

Rich was saved from answering when Kara arrived with their food, but Colin noticed that he couldn't help but look over to where the tall, slender blonde leaned against the bar talking with Pete.