Chapter 7
The following weekend, Brian was scheduled for a charity golf outing with a few of the other guys, and had invited Briana to come along. Since she had finally gotten everything settled in her new apartment and really had no other plans, she happily agreed, much to his pleasant surprise.
For some reason, even though they were getting along well, Briana had always turned down his past invitations. But today was different, and Brian was determined to make sure both of them had a good time.
When he had appeared in a pale blue polo shirt that was a little baggy, khaki shorts that covered his knees, a ball cap over his blond curls and the ubiquitous golf shoes, try as she might, Briana couldn't prevent herself from giggling at the sight.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing," she replied, suppressing the giggles, but Brian noticed her shoulders still quivering.
"Jesus, come on, I look like a dork, don't I?"
"Of course not. You just seem so….different."
"Like a dork," Brian sighed, fiddling with a golf club. "Maybe I should try something else."
"Don't be ridiculous. We're going to be late. Quit goofing off, even if that club is about as big as you are."
"This 'club', sweetheart, is what is called a five iron," he corrected her.
"Fine, five iron. It's still almost as big as you are. And where is your other glove?"
"It's a golfing glove. You only need one."
"I really have a lot to learn, don't I?" Briana asked.
"You and I both. It took me a month to figure out all these damn clubs. I even took lessons. I'll probably get my ass handed to me today, but at least it's for a good cause."
"And you're always up for a good cause, as we all know," she smiled.
"Oh yes," he agreed. "So are you up for dinner afterward?"
Briana paused for a moment, not sure what to say, before Brian cut back in. "I brought a change of clothes," he added.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt," she finally answered.
Wow, two in a row, he thought. This is definitely my lucky day so far.
Later:
The charity tournament had gone well, and even though Brian didn't win, it wasn't as bad as he had thought either.
"You know, that was kind of fun," he said, grinning, when he approached Briana.
"Before or after you nearly sent your group into cardiac arrest by almost driving the golf cart into the pond?"
"Okay, okay, so I'm not the greatest cart driver in the world. Sue me."
"You have one mighty golf swing, though," Briana answered.
He glowed. "Yeah?"
"That was one hell of a hole in one you got at one point," she nodded.
"Oh….well, gee, thanks."
Was he blushing? Briana wondered, trying to keep from giggling.
"Anyway," she continued, "what did you have in mind for dinner?"
"There's this kick ass pizza joint right down the road," Brian said. "And after all this golfing, I'm fucking starving."
"All this fresh air and exercise and you're going to sabotage it with pizza?" She raised an eyebrow.
"You only live once, Bree," he grinned, heading to a changing room. "And I'm not about to waste it eating rabbit food."
Briana stood outside, shaking her head and laughing. One thing about this guy, working for him was anything but dull.
At dinner:
"Is that all you're going to eat?" Brian asked, observing the salad bowl in front of her when the pan of pizza was laid in front of them.
She nodded. "I think it should suffice with a slice or two of pizza."
He turned up his nose. "For six bucks, at least put some cheese, dressing, and croutons on that shit. Jesus. You don't have a fluffy tail and ears on top of your head."
"No, but my bottom may expand a bit more with all that," she replied.
Brian quirked an eyebrow. "And?"
"And it will be your fault," she finished.
"Good," he grinned. "At least I know my help is being treated and fed well."
"You are a strange, strange man," Briana shook her head, laughing and opening a pack of dressing.
"I must be doing something right for you to still be around. Either that or I'm pretty darn cute."
Briana smiled. "Perhaps both and then some."
"Well, aren't you a sweet thing to please. Which brings me to a big announcement. The new house show schedule is up and guess where we will be heading in about three weeks?"
She gave him a look. "Are you saying…."
"Time for a visit home," he grinned.
Briana was speechless, hugging him gratefully. Though things were going well in her new life, it would be good to see old friends again, even if it was just for a day. There would be so much to catch up on.
She never thought she'd ever think it, but damn, Briana loved this job!
