Banks

Where did I put that stupid bottle opener? I usually drink keg beer no problem, but right now, I felt like a cold one out of a bottle. Thus, I'm standing in the kitchen, Heineken slowly warming in my hand, searching the drawers for an opener. Sarah was in the living room chatting it up with some of her pledges (or New Members as they are officially known). She had waved off my offer of a bottle in favor of Portman's Punchy Punch (Three parts vodka, one part Kool-Aid). I just wanted to drink something with a little more flavor than what was being offered out in the sun porch.

"Cake," I heard a voice say while I was on my knees in front of the sink, "What the hell are you doing man?"

I look over my shoulder to see my long time friend and partner in crime.

"If you would put the bottle opener back on the fridge like Julie tells us to, I wouldn't be down here," I reply with a smile and only a touch of annoyance at the nickname that I hate.

"Did you check the front of the fridge?" Charlie askes as he took the magnetic opener off the freezer door.

I glare as I take it out of his hand. I try not to notice his smirk as I open my beer and take the first sweet sip.

"A little tipsy there Cakey?" Charlie asks with the same smirk as he jumps up to set on the counter.

"A bit," I say, taking the counter spot next to him.

"Yeah, well, you deserve it man," Charlie says, "What is this, third year being All-American?"

"I believe that you have been an All-American with me each time Cap," I dead pan to him.

"True, but you've got it a bit sweeter. You're engaged to a Gaffney," Charlie says with a far off glint in his eyes.

"Charlie," I start in my disappointed tone, "We have talked about this. There is a lot at risk if you make a move on Julie. You two have been friends for a very long time. Screwing her can screw that up."

"Then you are not going to like what I am about to tell you," Charlie says, the smirk back firmly in place, "Cat and I kissed on the back porch a little bit ago."

"Damn it Conway, I'm about to smack you upside your head," I state firmly, "Why did you do that?"

"You of all people are asking me that? You have Sarah and you are asking me why I kissed Julie?" Charlie asks in complete shock.

"I love Sarah. Your history with girls has not exactly been stellar. Julie is not meant to be a one night stand," I say back forcefully.

"I know that Adam. Do you think I have been harboring feelings for years just to end it all in a one night stand? I know Julie is a relationship girl. I didn't just look at her at a party and decide in a split instant that I wanted her. My feelings have been building for years. True, I have only been able to admit them to myself for a few months, but they have been there for a long time," Charlie said eerily calm.

I took a deep breath and then a drink. I let my beer slowly slide down my throat, "As her friend and future brother in law, I would like to say, hurt her and die."

"I wouldn't expect any less," Charlie replies with a genuine smile.