Chapter Two - Here to annoy
1388 Words
Evan
I head into the bar where Brooke works. I was waiting at her place but got bored, so I decided to come and annoy her instead. She finishes in two hours. The place is pretty busy, especially for a Monday night. It is a lot busier at the weekend, of course, but for a weekday, there are more than enough customers to keep them busy until closing.
I make my way around everyone, saying hello to a few pretty girls as I do. I may go back and chat with them after I say hello to Brooke. I reach the bar, hopping up on one of the stools. I spot Brooke at the other end of the bar. Some guy is chatting her up. She is acting like she is enjoying the attention, but I know she isn’t.
I wish Brooke would let lose a little. It is all work and no play for her. I don’t understand why she doesn’t date. It isn’t like she is lacking in offers. She is beautiful, and she gets plenty of attention from guys, even if she doesn’t notice it. She is so awkward and lacks confidence. I worry she will become one of those cat ladies living alone. I am being dramatic, but I do worry about my best friend.
Brooke’s co-worker, Jackie appears in front of me, smiling, “Hey Evan, how are you? I will send her down for you.”
“Hey, Jackie. I am good. You? How is the wedding planning coming along? And thank you, I would appreciate that.” I reply, smiling.
“I am great, thanks. It is stressful, but we are getting there, and it will be worth it when the day comes.” She replies brightly.
We chat for a minute before she goes to let Brooke know I am here. I see Jackie talking to Brooke, and she turns around, smiling brightly at me. Brooke holds a finger up, letting me know she will be with me in a minute. I nod and smile back.
I swirl the bar stool around, scanning the room to see if anyone catches my eye. There were a few beautiful women here.
“Can’t you stop thinking with your d**k for two damn minutes, Evan!” I hear Brooke laugh from behind me.
I swirl back around to face her, chuckling and then smiling innocently at her, “I don’t know what you mean, princess.”
She rolls her eyes, shaking her head in disgust, “Sure you don’t.”
Brooke sets a scotch in front of me, “Drink and behave yourself.” She warns, wiggling her finger in my face.
“Yes, mum, “I reply, sarcasm dripping from my voice.
She glares at me, “Shut up and drink your scotch,” she demands.
“So bossy…” I trail off but do as I am told, taking a sip from my glass.
Brooke reaches in, patting my cheek, “Good boy.” She laughs, going to serve someone next to me.
She sees to her customers for the next ten minutes before appearing back in front of me, resting her elbows on the bard.
“I wasn’t expecting you to come here tonight. I expected to arrive home to find you on my sofa, stealing my food or in my bed sleeping.” She snickers.
Yip, the girl knows me well.
I flash a dorky smile at her, “It was my original plan, but I became bored and came here.”
“To stalk me,” she teases, “You should probably see someone about your stalkerish behaviour.”
“You love when I stalk you, sweetness, stop acting like you don’t.”
Brooke rolls her eyes at me, laughing, “Sure, you keep telling yourself that. I need to get back to work, so please stay out of trouble.” She warns.
“I am an angel, princess,” I say sweetly.
She shakes her head and disappears. I take my drink and decide to mingle. A pretty redhead catches my eye. She seems to be alone, or her friends are close by.
I approach her confidently, “Hey.” I flash my best smile at her.
I can be a charmer when I need to be. She smiles back, “Hello.”
“What are you doing out alone?”
“I am not alone. My friends are dancing. Why are you here alone?” she asks.
“My best friend works here,” I state simply. I don’t share that Brooke is female because a lot of women don’t like the fact I have a female best friend.
She offers her hand to me, “Makes sense. I am Tilly.”
I take what she is offering, shaking her hand, “Nice to meet you. I am Evan. Can I buy you a drink?”
Tilly smiles brightly at me, “Sure, I would like that.”
I nod, resting my hand on the small of her back, leading us to the bar. I let her sit on the one free stool, and I stand beside her, waiting for either Brooke or one of the other bar staff to serve us.
I notice Brooke is busy, but when she sees me with someone, she shakes her head at me, giving me a disapproving look before turning her attention away from me. Brooke isn’t used to me being this way yet, screwing around because it isn’t the guy I used to be, but after my last relationship, I changed. I got fed up with failed relationships and broken hearts, so instead, I chose to do this. I am sure it is only a phase.
I ignore her disapproval. I am sure she will lecture me later, but for now, I have company, and it would be disrespectful to ignore her. Jackie came over to serve us, which was probably a good thing since Brooke would probably have some attitude towards Tilly. Brooke is protective of me, and my past choice of women hasn’t been my best, so any woman that is around me or in my life she becomes suspicious of them until she gets to know them.
I can’t say much because I am the same with Brooke and probably worse when it comes to her and guys. Not like there have been many around. Brooke has a heart of gold and can be a little naive, which some people can take advantage of, so I need to protect her.
“What can I get you both?” Jackie smiles.
“A scotch for me, please. Tilly?” I question because I have no idea what she drinks.
“I will have a glass of white wine, please,” Tilly answers.
Jackie nods, getting our drinks. I pay for them and lead us to a table, somewhere a little quieter so we can talk. Who knows if we will hook up, but even if we don’t, I am fine with that. I don’t mind some company and a few drinks. I am supposed to be spending the night at Brooke’s anyway, so I may just do that. If Tilly and I hit it off, maybe we can swap numbers and hang out again, but I guess the rest of the night will tell.
“My friends and I are heading to another bar soon. You can join us if you like?” she says, taking a sip of her wine.
“I am not sure. I am supposed to be hanging out with my friend after they finish,” I reply.
“Oh, that’s a shame. We are leaving for another hour, so we can hang out until then if you want?” she smiles.
“Sure. And if we hit off, we can exchange numbers and maybe hang out another time.” I suggest.
Tilly nods, “I am up for that.”
We may not click or have anything in common. That’s why I said maybe we could. Just because you are attracted to someone and their looks, it doesn’t mean everything else will flow.
We start chatting and drinking our drinks. She seems like a sweet woman. I will enjoy her company for the next hour and see what turn it takes.
- Writer
