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.
Chapter Nine
Briana was thrilled when they finally closed for the night. She felt so greasy and gross that she couldn’t wait to get home and shower.
She put the finishing touches on her dish, then took it out to the bar to share with her co-workers.
“That looks so good, Bree,” Kara moaned from her perch at the bar. She’d kicked off her heels and was rubbing her sore feet. “I’m so hungry, I could eat that whole plate of pasta.”
“Get in line,” Pete said as he poured some drinks to go with their meal.
“Wine for me, please,” Nicole chimed in as she walked to the back of the room. “I can’t wait to get everything cleaned and head to your place. I was so bummed I had to miss out last week, but I had to go home to watch my brothers and sisters.”
“No problem,” Briana said. “At least you’re free tonight.” Then she turned to Pete, “Wine sounds good. Would you pour me the red?”
They all sat down to enjoy the food and drinks, then went about cleaning up the front and back of the house as quickly as possible so they could head to Kara and Briana’s apartment. They yelled goodnight to Pam, who thanked Briana for the pasta, then locked up behind them.
Kara and Briana hosted this get together most Wednesdays, so they knew the routine and got themselves and the apartment ready when they got home. Pretty soon the place was filled with people and the party was in full swing.