calm down.

On Saturday evening, we all went on some sort of mega quintuple-date. There was of course Brady and me, then Carly and Chris, Kendra and John, Preston and Dillon and Brady and Chris’s friend Jacob and his girlfriend, Stacey. We went to this tavern and got dinner and drinks. Carly, Preston and I pretty much dominated the conversation mainly because we were the only ones who took advantage of the three dollar shots. I was drunk and hadn’t even spent $20 on drinks so I was pretty happy about that.

I was telling the group about my recent brush with death (crossing the street when a police car ran a red light – no lights or sirens on) and everyone was laughing and clearly enjoying my story. But Brady put an arm around me and whispered, “Calm down,” into my ear. 

Is there anything worse than when you’re drunk and someone tells you to calm down and you are already calm? 

I glared at him. “I am calm.”

“Okay,” he said and patted my shoulder. Ugh.

After dinner we walked next door to a lowkey club/lounge. The boys hung out at the bar while the girls plus Preston and Dillon took our drinks to the dance floor.

Naturally we danced nonstop and kept flagging down those skanky cocktail waitresses for more drinks. I discovered that I absolutely love Dillon because he’s exactly like me. Every time a new song came on, we screamed because it was our “jam.” So fun. We were fucking shwasted so Carly, Preston, Dillon and I were probably causing a bit of a scene. 

I excused myself and went to find Brady. He was with Kendra, John, Chris and Jacob near the bar. I didn’t even notice that Kendra left our group.

“Gawd, can you leave your boyfriend’s side for five fucking minutes?” I asked. 

Kendra narrowed her eyes at me. “You guys were embarrassing me.”

Ugh. She’s so insecure. Who cares if we were acting a fool on the dance floor? We were having fun.

The bartender girl appeared and said, “Brady, do you want another Bud Light?”

My head jerked back toward her. Excuse me? Why was she calling my boyfriend by his first name? And why did she look like Blake Lively?

“Do you guys know each other?” I asked Brady. 

“What? She’s the bartender,” Brady answered giving me a weird look.

“Yeah, right. How does she know your name?” Drunk Reese glared.

“Probably because I opened a tab with my credit card…which has my name on it.”

“You’ve been waiting to use that excuse all night. How do you know her?”

The bartender was watching the encounter and said, “Ma’am, settle down. I don’t know your boyfriend. I’m just serving drinks.”

I spun around to face her. “Did I ask you?”

She put her hands up like she was going to stay out of it then walked away.

“That was extremely rude,” Brady said.

“I know! I’m going to ask to speak with her manager and get her fired,” I replied.

Brady touched my waist. “No, I mean you. You owe her an apology.”

“Are you taking her side?”

Brady actually rolled his eyes at me and sighed deeply like I was the problem. “Reese, stop.”

I pulled myself away and Brady tried to grab my hand.

“Well, I hope you and Blake enjoy your night. Toodles!”

I stormed off and grabbed Carly, Preston and Dillon and we went outside and found a transient/hipster to give us cigarettes. I have to be really, really drunk and upset to smoke a cig and clearly I was at that point.

I started complaining about Shady Brady and the incident at the bar. Dillon was totally on my side and said that I should definitely look into getting Blake terminated.

“I’m just so over it,” I said taking a long drag of my cigarette. “I can’t even trust him at the bar alone.”

“There’s Brady right there!” Carly exclaimed and Brady and Chris came walking out of the club.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Brady asked as they approached us and then he snatched the cigarette out of my mouth.

Rude!” I shouted as he threw it on the ground.

Chris mentioned that Uber was coming so Carly and I started saying goodbye to Preston and Dillon.

“Sext me, Dill. Love you guys,” I said hugging both of them.

We got to the duplex (after I demanded we make a pit stop at Taco Bell) and Brady and I went to his room. I started reapplying my lipstick and taking selfies in the bathroom.

“Let’s go to bed, Reese,” Brady said gently. He was already undressed and under the covers. 

“Sure, so you can go have sex with Blake while I’m sleeping?” I said.

“Who is Blake?” he asked.

“That bartender ho you’re cheating on me with.” 

“Reese, stop that right now,” Brady said, now stern. “We are going to sleep.”

Drunk Reese ignored him and started playing Candy Crush. Brady waited about ten minutes then said, “Are you getting in bed?”

“Fine!” I mumbled and then took off everything except my thong. I climbed into bed and Brady draped an arm around my waist.

