Page 31 of Branded Hearts

“Oh, my!” Stella exclaims amidst laughter. “Damn, girl!”

“Was it big?!” Amanda blurts out.

I swallow nervously, feeling their expectant stares. “I-I don’t know, I didn’t exactly look,” I lie, feeling my face heat up even more. I did look. And Idefinitelynoticed.

Jamie probes further, “So, who is this mysterious Bradley to you?”

“Just Liv’s older brother,” I say, awkwardly.

“Hold on. Olivia, your best friend? As in Olivia Mitchell? So Bradley Mitchell… the town’s finest police officer?” Amanda chimes in.

The girls gasp in unison. “What?”

Stella leans in with wide eyes. “So, the hottest police officer in town, and you saw him naked? You lucky girl!”

I snort, shaking my head. “It’s not like that. He’s just Liv’s brother. I’ve known him forever.”

“Yeah, yeah. That’s what they all say,” Jamie teases.

“Did he... you know, see you?” Stella asks.

I bury my face in my hands, mortified by the whole situation. “Yes! Can we please change the subject now?” I plead, my voice muffled by my hands—hoping to move on from this embarrassing topic.

“Oh, my god! This is amazing,” Kristie exclaims.

“No, it’s mortifying! I don’t think I can ever look at him again, without, you know, picturing his…” My voice trails off into silence.

“His dick?” Amanda finishes for me bluntly.

“His cock?” Jamie and Kristie chime in simultaneously.

“You can say the word. It’s okay. Around us, there’s no need to be shy, girl,” Jamie croons, trying to lighten the mood.

I chuckle nervously. “Thanks, Jamie, but I think I’ll pass on embracing my inner sailor just yet.”

Their laughter fills the air, and I can’t help but join in, despite my embarrassment. Oh, the joys of having friends who don’t let you live down your awkward moments.

I love these girls, but sometimes they just have no filter or any inkling of when to stop.

After the awkward conversation about Bradley Mitchell fizzles out, we decide to move on and order another round of drinks. As the night progresses, the drinks flow freely, and soon enough, my headis buzzing, my words slurring just like the rest of the girls.

With each round of drinks, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and carefree. My cheeks hurt from laughing so much, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Eventually, we find ourselves on the crowded dance floor, the lively beat of “A Bar Song” filling the air. The girls are dancing, twirling each other around, laughing as we move to the music. Stella’s red hair is a blur as she spins, Jamie’s laughter infectious as she attempts some fancy footwork. Kristie and Amanda are in their own world, lost in the music and the moment.

I join in, letting loose and dancing like nobody’s watching. The alcohol has given me a newfound confidence, and I twirl and sway with the music, my worries melting away with each step. The girls cheer me on, and I can’t help but grin from ear to ear.

“I needa go to the bathroom!” I call out to the girls over the blaring music, my words slightly slurred.

Jamie, being the caring friend she is, asks, “Want me to go with you?”

I shake my head, insisting, “Nah, I’ll be right. Just need to pee!” Navigating my way through the crowded bar, I stumble slightly, catching myself on a nearby table.

“Whoops,” I mutter under my breath, earning a few amused glances from nearby patrons.

Finally reaching the bathroom, I take a moment to appreciate the brief silence before the door swings open, revealing a line of equally tipsy women waiting their turn. It reeks of women’s perfume andalcohol. Surprisingly, for a small town country pub, this place is actually pretty clean.

I make my way to the toilet and do my business, then move to the sink to wash my hands. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I notice my once tightly wound curls have morphed into soft waves cascading over my shoulder. I freshen up my hair, run my fingers through the strands, and wipe the small beads of sweat forming on my forehead.

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