They walked down 6th street, and Nicole was surprised how many people were milling around.
“Wow, this is a lot different than being home,” She observed with a laugh.
Bree nodded her consent, then ushered them into a bar that already had a crowd on the floor, dancing to a local band.
They made their way to the bar and Bree spoke loudly so they could hear her. “They don’t have a cover here and have a special on pitchers, so this is where we usually hang out. Is beer okay with you guys?”
Kara and Nicole both nodded and Kara said, “Sure, but let me get the first round.”
They each had to show I.D. in order to get a glass, but they were quickly given their pitcher and Briana led them to a booth in the back of the bar. Close enough to see the band, but far enough away that they could still talk.
At the first sip of the cool brisk ale, Nicole smiled and licked her lips.
“I’m so happy to be here. Thanks for inviting me, Bree.”
“Of course, I’m excited that you could come. I have been begging Kara to come out ever since we left. It was perfect that you guys had the same days off.” Briana said with a smile, as she reached over to give Kara’s hand a squeeze. “So, fill me in on all of the gossip.”
“Well, Pete and I are doing great, “Kara said with a big grin on her face. “He has given up all pretense of living in your room and has moved all of his belongings into mine. Bree, he’s just the sweetest thing!”
“Aww, that’s great, Kara,” Briana gushed happily. “I knew you two would be perfect together.”
“I know you did, but I never imagined that I could love that red-headed stud the way I do.” Kara was practically glowing as she spoke.
Nicole and Bree both giggled at that.
“How’s everything going with you and Roni?” Bree asked Nicole. “You guys are officially roomies now, right?”
“Yeah,” Nicole answered. “It’s been great. Thank you so much for telling me that she was looking for a place, she really is the perfect roommate. I like her a lot.”
“But not as much as she likes her twin,” Kara divulged to Bree, causing Nicole to blush with embarrassment.
Briana looked at Nicole with obvious curiosity. “Really? You like Kent?”
Nicole was worried that Briana would be mad, or things would be awkward, and she really wished that Kara hadn’t said something about her and Kent already. She’d wanted to tell Briana when they had a little more privacy.
“Um, well, yeah… We’ve been out a couple times.” Nicole admitted sheepishly.
Briana smiled broadly and reached across to hold Nicole’s hand.
“Nicole, that’s great!” Bree assured her. “Kent is a terrific guy. The best. I can really see you two together. In fact, I remember him checking you out back when I was there. He’s had a thing for you for a while now.”
“Really?” Nicole asked with surprise. “You did?”
“Yeah. I think it was at our place at one of the parties and at the bar. I totally saw that he was interested in you.”
“Are you sure it doesn’t bother you?”
“Totally sure,” Briana exclaimed. “Kent was never really mine, not in that way. I promise that I’m truly happy for the both of you.”
“Awesome,” Kara said loudly as she downed her beer. “Now what do you girls say we go tear up that dance floor, huh?”
They nodded and finished their drinks, then went out on to the dance floor to move to the music.
They danced until they were exhausted. That’s where Colin found them when he walked into the bar.
He caught the stares of many of the male patrons, as they watched the three beautiful girls dance together on the floor. They were laughing, absorbed in each other and oblivious to the people watching them.
Colin walked up behind Bree and put his arms around her, matching her moves with his own.
He nuzzled her neck and was pleased to hear her intake of breath.
“Mmmm,” Bree purred. “You really shouldn’t do that; my boyfriend could be here at any moment.”
She giggled and he spun her to face him and kissed her soundly on the lips.
“Hey, Baby,” He whispered in her ear. “I missed you today.” He pulled back and looked into her eyes, his dimples flashing as he smiled at her.
“I missed you too,” Briana said, returning his smile full force.
Colin tore his eyes from Briana’s and turned that heart-stopping grin on Nicole and Kara.
“How’s it goin’, Ladies?” He gave them each a hug, then asked, “You want me to grab another pitcher?”
They all nodded and made their way back to their table to wait for Colin to join them.
“You guys look like you’re doing great,” Kara said to Bree once they were seated.
“We really are,” Briana gushed. “I couldn’t be happier.”
“That’s so wonderful, Bree. You both deserve it.” Nicole chimed in, a little envious at Colin’s obvious adoration of Bree. She wondered again about Kent’s recent less than affectionate behavior.
Colin poured them each a glass of beer before he sat, then settled in to enjoy a pint of his own.
“So, how’s everything back home?” Colin asked.
They filled him in on the same things they had already told Briana, but Nicole also mentioned Rich helping Roni move in and the fact that he was on track to graduate in December.
“Yeah, he mentioned something about that last time we spoke, but it’s been a few weeks. I’ve been so busy at work that I haven’t had a lot of time to keep in contact with everyone.”
“Kent also said that Rich is planning to come down for Halloween. I’m sure he doesn’t want to miss the Halloween bash at the