“Why are you mad at the bartender?” he asked me.

“She was flirting with you,” I answered.

“No she wasn’t. She was being friendly.”

“She wants to suck your dick.”

“Stop, Reese. I don’t like you like this. You’re being crazy.”

Crazy. Isn’t that what Eric or whatever his name was called me? I didn’t say anything.

“You don’t have anything to worry about. You’re the only one I want,” Brady said.

Barf.

But that was enough to get me to relax and make out with him until I fell asleep.

On Sunday morning I woke up violently hungover and spent three hours on Brady’s bathroom floor. Way too many cheap shots. Brady begged to help nurse me back to health, but I was too grossed out to even let him see me.

I finally showered and emerged from the bathroom and let Brady take me to dunch (dinner/lunch). After a double cheeseburger, fries and a hot dog I felt as good as new.

Brady told me that his older brother is visiting next weekend so I’ll get to meet him. Yippee. I bet he’s such a nerd. Can’t wait to help him get laid!

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drunk brady.

Brady didn’t bring up Wednesday’s little incident so neither did I and we made plans to barhop with Carly, Chris, and Preston on Saturday night. We met at their duplex for some pre-bar beers.

“How are you?” Brady greeted me with a kiss. He handed me a beer and the five of us stood around the kitchen drinking.

I could tell by the way Brady was boisterously telling a story that he’d enjoyed some beers even before we showed up.

“Whatever you do, don’t let me stay here tonight,” I whispered to Preston. Brady was clearly going to be drunk and so would I. That could only end one way.

Preston rolled his eyes. “Are you still pretending you don’t want to fuck his brains out? I’m so sick of this charade.”

I didn’t have a chance to answer as Brady was approaching us.

“You look really pretty,” he said snaking an arm around my waist.

“Doesn’t she? I picked this dress out for her like a year ago. She was going on a date with an NFL player. He actually turned out to be married,” Preston said.

I turned and gave him a discreet, but “Have you lost your damn mind?” look.

He cackled and said, “I’m going to get another beer.”

We took a cab to a street of bars Chris suggested. He bought us a round of shots then Brady bought us a round of shots. Preston and I ran off and got vodka Sprites, people watched, danced and stood at the bar being obnoxious. I started talking to this guy who was kind of douchey but really hot. We were kind of playfully bickering back and forth about whose college was better (he went to Ohio State so I don’t even know why I entertained him). I pretended to be mad and turned my back to him, dismissing him.

He touched my waist and said, “Here, let me buy you a drink.”

I turned to accept his offer when I heard someone say, “I’ll buy her drinks tonight. Thanks though.”

Brady slipped in between me and my douchebag friend and said, “What are you having?”

He didn’t let me out of his sight after that. The three of us hung out for a little while until Mr. Murphy showed up to pick up Preston.

“Ugh. You were supposed to be my babysitter tonight,” I told him. 

Preston kissed me on the cheek. “Do it tonight, darling. He wants you so bad.”

Obviously Brady wanted me and I wanted him too, but not when we were both trashed.

Our night turned into a double date and the four of us went to a few more bars then took the obligatory trip to Taco Bell (the quesarito is phenomenal, def. recommend). We went back to their place and hung out in the dining room. Brady was being super affectionate and kept pulling me on his lap and kissing me. It was the complete opposite of the Brady I know, but I loved it.

Eventually Chris said he and Carly were going to go smoke and asked if we wanted to join.

“Reese doesn’t smoke,” Carly said, matter-of-factly.

Out of all the things I’ve tried in my life, weed has not been one of them. I don’t know why, but it’s just not my thing. I only recently found out that I’m probably the only person in the universe who hasn’t at least tried weed. Even straightlaced Kendra smokes from time to time.

“You don’t smoke anything?” Chris clarified as if that’s so unbelievable.

I shook my head. “Nope.”

Carly and Chris headed down to the basement and Brady and I went to his bedroom. We made out and fooled around for a while. I made sure to keep my clothes (mostly) on, but I felt like I was back in high school. I remember making out with boys in my basement and being worried about my parents coming downstairs.

We took a break and sat there next to each other.

“You’re so different when you’re drunk,” I said.

“So are you,” he replied.

“Well, I know that.” I thought about how I was trying to hide Drunk Reese when actually Brady had a drunk alter ego too.

“I like you either way,” he said.

“I like you either way too, but you’re so reserved when you’re not drunk.”

“I’m sorry not everyone can be as gregarious as you all the time.”

