“How can you two drink that stuff? It’s nasty?” Bree was teasing. Tony had stopped by early and Mike just a little bit later. The guys got Nick to relax a little more and they started a game of pool and actually had a few beers.

Nick spoke with his family earlier in the day and he was in fact going to spend some time with Aaron. He also talked about going back up to Boston, follow-up doctor visit and other stuff. Bree pointed out any doctor could check his hand. But she knew Nick. Now that the worst of the emotional part was over, the initial impact, he wasn’t going to sit around and dwell it.

Happy that he had at least let some of it out before he started to bottle up and hide from it, she didn’t press. Besides, maybe having some fun was exactly what he needed. And Tony and Mike would be with him if he needed someone. She did think it was strange, however, that he didn’t call any of the other guys to see how they were doing. She’d have to remember to ask him about it later.

“Brianna,” Tony began. “Beer is an acquired taste. If you don’t drink it you’ll never learn to like it.”

“Then I guess I’ll just hate it for the rest of my life. I’ll stick with Vodka, thank you.” Nick didn’t protest too much when she fixed a drink for herself.

The afternoon wore on and eventually pizza’s were ordered. They all stood around the counter eating and joking around. Brianna actually felt like she could breathe easier watching Nick smile and unwind some. Full from pizza they each got another drink and headed back to play pool again. Teams were suggested this time.

“Me and Nick against You and Brianna.” Tony started.

“Nah-ah. Bree’s with me. We’re gonna beat you’re asses.” Nick was actually laughing.

Bree walked over to him and whispered, “Nick, did you forget that as bad as I am at video games I’m even worse at pool?”

Leaning over to touch his forehead to hers, “Don’t worry ‘bout it. Just a game.” He winked then went to set up the table.

The first game went okay. Nick and Bree didn’t lose by too much. However after a short break and another round of drinks things didn’t go quite as smooth.

Trying to concentrate on the shot, “See, I told you over and over I’m terrible at this.”

“Like I said, don’t worry.” He was helping her line up the shot and the conversation between them was in whispers. Not that they weren’t talking to Tony and Mike, they were all talking and laughing, just that part was in a whisper. Tony was telling some joke that caused them all to break out in laughter, and Bree to miss her shot. Which only made everyone laugh harder. Nick just rested his forehead between her shoulders, essentially still pinning her leaning over the table. Trying to stop laughing, “Bree, sweetie, it’s okay.” He reached around her waist to hug her while at the same time kissing her between her shoulder blades. When she stood up, Nick’s hands were still around her waist. Backing them away from the table he added, “Mike, I think it’s your shot.”

“Nick aren’t you gonna give up. We so have you beat? I can’t believe you’re even able to play with that hand of yours.” He joked as he sunk yet another shot.

Nick looked down and Bree, they were both having a good time. “Nope.” He was leaning back against the wall with Bree standing between his legs, her back to him and his chin resting on top of her head. “In fact, I say next game we put money on it.”

“What!” The other three practically yelled at the same time.

“Chill, damn. I was just teasin’.”

Mike sunk their final ball and that game was over. “How ‘bout a break? I gotta, ah,” He stopped looking at Bree. “Use the bathroom.”

Bree had a fit of giggles at Mike’s sudden modesty. “You gotta pee Mike. Just say it.” It was Nick and Tony’s turn to laugh.

Mike rolled his eyes as he walked out of the room. “That don’t sound like too bad an idea. Be right back.” Tony added before leaving the room as well.

Bree turned around to look at Nick. “I’m glad to see you smile and have some fun. I think Mike and Tony are just what you needed to help cheer you up.” She was smiling up at him. She didn’t care that the four of them were a little drunk. Nick would have to realize that just because AJ had a problem he couldn’t control doesn’t necessarily mean everyone who drinks also has an uncontrollable problem.

“They’re great, but you’re what I needed.” He brought his hands up from her waist, along her back, and into her hair before pulling her in for a deep kiss. Neither of them remembered there were two other people in the house, somewhere. Bree leaned into him wrapping her arms around his waist. After a few minutes Nick pulled back dragging a breath in through his teeth before kissing her again, but not stopping at her lips. Instead he placed several kisses along her cheek, on her ear; down the side of her neck, her shoulder, and then back up to her mouth again.

Mike, having been the first to leave was also the first to return. Seeing them kiss stopped him in his tracks. Shaking his head he looked again just to make sure he really saw what he thought he saw. Looking again, Nick and Bree were really engaged in a serious kiss, and by the looks of it, Mike assumed, this was not the first time. Not really sure what to do he turned around and walked back out of the room to give them a few minutes.

It was then that Tony returned. “What’s up, Mike? What’s that look for?”

“Tony, you know something I don’t know?”

“What’cha mean?”

“I mean about Brianna and Nick?”

“What?” Tony started to ask but Mike just nodded his head back towards the poolroom as an answer. Of course, Tony wasn’t quite as subtle as Mike with his reaction. “Well it’s about damn time.”

Nick and Bree jumped apart like two teenagers getting caught by their parents or something. That only caused Tony to laugh. “So, is this why you didn’t call me when you got back from the airport?” Tony pressed.

Nick ran his hand over the top of his head, licked at his lips, looked at Bree, just basically stalling trying to find his voice. Once again he hadn’t planned that and it had gotten way out of control way too fast. “Um, No.” He cleared his throat and tried again. “No, man. Ah, actually I pretty much went right to sleep.” He looked over at Bree again who was still looking down at her feet. He’d give anything to know what was on her mind at that moment.

Tony was undaunted. “Well, you sure as hell can’t tell me that was your first kiss.” He was standing with his arms across his chest with a huge grin on his face.

“Tony, man. Just let it go.” Mike was saying behind him.

“Ah-uh. This is too good. All this time I keep hearing, ‘she’s like a sister’, ‘she’s just a friend.’ I’m not gonna pass on the chance to say I told you so.”

“I’ll be in the other room.” Brianna whispered before practically running from the room.

“Tony, you know sometimes you’re a real ass.” Mike said before going after Brianna.

“Whatever. So, sup Nick?”

“Mike’s right, Tony. Just let it go. Even if I could answer that question I wouldn’t.” And he went in search of Bree.

<~ Chapter 29 or Chapter 31 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003