“Hey Bree, are you ready to go? The guys wanna meet us around 7:30.” AJ asked quietly peering his head into Bree’s room. 

     “As ready as I’m going to be I guess.” Bree put her hair in a quick pony tail and sighed.

     “Are you ok?”

     She nodded. “I will be...I’m just excited to see everyone I guess...how does my cheek look, can you see the bruise any?”

     AJ squinted his eyes. “What bruise?” He smiled and held out his hand.

     “Thank you.” Bree returned his smile and took his hand.


     The drive to the restaurant remained quiet. The ride didn’t seem to take too long because AJ and Bree seemed to have a lot on their minds. Everyone decided to meet in front of the restaurant, named ‘Sierra’s Steak and Grill’. When AJ and Bree arrived, AJ parked and turned off the engine. “Ready?”
Bree smiled and nodded.

     “Well lets go!” AJ chimed getting out of his car. 

     Walking up to the main entrance the two spotted one of AJ’s band mates Kevin along with his wife Kristin. “Hey you two!” Kevin exclaimed waving.

     AJ and Bree smiled as they walked to the couple.

     “Bree, it is so good to see you!” Kristin exclaimed engulfing her into a friendly hug.

     Bree smiled and returned the hug. “You too Kris.”

     “Forgetting someone?” Kevin asked jokingly.

     “I could never forget you Kev.”

     Kevin smiled, and noticed the bluish green mark on her cheek and he looked at AJ for an answer. AJ shook his head and mouthed ‘Braden’. Kevin nodded and let go. “Your lookin great Bree, did you cut your hair?” Kevin asked

     Bree smiled and nodded. “Yeah, it was time for a change I guess.”

     “Is that who I think it is?”

      The small group turned around to the voice to their backs.

     “Hey Howie...” Bree smiled

     “Well don’t just stand there give me a hug.”

     Bree obeyed and walked to the Latino man.

     “It is great to see you girl.”

     “Its good to see you too D.”

     Jennisen cleared her throat and smiled. “How are you feeling?” She asked quietly.

     “Better.”

     Jennisen smiled and hugged her quickly. “Good.”

     “BREEEEEEEE!” Leighanne squealed running quickly as she hugged her friend tightly. Bree almost fell back at the movement.

     Everyone giggled at the older woman’s excitement. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever!”

     Bree laughed, “I know! I’ve missed you Leighanne.”

     “Do you guys see? I cant take that woman anywhere!” Brian exclaimed loudly, The group laughed, Leighanne rolled her eyes.

     “Where’s Bailee at?” Bree wondered.

     “Grandma and Grandpa have him for the weekend...they are taking him to the zoo Sunday.” Brian stated.

     “Awe, I really wanted to see him.”

     “Awe Bree baby, no need to cry, I’m here now.”

     AJ rolled his eyes sharply at Nick’s conceited comment. “Please.”

     Bree smiled, “Hey Nicky...hey Angie...how are you doing?” Bree asked referring to Nick’s girlfriend of eight months.

     “Hi Bree, everything’s good, how are you?”

     “I’m ok.”

     “Well since everyone is here, lets go inside why don’t we?” AJ announced as everyone walked into the double doors.


     Everyone walked inside laughing and carrying on. “How many?” The seating hostess asked with a pencil in hand.

     AJ glanced behind him. “Ten. And is your private room available by any chance?”

     The hostess smiled sweetly. “You need to call ahead of time and book it, and my guess is that you haven’t.”

     “No we didn’t book it, but we would really, really appreciate it.” AJ stated calmly slipping the girl a fifty dollar bill.

     The lady sighed. “Follow me.”


     “So the guy goes, THIS IS A GAY BAR!” Nick laughed so hard that tears were in his eyes.

     The people sitting around the table exchanged glances at each other, not understanding the joke.

     Bree cleared her throat and smiled. “I’m going to the bathroom, I’ll be right back.”

     “Awe Bree my joke wasn’t that bad! Don’t leave.” Nick stated, face red.

     “No Nick, your joke...was...was...great. I need to use the bathroom....I’ll be back.”

     The group watched Bree walk to the bathroom, and when she was out of sight Kevin spoke up.“After dinner I think I’m gonna go over to Braden’s so we can have a chat.”

     “Kevin...” Kristin trailed off. 

     “Don’t Kevin me Kristin, he hit her again. He needs to be taught a lesson.” Kevin warned.

     “Kevin, Braden is already suing me. And I had a talk with him last night and ended of in jail. Besides Bree doesn’t want us to bother him...she wants to forget him, so I think that’s what we need to do.” AJ stated playing with his spoon.

     “AJ, you saw her bruise, you know she’s hurting...your just going to let it happen?” Kevin asked sternly.

     “Kevin I’m not letting anything ‘happen’, she chose him. I couldn’t make her leave. She’s a grown ass woman who has finally came to her good senses. And she asked me not to go over there again, so I’m gonna listen...for now. I love her....she’s like my sister, and she doesn’t need me thrown in jail for longer this time...so I’m going to keep my distance for now anyways.” AJ shrugged.

     Before Kevin could reply, Leighanne spoke up. “So AJ, how is Michelle? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

     “She’s good. I talked to her a couple days ago...she’s still in Washington, she’ll be back in a few more days.” AJ replied taking a drink of his pepsi.

      Leighanne nodded. “Well, that’s great.”

     “Oh my god....” Bree said with a giggle as she plopped down beside AJ.

     “What?” Kristin asked with a raised eyebrow.

     Bree leaned into the table and motioned everyone’s head to come closer with her finger.

     “What’s going on?” Angie questioned.

     “There are two people having very loud sex in the women’s bathroom.” Bree giggled and covered her mouth. “And I mean LOUD.”

     “Nick loud or Kevin loud?” Kristin asked with a giggle.

     “Nick loud.”

     “Oh my...” Leighanne smiled.

      “Wait...where’s Howie and Jenn?” AJ asked.

      Eight pairs of eyes rolled over to the two empty chairs at the end of the table.