I smiled. “But you can be sometimes with just me.”

“I’ll work on it.”

Brady paused for a moment and I sensed he was going to say something so I was silent.

“We’re having this charity gala at work next weekend. It’s like a dinner thing. Do you want to go with me?”

I was already computing an outfit, shoe and makeup budget.

“Is this Drunk Brady or Sober Brady asking?” I couldn’t help teasing.

“Both,” he smiled.

“Okay,” I said. 

So I need to schedule an emergency shopping session with Preston to find something for Brady to show me off in.

We started kissing again and ended up in the same position we were on Wednesday – Brady on top of me, shirtless with his belt undone. He reached under my dress and tugged at my underwear. I knew if he got them off there was no going back.

“No,” I said really quietly, hoping he wouldn’t hear me. I desperately wanted him to keep going.

“No?” Brady repeated, looking at me. He had the most concerned look on his face and it was so adorable.

I shook my head reluctantly.

“Okay,” he said and climbed off me. I watched him change into a pair of shorts and go into the attached bathroom. I hoped he wasn’t pissed.

I got up and found a t-shirt in one of his drawers, changed, then got in bed. I was just going to pretend to be sleeping. A moment later Brady climbed into bed and spooned me. I actually did fall asleep after that.

When I woke up, my mouth was dry and I had a migraine. I reached over to pull myself closer to Brady, but his spot was empty and I was alone in the bed. My phone was nowhere to be found and it was light outside but it didn’t look like the sun was out so I had no idea what time it was. I rolled over and fell back asleep for thirty minutes or three hours, I have no idea.

Brady woke me back up.

“I got breakfast,” he said, standing over me.

I immediately rose up hearing that there was food. “Give me.”

He laughed and presented two styrofoam takeout boxes and handed me one. There was a mound of french toast topped with berries and whipped cream in it. It’s like he can read my mind. I popped a berry in my mouth.

“You know me so well,” I said.

We sat in his bed and ate then laid there for a few hours talking. While talking to him I decided that I thought I was ready to have sex with him, but only as long as we were both sober. We aren’t exclusive or anything (yet), but it’s bound to happen right? Plus he’s taking me to that work event so that means something. I need dress ideas!

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i need to read the dictionary.

Kendra had us all over for dinner on Tuesday evening. She made some sort of chicken, broccoli and rice dish that was delicious. Ever since John moved in, Kendra has turned into a complete grandma/stay at home wife. We used to do everything together and get crazy every weekend. Now I barely see her. Just like I suspected.

After we left Kendra’s, Preston came over. I hadn’t heard from Brady at all since Friday night so I wasn’t sure if we were still going to dinner. I know we were both completely trashed when we agreed on it, but still. Drunk words = sober thoughts? 

Preston convinced me to text him to confirm and before I could talk myself out of it, I said, “Are we still on for dinner tomorrow?” 

Almost immediately he responded, “If you want.”

I read it over several times. “If you want.” Excuse me? Of course I wanted to! Didn’t he want to, too? Before I could show Preston and have a complete freak out, Brady texted me again. 

“I will probably be at the hospital until 8:30 or 9, but we could do something after that.”

That was more like it.

“Okay, just let me know. :-)” I said back. 

Preston helped me find an outfit that would work no matter what we decided to do (late fancy dinner, late casual dinner, drinks, Taco Bell, rendezvous in his car, etc). We picked out a romper, a printed kimono and wedges with my hair in a fishtail braid. I hope he thinks I look cute.

When I got to work on Wednesday, Whitney followed me into my office.

“We need to talk,” she said.

“Okay… What about?” I said back.

She shut my door for privacy. “The comments you said to Aron on Monday were extremely inappropriate and unprofessional.”

“What comments?” 

I had no idea what the girl was talking about. I vaguely remembered talking to Aron on Monday, but I couldn’t even recall what was said.

“That I told Diana about you and BJ, that I’m drama, that I wanted to get you fired because I’m jealous if you. He told Amanda everything. Reese, we are all adults here. There is no need to gossip.”

Wtf? I had to stand there thinking for a moment. Then I remembered that on Monday I talked to Aron in the break room during lunch. He asked how I was doing after the whole situation and I told him that I was fine and it sucked that people were gossiping. He mentioned that Amanda told him that Whitney was the one who informed Diana about BJ and me and I rolled my eyes and said I wasn’t surprised. That was the extent of our conversation. I didn’t elaborate on the Whitney issue (even though I wanted to) and certainly didn’t claim she was jealous of me or anything like that. And there were a lot of people in the break room while we were talking, including Amanda, but I never said anything directly to her. Which means that not only was Amanda eavesdropping, but she also lied about what she heard. Unless Aron lied to her about what we talked about, but that doesn’t seen like something he would do. 

