The clunk of the cue ball striking the others was a welcomed sound as Brian set his beer on a small table. He hadn't seen or heard from Eliza since that morning and was looking for a way to drown out the thoughts. He had never been, what was essentially pushed out of an apartment by any women, they usually begged him to stay. But she had rushed him out all because her dad was coming over. He could beat Fuller for interrupting.
He was lost in the thought of this and didn't notice when Street pulled up a chair next to him. Deliberately hitting hit leg to get his attention.
"Don't think to hard Brian. I can smell the plastic burning." Jim flashed a friendly smile, and Brian knew he was about to get asked a question he didn't want to answer.
"So did you get her?"
"No." He lied, he didn't want to admit just yet to Jim what had happened. He was still trying to get his mind to accept it. He played by the rules, he was romantic and all that crap. Not what she expected of him. And he spent the night instead of getting up in the middle of the night and leaving. But she ushered him out of the house before 9, what the fuck was up with that?
"You, my dear friend are a terrible liar." Jim took a swig from him beer, if there was anything he knew about Brian it was when he lied. He had just a slight edge to his voice that was never present during normal conversation. And leaning against the wall, pool stick in hand and sleeves pushed up to his elbows, Jim knew that something happened.
Brian moved to line up his shot, still not able to get Liz out of his mind. He knew as soon as he made contact with the ball that he had fucked it up and lost the game as he watched that black ball roll into the corner pocket. Jim's gaze felt like it was burning into Brian's back. If only he hadn't made that stupid bet.
"So how was she, as feisty as you'd hoped?" He was already racking the balls and signalling for more beers. The question hung between them like a thick smoke. Leaving Brian for once not knowing how to play this. He agreed to come out tonight as a way to get away from thinking about her. And why she had pushed him out, yeah with Fuller being her father it made sense to want him out. But she didn't even try to soften it. No good-bye kiss, not even a walk to the door. Just a mouthed you need to leave now, and a serious look in her eyes like she never wanted him there. Total 360.
"Well..." Brian began, deciding that Jim would get it out of him eventually when a flash of brilliant red hair at the door caught his attention. His eyes wandered her body, dressed in a short skirt, and a shirt that clung just right to her body and showed just enough cleavage. Her smile was wide and happy, as she entered with some short haired brunette. But it faltered as her eyes fell on Brian.
Jim's gaze followed Brian's to the door. Liz stood there dressed rather girly for a change next to a tall pretty brunette. As the waitress bought over their next round Jim ordered another for them. A silent way to invite them over. Maybe get the ball rolling for Brian, as he got his own ball rolling. Somehow the brunette seemed very familiar.
They accepted the drinks and reluctantly approached the pool table that Jim and Brian currently stood at. Brian shifted uneasily, giving Liz a casual nod even as his eyes traveled the length of her body. She couldn't help but smile, she promised herself it would be just the one night, but the sex was to good. And should the opportunity present itself again she would of course accept.
"Guys this is Lara. Lara, this is Jim and Brian." It didn't take long before Jim was hitting on Lara, nearly forgetting that Brian and Liz were next to him.