A Second Chance. Jen and Brad.

Chapter 11, "New Year's".

Jen : I need to find the girls again.

Brad : Okay... meet me before midnight?

Jen : Yes... and Brad... great party.

He winks at her before letting go of her hand, making her feel like a teenager again. And there's nothing like the feeling of being young and in love.

George : Funny seeing you here.

Jen turns around to see George with Amal on his arm.

Amal : I didn't know you'd be here, this is great.

Jen : Yeah, it was kind of a last minute decision.

George : Her and Brad are back together.

Widening her eyes at George, Jen can't tell if he's kidding or not.

Did Brad tell him?

George : I'm kidding.

Jen : Ah....

Jen laughs, trying to shake it off.

George : Or maybe not..

After talking to George and Amal and a few more familiar faces, Jen walks over to the rest of the girls, who are sitting by the bar, chatting.

She joins them, not being aware of the big grin on her face.

Courteney : Having fun I see?

Jen : One margarita please.

Turning the grin to Courteney, she just nods before taking a sip of her drink.

40 minutes later :

Kristin : So I told them no...

Jen tries to pay attention to whatever job issue Kristin was talking about, but finds it hard when Brad is standing on the other side of the room, constantly looking over at her.

There has been something about him lately, something she failed to see before, even at times while they were married.

He seems to be the best version of himself. So charismatic, so funny...

Andrea : Jen.

Andrea slaps her with her bag, interrupting her gushing.

Courteney : It's midnight soon guys, I'm gonna go pee before we go out.

Andrea : I'll come with you.

Kristin : So... are you ready for next week?

Jen turns to Kristin, confused.

Jen : Next week?

Kristin : TMS meetings.

Jen : Oh... yes...

Brad : Hey girls.

With his hands suddenly wrapped around her waist, Brad's standing behind Jen.

Brad : Done something new with your hair Kristin?

Kristin : Uhm... yeah, I decided to let it grow a little longer.

Brad : Looks great.

He kisses Jen on the cheek, before checking the time.

Brad : Do you wanna go get red ready for the fireworks?

Jen : Sure... Kristin? Will you be...

Kristin : Oh, yeah just go... Courteney and Andrea will be back any second.

Taking Brad's hand, Jen jumps off the chair, before winking at Kristin for understanding.

A little later :

Everyone : 4... 3... 2... 1! Happy New Year!

They all shout, cheering, while Jen and Brad share a kiss that's been much anticipated tonight.

Not caring if anyone sees them.

Brad : Happy New Year baby.

Jen : Happy New Year.

He pulls her in again for a second one.

1 and a half later :

Brad : Babe!

Turning around, Jen looks at Brad with wide eyes.

Brad : What?

Jen : Do we want everyone to know we're at the "calling each other by nicknames" stage already?

Brad : Yes. I think we do.

Jen looks at Courteney rolling her eyes.

Courteney : I'm gonna go get my coat. Meet you in the car in a few minutes?

Jen : Yes, I'll be right there.

Noticing how Brad's looking at her weird, she furrows her brow.

Jen : What?

Brad : I was just wondering... what if you slept over?

Jen : Uhm... like tonight?

Brad : Yes, tonight Jen.

He laughs at her, knowing she might think they're taking things too fast... but after all, on their first date they ended up in a hotel room after only a few hours.

Jen : I mean... yes. Yes, I can sleep over.

Brad : Great. Let me just throw all of these people out... and then I'll be right back.

Outside, by the car.

Kristin : Oh, there comes Jen.

Courteney : Did you remember your bag?

Jen : Yeah about that... I'm gonna stay.

The girls look at each other with a "we knew it look".

Kristin : You're sleeping over?

Jen : Uhm... yes.

They smile at her, happy to finally see her with someone again. Even if that means an ex husband.

Courteney : Stay safe.

Jen : Stay safe? It's Brad...

Courteney : Yeah... well you never know.

Jen laughs, before the girls jump into the car and take off.

Walking back to his house, Jen can feels tension building up inside of her.

They both have a certain idea of what's going to happen tonight. Jen and Brad, like every other couple, always used to ring the new year in with sex.

Except for that one year, when Jen blacked out and got so sick she spent the whole night in the bathroom.

But tonight... they're both fine and they both want each other more than ever.