“Whitney,” I said as calmly as I could. “I didn’t say that about you at all. One of them is lying. If you want to get caught up with what a bunch of people are talking about then that’s on you, but I’m not. I’m not doing this. I am almost twenty five years old and I have a job to do.”

Whitney saw how upset I was getting and her face softened. “Really? I didn’t think you would say that, but I just wanted to make sure.”

I didn’t say anything so she continued.

“All of this is getting blown out of proportion. I don’t know what happened with you and BJ, but it’s really none of my business and I don’t want to get involved at all…”

“You’ve already involved yourself.”

Whitney looked frightened. “I think BJ is the real problem here. I’m so glad he’s gone.”

“Okay, well I’m going to get to work. Have a nice day,” I said, ushering her out.

Ugh. So I’m really irritated with Amanda/Aron/Whitney for trying to create even more drama. 

After work, I stopped and got a facial and a mani/pedi. I needed to relax before hanging out with Brady. I started getting ready at 7:00 so I had plenty of time. 

Brady texted me at 8:40: “I’m just getting off work so I can come get you whenever you’re ready.”

Obviously, I was already ready and just sitting on my couch drinking a Red Bull and watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians. I texted back, “I’m actually ready now.” 

I hoped I didn’t sound too desperate and available.

“I’ll be there in 15 mins,” he said back.

Naturally, for the next fifteen minutes while I waited, I downed the rest of my Red Bull plus a glass of wine. Brady called when he got to my apartment and he was double parked in front of my building. 

“Hi!” I said, getting in. Brady looked hot in his dress shirt with his tie undone and hanging freely around his neck. Clearly he couldn’t wait to take it off. 

We talked about our days then he asked if I was hungry. I told him I was. He drove us to a little ethnic restaurant not far from my apartment. He said that he loved it and would be surprised if I didn’t too.

The place was small, dark and intimate and we snagged a table near the door. It was a little modest given his background and how much I know he brings home yearly, but I liked the vibe.

“So what’s good?” I asked, opening the menu.

“They have a platter I usually get. It has chicken, beef, lentils, potatoes, and bread. It is plenty of food for two people,” Brady said. He was so laidback and chill on Friday, but he was back to being formal and uptight.

As the night went on he started relaxing and I could tell I was making him more comfortable. He was even kind of flirting. I told him about New York City/Rob and Brady said, “I guess you can’t really blame him for being attracted to you.”

Which was sweet. And then he said, “It’s good you had the sagacity not to allow things to go further with him.” 

I consider myself pretty intelligent for the most part, but I’ve never heard that word before in my life. He used several words I’ve never heard before and I made a mental note to start reading the dictionary while I do my squats. Then there was a joke about Napoleon that I didn’t understand. Brady explained it once then when I still didn’t get it, he said nevermind. I haven’t taken a history class in four years and Napoleon just isn’t someone who stuck with me. I even went home and Googled him to see if I could understand the joke, but to no avail.

We finished dinner and stayed at the restaurant until they closed. Afterwards we weren’t ready to go home so we walked to a little bar down the block. We got drinks and sat on their outdoor patio. I found out that he actually owns the duplex he lives in and rents to Chris which is super impressive because he’s only 26(ish?) and it’s a prestigious neighborhood. I can’t even imagine how many hundreds of thousands of dollars it costs him. I told him that I’m looking to purchase a home within the next few years (which is true, but my down payment is currently hanging in my closet so). He said he would get me in contact with his realtor who would be able to help me. 

We talked about how we enjoy going to the beach and he suggested we go this weekend together. And then he said we could invite Carly and Chris which I didn’t agree with but whatever. As long as I get to see Brady shirtless. 

After two drinks, he drove me home. We had a fun and friendly evening, it wasn’t super romantic, but it felt right. I realized that every relationship doesn’t have to be driven by sex like me and Eric’s. He leaned over and hugged me before I got out of his car and then when we pulled apart he kissed me. I don’t know if he was trying to aim for my lips and missed or if he meant to kiss me on my cheek, but it landed in the middle on the corner of my mouth.

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