Story

They were standing outside in the cold, talking. The snow had stopped, leaving everything covered in a clean blanket of beauty.
“So when do you get off? I can come pick you up and we can go to the club,” he said.
“In 2 hours I’ll be done. You don’t have to pick me up though. My mom can do it. I have to go home and change anyways,” she answered rubbing her arms through the thin material.
“I called your mom and told her I would pick you up. So she’s not coming. I’ll take you home so you can change then we’ll go up to the club.”
“You called my mom? Ok, then I guess you are picking me up. Why did you do that anyways?”
“I’m not going to let you miss the show.”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss this concert for the world! This is something I can hold over Ralph’s head for years to come. I was at the first Mixing Chemicals concert and he wasn’t. This will never be forgotten. You know he still holds that shaking hand thing over me? He brings it up at least once a week.”
“I bet. I even remember that. Coffee addict.”
“Mmmmm, coffee sounds good right about now. Its warm.”
“Oh are you cold? Come here.” He opened his jacket and pulled her into his warmth. She slid her hands around to his back. He winced at the cold he felt through his shirt. “Man, how did you get so cold?”
“These clothes are not made for warmth. And it is cold out here. You have a jacket on and your hands in the pockets.”
He nodded and rubbed her back with his hands, before wrapping his jacket around them both. She laid her head down against his chest and sighing, closed her eyes. “How much longer is your break?” She shrugged and he laughed softly. She breathed in his smell, warm and comforting and familiar.
“I should probably go back in soon, but I don’t want to.”
He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “Go back inside. I’ll be back to pick you up.”
She groaned as he pulled back his warmth and smell from her. “Promise you will come back?”
He grinned and looked down at her face. “Promise. Now go. It will soon be over.”
She grinned back and waved as she headed into the hotel.
He slid up next to her, squeezing between the people. Leaning in, he yelled in her ear. “A bunch of the guys are going to Ross’s house for a little party. I kinda want to go. Is that ok?”
“Sure, you can drop me off at home on your way,” she yelled back.
He leaned back in. “No way, girl. You are coming with us. Everyone wants you there. You are a part of the gang.” She smiled up at him and nodded. He whooped and grabbed her waist and swung her around. She laughed in his ear and he gently set her down. “Come on,” he mouthed.
They left the club and joined the band outside in the cold. Directions were given out and they scattered to their respective vehicles. At Ross’s there was alcohol and food and music. She sat on the end of the couch, listening to the conversation flow about her. Tray spotted her and went over for a hug. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to you at the concert. How did you like it?” he asked after giving her a hug.
“Oh I really liked it. You guys are awesome and that concert was excatly what I wanted to go to. It was great.”
“I’m glad you liked it. You want something to drink or eat? I know there’s Smirnoff in there if you want some.”
She smiled at the mention of her favorite drink, but shook her head. “I’m the DD tonight. It’s my turn. So no drinking for me.”
“Hey, I’m sorry. But its cool you’re the DD. Who for?”
“Everybody but your carload and Roxie’s. And Ross of course. I have 6 sets of keys in my pocket.”
“Well thats because everybody trusts you. Roxie’s not drinking? I thought I saw her with a bottle.”
“She’s not the DD, but that guy Mike from her car is. So he and I are going to tag team when we have to drive everyone home.”
“Sounds like a plan. My cousin is the DD for our car. We’re going to his house afterwards and its across the river.”
She nodded and smiled. Someone called for Tray from downstairs. He kissed her cheek then went down.
A few hours later, she and Mike were dropping the last car and drunk off at home. Mike drove back to Ross’s and dropped her off before waving goodbye. She went inside and helped Ross pick up the last beer bottles. Downstairs sleeping on the sofa, she found the last person to leave. Sitting down next to him, she stroked the hair out of his eyes. He muttered something and opened his eyes a little. “Is it time to go?”
She nodded, smiling. “Everyone is home safe and sound. Now for your turn.”
“My mom didn’t want me to get drunk tonight. I told her I might stay at Ross’s house. I really can’t go home.”
“Well Ross is beat so I’m not leaving you here. Come on. I’ll take you to my house.”
He nodded drunkenly, and tried to stand. She stood with him and supported his weight as they struggled up the stairs. Ross helped her get him into the car. The drive was over an hour and he was asleep when she pulled into the driveway. “Come on. Let’s get you upstairs and into bed. Then you can sleep your heart’s content.” The nap had helped a bit and he was able to stand and walk into the house and up the stairs on his own. She helped him untie his shoes, but left him to get changed on his own. He came out wearing his boxers and her Budweiser T-shirt. Standing in the bright kitchen he asked, “Where do you want me to sleep?”
Without turning from the sink, she answered, “In my bed. Its the most comfortable. Go ahead and go to bed.”
He walked unsteadily towards her. “But where will you sleep?”
“On the couch. But I have things to do first. Go ahead to bed.” She still had not turned around.
He kept staggering towards her back. “I don’t want to kick you out of your bed. I’ll take the couch.”
“Don’t be stupid. Take my bed. No arguements.”
He reached out and spun her by her shoulders. She gasped and looked up at him in surprise. He looked at her for a moment, then in a mix of boyishness and drunkeness asked, “Come tuck me in?”
She laughed and nodded. “Come on.”
He took her hand and followed her down the hall to her bedroom. She turned down the covers and helped him climb in. As she pulled the covers up, he grabbed her wrists and held them to his chest.
Caught off guard, she leaned against his chest, her face inches from his. He held her there, looking into her eyes. Until she looked away, muttering, “I have things to do.” She tried to sit up but he pulled her back down and kissed her, catching her unawares. She tasted the Killian’s in his mouth and let herself lean into him for an instant, before catching herself and pulling fiercely away. He let go of her wrists and looked almost puzzled. He opened his mouth to say something, but she quickly stood, saying, “I have things to do.” She was out the door before he could say a word.
Cursing himself, he got up and followed her. He found her leaning over the kitchen sink. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. He stood there looking at her not knowing what to say. He tried to organize his thoughts, but the alcohol slowed his brain. He tried speaking again, but nothing came to mind.